Time to Pause
Hello again. Its lovely weather today, probably the warmest day of the year so far. So I think we should take time to enjoy it. Don't forget that your families can take part in these challenges too.
Do you know this poem by W H Davies?
What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to turn at Beauty's glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
I learned to recite it as a teenager. But I think its very relevant in a time when lots of people around us are stressed and worried. -maybe you are feeling this way a little too.
Today's First Challenge then, is to take some time to stand and stare. Find an outside space and sit or lie down. put your hands on your abdomen and concentrate on breathing regularly until you your rate settles and slows. Now, look around and see all sorts of things you have never noticed before. Take the time to watch the clouds drift across the sky, ( DO NOT LOOK TOWARDS THE SUN). Watch the bees looking for flowers; watch the leaves blow in the wind. Shut your eyes and listen. Smell the scents on the air and feel the grass or anything else with your fingers.
If your mind keeps filling with outer stuff, imagine a stream running by you. Tip the unwanted thoughts in, and let them flow away.
So many of the things you are used to doing to a timetable each day, no longer have to happen to that timetable, although if it helps you to stick to a familiar routine, then by all means do so, but know that you don't have to.
Scientists know that your mental health can easily be improved by spending time outdoors with nature. You will also make vitamin D in your body from the sunshine.
Let us all know how you got on with this challenge, and how you feel after doing it.
Badge link: Meditation Page 48 in your Badge Book.
Do you know this poem by W H Davies?
What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to turn at Beauty's glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
I learned to recite it as a teenager. But I think its very relevant in a time when lots of people around us are stressed and worried. -maybe you are feeling this way a little too.
Today's First Challenge then, is to take some time to stand and stare. Find an outside space and sit or lie down. put your hands on your abdomen and concentrate on breathing regularly until you your rate settles and slows. Now, look around and see all sorts of things you have never noticed before. Take the time to watch the clouds drift across the sky, ( DO NOT LOOK TOWARDS THE SUN). Watch the bees looking for flowers; watch the leaves blow in the wind. Shut your eyes and listen. Smell the scents on the air and feel the grass or anything else with your fingers.
If your mind keeps filling with outer stuff, imagine a stream running by you. Tip the unwanted thoughts in, and let them flow away.
So many of the things you are used to doing to a timetable each day, no longer have to happen to that timetable, although if it helps you to stick to a familiar routine, then by all means do so, but know that you don't have to.
Scientists know that your mental health can easily be improved by spending time outdoors with nature. You will also make vitamin D in your body from the sunshine.
Let us all know how you got on with this challenge, and how you feel after doing it.
Badge link: Meditation Page 48 in your Badge Book.
Take care everyone, of yourself and those around you. Remember your Promise and don't be a 'parent-ager'.
from ... ......... ....... errr yes. I could do with a name too. Any ideas?
from ... ......... ....... errr yes. I could do with a name too. Any ideas?