But work for both me and Ben is thriving, which is good, the boys and the dog have been taking it in turns to be ill, which is par for the course in December, and all in all, pausing doesn't seem as natural as it did in the summer, or in September for that matter.
So I forced myself out on a walk and was rewarded with a Pause.
I headed down the track to the lake, noticing how the trees had become more bare since my last outing there.
Suddenly there was an increase in bird calls, and small shapes flitted from tree to tree. I had walked into a group of long-tailed tits, communicating with constant little peeps which began to sound like a series of water droplets falling from the branches all around me.
I stood still and let them dart around above my head. There was a jay nearby, calling occasionally, and perhaps they were agitated by the threatening presence. It's possible that they were just communicating between themselves though, as they certainly didn't try to move on. Great tits and marsh tits joined in, and towards the end I watched a treecreeper living up to its name as it scaled an ivy-covered trunk. There have been times when my mind has been incredibly active when watching birds or looking at plants. What is this? Why can't I remember its name? What is it doing? Where has it gone now?
But over the last few years I've discovered that, while my mind seeks information, my soul craves a Pause. I need to be out in the open, living in nature rather than analysing it. And it was good to discover that it is possible to get out and Pause, even in Advent.
12 comments:
So true, Floss. We all need those pause moments in busy times.
Hello Floss
Your walk and joining the company of the birds must have been spectacular. The images are so peaceful
Helen xx
What a lovely walk - and a sweet time of quietness and rest for you. I'm afraid I'm following your boys and dog's example and have caught a bad cold, so I'm staying inside most of this week - I did spot some lovely scenes of approaching winter last week, though, while out walking. So it's doubly delightful to still get to enjoy some autumn colors in your photo. Thanks for a lovely pause in Advent. Stay healthy :)
Very peaceful thoughts and images Floss .... I feel the same when I walk the dogs over the fields and there is not another soul in sight x
Oh, I loved your walk. I think I need a crisp walk today. A quiet one.
A lovely walk to take! I have just done my Pause post too - not outdoors though!
Pomona x
Yes, for me the woods is my place to pause prayerfully. Your pictures today are lovely and I could imagine your walk amongst the birds.
Thank you for your comment - you and Jen were very much in my thoughts when I wrote todays post.
This is fabulous and even more so as I slowly realise that the same Spirit runs through everyone this weekend!
Your photos of your walk are so delightfully calming, Thank you, a perfect Pause.
You sound as though that pause was a much needed gift from God. I'm glad that he refreshed you with the things you needed.
Wishing you and your loved ones a very happy Christmas and a peaceful new year. God bless.
Beautiful pictures, so soothing. Last week was very hectic and I am trying to calm down a bit (smiles) by reading everyone's Advent II and III posts. Thank you so much for these images.
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