Engaging with life

Thanks to our friends at Earthlines we're reminded that these words by Wendell Berry emphasis how important it is to engage with our senses, to be aware.

'Until we understand what the land is, we are at odds with everything we touch. And to come to that understanding it is necessary, even now, to leave the regions of our conquest - the cleared fields, the towns and cities, the highways - and re-enter the woods. For only there can a man encounter the silence and the darkness of his own absence. Only in this silence and darkness can he recover the sense of the world's longevity, of its ability to thrive without him, of his inferiority to it and his dependence on it. Perhaps then, having heard that silence and seen that darkness, he will grow humble before the place and begin to take it in - to learn from it what it is. As its sounds come into his hearing, and its lights and colours come into his vision, and its odours come into his nostrils, then he may come into its presence as he never has before, and he will arrive in his place and will want to remain. His life will grow out of the ground like the other lives of the place, and take its place among them. He will be with them - neither ignorant of them, nor indifferent to them, nor against them - and so at last he will grow to be native-born. That is, he must re-enter the silence and the darkness, and be born again.'

― Wendell Berry, The Art of the Commonplace: The Agrarian Essays

Mindfulness in Action

Poster for tonight's event, exhibition open until end of August

Tonight a photographic exhibition opened at the Coach House, Ford Park, Ulverston, part of a funded community project. We've been pleased to help at Ford Park over the last few years, running mindfulness and other courses, supporting people and taking part in projects. The photographs and films were all taken / made by volunteers who support the Park. But the Park also supports them. Some come to the Park as part of a rehabilitation process following health or other problems. Some are retired and value the opportunity to support the community and make friends. Others, especially younger people, see it as an opportunity to help others while at the same time gaining valuable work experience. What they all have in common is that they are supported by the environment and community of Ford Park. The gardens, fields, trees, allotments and open spaces all have an impact and this is illustrated in the exhibition itself. The images reflect the interests of the volunteers, but also show what has been important or memorable to them, what they were mindful of, helped by. Whether it was a particular view, the smile of another, a flower, an activity, it doesn't matter. Instead what the images clearly show are the importance of looking, noticing, being mindful of self but also of connections, to nature, people and place. Try it, carry a camera. What do you look at, notice, record and reflect on?

Raining

It's raining, the grass looks lush, vivid green. The birds strut across the lawn finding worms, all focused on food not each other. The corrugated iron roof has a symphony playing as the raindrops splash creating rippling rings in the puddles on the roof, the flowers in the pond are coming to life. Being mindful means seeking out the pleasant! There's so much to see, being in nature means being in the moment, so many fleeting glimpses, activity everywhere regardless of the weather. By watching, seeing, we can for the moment appreciate beauty, harshness, the world around us, that we are part of, no matter what else we're dealing with.

Essence of Mindfulness

At the UK Mindfulness Trainer's Network meeting we've been discussing the qualities of the people we train - the mindfulness teachers working with the public. We've talked about trust, respect, compassion, integrity, connectedness and many more. Yet these are not just the qualities of a good teacher, they are the qualities we all need in everyday life; trusting and respecting those around us, showing compassion for others, having a connection with people, other living things, the planet. Without them we become shut off, scared of others, uncaring, miserable.

The tide goes out in Morecambe bay

Being in nature can help, seeing that things change, appreciating the beauty of a wild animal while understanding the viciousness of its food gathering, understanding the weather, the rain stops, plants grow, life goes on. All help us appreicate the life we have, the need to care, the ability to change.

Connecting with Nature - a group in our local park

Tomorrow we'll be joining friends and colleagues at the annual UK Mindfulness Trainer's Network meeting near Crewe. We'll be discussing developments in practice including the success of the UK Mindfulness Teacher guidelines established by the network.

This article, written by great UK adventure racer Fi Spotswood captures the benefits of being active outdoors and shows how resilient someone can be with help of friends, exercise and nature.

http://www.cyclistno1.co.uk/features/rides/lejog-off-road-mountain-biking-therapy.htm