tranquility

There is a stretch of road, where I live, that runs along our coast, that I think is my favourite piece of road. Maybe not the most beautiful in Aotearoa. But as an everyday stretch of road it is always beautiful. Today I was travelling along it, during that magic hour before sunset. When everything seems to still, the colours mute (especially in these soft winter months) and everything feels tranquil.

There is a small platform above the waves that is frequented by fisher people. And tonight there was a sole soul, snuggly dressed against the dropping temperatures; quietly baiting one hook, as another pole leaned out, already waiting for the nibble….

As the evening traffic passed him by, he was oblivious. In our cars, our minds are full of evening plans; the day we had at work; what to cook; what chores to be done…. On his side of the fence, there was just peaceful contemplation of the job at hand..

I increasingly love those quiet pursuits. Those things that I can do alone; quietly; in a beautiful spot. Be it, my Favourite desk at home painting or writing; or taking photos of beautiful places, quietly studying things around me. knitting wee things for wee people…

I find those who have quiet pursuits, fishing, cycling, hiking, painting, knitting, lego… have a ready-made safety valve. An ability to tune out and decompress… I think it is the taking time out for yourself, and finding a quiet space to dampen the kerfuffle that exists “out there”…

There is such serenity to be found in tranquillity. Sound obvious, but sometimes I need to be reminded.

No hobby needs to be elaborate to help ground you. I have taken the best photos in a quiet forest with my phone. The paints I use are not high end – more the basics found in any hobby area of a department store. My knitting is best when I use lovely wool I found in a bargain basket… a gentle walk through a forest or along a shore line needs only sensible shoes and maybe a jacket.

But the gain? Priceless.

I was reminded this week, by a friend, that we should take time out for ourselves. That we don’t always have to be surrounded by, or at the beck and call of others. We are better if we can take time out to recharge – and everyone benefits when we are well.

The community gains when its people find time to unwind, spend time being tranquil; doing something that feeds their soul.

Tomorrow I am heading away again, to catch up with friends. I will drive on another favourite road of Aotearoa and stop, as I always do, at a wee mountain tarn a 2 minute walk from the road. Its proximity to the road doesn’t make it silent, but it is Tranquillity with a capital T. Quiet reflection, in a dark pool of water. Native birds abound; interesting plants and lichen. It feels very other worldly. And the smell? It smells of peace and quiet.

Simply being there for a few minutes feeds my soul. The cost? 10 mins out of my travelling time.

This world is becoming more and more hectic and noisy. I’m pretty sure us humans, were no designed to live at this pace; or with all this turmoil. It feels like, “out there” it is loud, chaotic, unthinkable, incomprehensible. If we all took time out to find some tranquillity, some peace, maybe the world would benefit. Who knows.

I know some people thrive in the chaos; the loudness makes them vibe! But even theyn must occasionally find the need to be peaceful. Not forever chasing the next big thing. Maybe I am wrong.

So, from the road tomorrow, I will spend the day with my thoughts. I will stop and, if not smell the roses, certainly take lungfuls of fresh crisp mountain air. Counting my blessings that this is on my doorstep. That I have the ability to get there, and the time to just Be….

“Kia hora te marino, kia whakapapa pounamu te moana, kia tere te kārohirohi i mua i tōu huarahi.”

“May the calm be widespread, may the ocean glisten as greenstone, and may the shimmer of light ever dance across your pathway.”