Along with all the preparation to travel, so many details to attend to, I took the opportunity to spend a moment or two doing nothing. That was yesterday. Today its Heathrow and I’m taking another opportunity to do not very much. Well writing this of course – and also gorping out of the window at the hustle and bustle.
Worlds apart one might think. But in a certain way of thinking – there is no gap. Come sit and travel with me. Oddly there is more time/space to write here when ‘on the road’.
Sit and be at ease, where ever your sitting place is.
The Lancaster Canal has been my walking companion this week. Still. Glass like. Cooling and soothing during this rash of hot summer days. The North West has been roasting. This evening. Rain.
Tow path travelers bring colour and texture to the grey ribbon. Some interact most don’t. Cyclists ring their bells in warning and we walkers make way for runners. There is courtesy here which brings a sense of community.
There is something so utterly compelling about canals. I’ve been drawn to them since early days ‘up North’ in the 60’s. Thank goodness people of vision started to save them from extinction back then.
One more walk tomorrow early and then a return to Throssel.
I’m so pleased to hear that the horses we see working so hard at being still and disciplined during, for example the Trooping The Colour, get to let their hair down just a little bit during the three weeks they are stabled in Norfolk. We all need to take the opportunity to go for a swim, enjoy the sunshine and generally relax. I’m managing some of that in deepest Northumberland as I gather myself to fly to Vancouver Canada on the 19th July.
The Household Cavalry, the oldest regiment, come to Norfolk each summer for three weeks for their “holiday” and to do particular manoeuvres otherwise unavailable to them; part of that is coming to Holkham beach and swimming in the sea. We’ve always wanted to go but never found out when they’re there. Success this year!
It was wonderful to see them! The horses have a great time, particularly those who dismount their riders and gallop about freely on the sands or dump their riders in the sea!(as you will see on one of the photographs.)
Many thanks to my colleague in Norfolk for the photographs and message above.
This post is for a friend who broke her leg and as a consequence is facing a disappointment. My thoughts. Enjoy the sight of these beautiful horses as they enjoy themselves in the sea.
Yes! A new theme for Jade which reflects a ‘next step’ for me. I like the simplicity and hope you like it too. My next step is to move out of the house in Eastern Cumbria I have been house sitting for nearly three years. It has served me well and a number of people have enjoyed being at the house with me and walking together in the stunning countryside.
It is not a huge task to pack up my few belongings and store them (together with the rest) in an attic at Throssel although somewhat challenging due to nagging Bursitus in my shoulders. (Too much lifting and carrying, raking and gardening these past months no doubt.) I’ve several side trips to drop off donations, gifts and return borrowed items then on Wednesday I transfer over the hill to Throssel with what’s left. Thus the greatly simplified look and feel of Jade reflects how it looks and feels where I’m currently living my days. Thanks to my Throssel walking companion for the gentle push I needed to ‘move out’ of the theme I’ve been using these last couple of year.
A greater challenge than dealing with material items – and Jade’s look and feel – is to meet squarely the inevitable pangs of sadness as I view the familiar with new eyes. I’ll call them letting go eyes! And of course the eyes are windows which allow light to pass back and forth. The expression clear-sightedness has a particular sweet sadness when brought into the subtle spiritual/religious practice arena.
Jademountains Banner image aprox. December 2012 through June 2014.
Jade’s former banner photograph was taken in March 2012 and now published for one last view, and goodby. Bows to my three companions that day and to those heights I’ve climbed a number of times since then. On a clear evening, to look across to the Lake District proper. Ah, the Nine Standard Rigg. Ah, the Eden Valley.
This post is for all those who have shared this house and walked this countryside and who have supported my being here financially with generous donations. Donations continue to be my source of support.
A special thought for those who are in similar circumstances, I am aware of a few. That’s moving house, moving on, moving out, moving in, moving job, moving family, moving country.
Let us be careful how we go and remember offering spiritual merit includes merit for oneself.
Because mountains are high and broad, the way of riding the clouds is always reached in the mountains; the inconceivable power of soaring in the wind comes freely from the mountains” (Eihei Dogen – Mountains and Waters Sutra)
After the solitude of the early morning on Sunday, sitting on the doorstep observing the neighbour’s garden came a companionable walk in the Lake District. There must have been about 15 sangha members and friends striding up towards this minor mountain chatting as we went. Not to the top!
It was a lovely morning. The sun shining with not a hint of a threat of rain and it remained that way for our eight mile hike. Some fairly vertical sections but nothing that required a scramble or offering much in the way of exposure. (Meaning no need to hang onto rocks for dear life, lifting and placing feet while keeping impermanence in mind!)
At a certain point there was a choice to make a side trip to stand atop the hill (Mellbreak). I’m not that interesting to gain the tops of mountains so I reclined on the grass and enjoyed the view from where I was. The others came back eventually and in the dim distance I heard, Do you think we should wake up Rev. Mugo? It’s sooo relaxing in the mountains. We lunched and walked onwards.
With bows of thanks to Jenny who’s 60th birthday we celebrated on returning to the valley floor. Splendid cake, with strawberries and cream and good company. Jenny has been leading Green Mountains Walkers from its inception. Now the baton has been passed on to another able leader.
Practice Within The Order of Buddhist Contemplatives
