Under the Willows

I am absolutely loving my new routine of going to the Lido every Monday morning to meditate and one Wednesday a month to unleash my songs, I always hear the cuckoo as I arrive signalling that Spring is definitely here, even if there is still a few cold blasts of air when the sun goes behind the clouds.

I have found that sitting under the trees facing out towards the water gives me such a sense of calm and that is before I have even begun to breathe consciously. There is only a handful of dog walkers and people exercising who are focused on their activities leaving me to feel totally at ease in this serene environment.

The cacophony of bird noise is really loud and varied once I tune in and start to listen. There is the shrill songs of the small birds flitting through the branches and hedgerows and then the bass honks of the waterfowl competing for territory and socialising. Then there is the whoosh of the water as the feathered fowl move through it, and the deep rhythmic beat of their wings as they take to the air.

All these sounds and events in nature are happening simultaneously making a whole orchestra of sound, which I feel very honoured to be witnessing. It is such a small part of our world, with so much going on. Yet it is only because I have taken the time to stop and listen consciously with my whole being that I am able to really embrace the joy and wonder of this beautiful place on a totally different level to anything I have ever experienced before giving me a sense of pure bliss.

I realise that I now have the ability to connect to nature like this wherever I go, I know it is always close, it is only about making the decision to commit to myself, by being mindful and gifting myself the time to stop, where I really focus and give myself time to slow down, time to reflect and time to listen.

I truly wish you the joy that I have felt and maybe you would like to join me at the lido sometime too.........