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.
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.
Best wishes with your move. Deep bows of gratitude for the wonderful teachings.
john
As always John, thank you. You are a loyal reader and no mistake.
The move went well actually. On moving day proper I had a mantra repeating in my head, came from nowhere, ‘This is not as big a job as you think it is’. And it wasn’t.
Our community of three monks, one lay resident, Lewis the dog and Simha the cat are also moving this week, from the mobile home we’ve been renting from our neighbour to Bodhidharma Hall “up the mountain.” At first, it seemed a bit of a shock, but then we came to look forward to being all together in our little rustic cabin and meditating in our log cabin meditation hall. We will miss the amenities, AND we are all trying to see with clear eyes all the advantages we’ll have in our “new” old home. I hope that your new chapter goes well also.
Hi there Rev. Master Aurelian. I have been thinking of you all as you move ‘up the hill’. I look forward to seeing you and the others quite soon.
If I may say, “Aye!” to John’s comment.
I think your avatar picture says it too, the wandering monk – gyate, gyate…..
__/\__
with bows
Norman
I have fond memories of the house in Cumbria, times spent with you and times on my own, and the walks and the local colour provided by the free-ranging macaws. I look forward to visiting you wherever you land next.
New look website gets my thumbs-up!
Thank you, thank you. Glad you like the new look website. Ah and the free-ranging macaws. What a racket! But do you know, sometimes when I was sitting in the attic and a couple of birds were perched on the chimney pots close by I would hear, amidst the loud squarks, a barely audible ‘hello!