“. . . He who marvels at the beauty of the world in summer
will find equal cause for wonder & admiration in winter. . . ”
John Burroughs
Yesterday’s events weighed heavily on me as I awoke this morning. It all feels surreal still. So many tough issues facing the world these days.
One thing that’s nearly universally helpful to lift my spirits is a good brisk walk. I try to take one here each day to help get a feel for this new place and to keep any internal aches and pains of living far from those I love in a manageable state. I don’t understand why it works, but it does.
While I left the apartment with sleepiness (I just couldn’t stop watching the US news last night) and world weariness, the perfect antidote came like a gift – a wee snow. Maybe it was just over an inch, but as I walked through the Kelvingrove park, I was instantly reminded of the joy of the present moment.
There were children sledding (yes, they found a way to sled on an inch of snow, which was amazing). They were rosy-cheeked and laughing. Their parents were too. Folks were making tiny snowmen (not much taller than a cell phone) which they placed atop the handrail of a footbridge. Dogs were running around also relishing the snow. The joy was contagious and I felt myself feel rejuvenated with a sense of hope in spite of so much difficulty.
Whether thinking about politics, the pandemic or the many struggles of the day, one of my favorite quotes seems to encapsulate the efforts of many, past and present, who work for good because it is the right thing to do.
“Hope is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out.”
Vaclav Havel
So glad the walk helped! It is amazing what a difference that makes. Especially walking someplace not so familiar, where one pays more attention to what’s around. I’ve been doing some walking too to help with last week – plus music & painting. I’m going through an old journal so I can throw it away – and am writing the parts that I are relevant. Just reviewed by trip to the British Isles – especially Wales & Scotland! Great memories. My next project is to scan photos from the trip. In the summer, you’ll get as much daylight as you’re now getting dark – something to look forward to, sunset at 23.00.
I’m reading this on a hot summer day when a heatwave is peaking at 36°C in Central Europe and it’s even hotter in the south. The coolest place is the fridge. Snow doesn’t seem to be a problem in Scotland or most countries in continental Europe. However, an inch of snow usually is a disaster in London.
Stay cool!!