Delicious long pauses

Today was one of those warm clear Autumn days, so I went for a long walk.  There are a few deciduous trees still offering their gorgeous red, yellow and orange displays. The crops are just popping out from the soil. Everything feels like it is enjoying a break from the summer heat but not quite ready for winter. 

 

There is a pause in the air and all I wanted to do was to be in that.  There was a gentleness across the landscape that I could relax into. Without a breath of wind the stillness felt soothing and settling. 

 

It is important to carve out time like this. To stop and be surprised by the moon staying in the sky throughout the morning or how long the white-tailed kite stood at the top of the gumtree. These details calm the Vagus Nerve, the part of the nervous system responsible for assisting digestion, heartrate and immune function. 

 

Of course, we are nature too. It is important to acknowledge how good it feels to walk mindfully off the main footpaths, closer to the wild, raw, real elements. It awakens the senses and settles our emotions, clears the mind and invites us to remember our true essence.  

 

Today I sat under an enormous eucalypt and tried to consider its age, following swirling patterns in its bark all the way to the fresh growth reaching sky bound. I noticed tiny feathers dipped in yellow, tracks made by nocturnal animals and long shadows that carpeted the paddocks. 

All the details of what I could, should, might and will do fell away, just for an hour or so. The peace seemed to soak into my body and it stayed with me throughout the day. I can’t wait to walk that way again, will no agenda and no sense of rush.  

 

These practices are as important as a nourishing meal and a deep rest. Delicious long pauses, taken slowly are well worth the effortless effort. 

 

 Narelle Hunter 28/5/24.