Miracle of Mindfulness

Guilty for not updating my blog for the past few weeks and now trying to decide where best to start covering all my recent travels reminded me of salient lessons evident everywhere I've just been in South East Asia.  'Live in the moment'.  'Above all enjoy your life'. 'Give whatever you may be doing your full attention'.  My adventure began in Bagkok, capital of Thailand and hectic urban mass.  The charm still exists, although it's best to know where to look.  One of my favourite places is the wonderful Jim Thomson House, now a welcoming museum honouring the life of this fascinating American.  Originally trained as an architect he single-handedly resurrected the Thai silk industry before disappearing without a trace whilst walking in the Cameron Highlands back in the 1960's, whilst on holiday in Malaysia.  Bangkok's Grand Palace with it's impressive Emerald Buddha is not to be missed and for bargain hunters the weekend Chatuchak weekend market is a definite highlight, but for pure pleasure nothing beats a relaxing dinner on the riverside at the iconic Mandarin Oriental Hotel.  One of those essential 'bucket list' experiences, but preferably repeated frequently.  

After a few days at the renowned Chiva Som spa at Hua Hin on the east coast, my journey then involved a two hour flight from Bangkok airport to Luang Prabang, originally the ancient capital of Laos.  Now a UNESCO world heritage city the 33 temples or wats and 111 historic Lao-French buildings which were noted for restoration have meant that this relatively small location is a delightful concentration of Lao culture.  Bicycles are a popular way to explore, as are the reliable tuk-tuks (which I would never advise anyone taking in Bangkok - not just for the dense traffic with associated fumes, but for the frequent tourist scams).  I had long wanted to experience Luang Prabang and it did not disappoint.  Watching the monks collecting their morning alms at dawn (food to last them that day), was very humbling in the knowledge they then shared their supplies with those less fortunate.  The monks themselves are detached from any material ownership and lead very simple but highly spiritual lives, worshiping in inspiring surroundings.  The Vat Xieng Thong temple as shown in my photo dates back to the 16th century and is now being freshly gilded.  Further to the centre of town the Royal Palace Museum gives an insight to the city's imperial past, but as an unexpected bonus on my visit there was a photography exhibition called 'The Floating Buddha' which captured beautifully the essence of this special place.  I did not venture on the murky Mekong river to explore further into the countryside as I felt deeply content immersed in the relaxed atmosphere of Luang Prabang, the jewel of Laos.  Definitely a place to live in the moment and enjoy simple pleasures to delight the senses, from the heady perfume of the Frangipani flowers (Lao's national flower) to a delicious cup of Lao grown coffee at the delightful Cafe Ban Vat Sene..

Happy New Year 2013!

The traditional sentiment of 'Out with the old and in with the new' is a wonderful fresh start to January.  Inspired by the first blue skies in ages I went for a walk on the beautiful East Wittering beach in West Sussex, not realising how crowded it would be.  January 1st was the scheduled 'Big Dip' for those hardy souls prepared to brave the cold and churning sea for an event organised by the local scouts.  Totally unaware of this happening I thankfully arrived just after it finished at lunchtime when the hoardes were leaving the beach.  I've never seen so many people there, even on the hottest of Summer weekends.  My plan to enjoy the solace of being at the coast was somewhat scuppered, but I managed to find a moment of calm to take the photo looking across to the Isle of Wight.

I don't believe in making new year resolutions which are rarely kept, but the concept of aspirations is far more appealing.  Take the opportunity to consider desired goals and achievements, then set out to make them happen.  During mid-Winter when there's a tendency to simply want to hibernate and life may seem a struggle, now's the time to boost self motivation and be thankful for all the blessings in our lives.  If you're feeling in the doldrums make a daily habit of writing down 10 things you're grateful for.  Keep a running list and you'll be surprised at how much good there is.  Focus on the positive and it truly increases.  So whether it's the fact you enjoy being able to walk, see, taste, breathe or enjoy the beauty of nature, the stars, seeing birds in flight or raindrops like diamonds on branches, stop and savour the moment.  Remember every day is a gift, that's why it's called the present.

Wishing you a very happy 2013, full of peace, joy and good health.

Season's Greetings

Christmas comes but once a year and when it comes it brings good cheer...as the rhyme goes.  This is certainly a wonderful season to enjoy traditions old and new, even though the bitterly cold weather in England is more inspiring towards hibernating and to stay indoors.  The end of the year always brings that sense of needing to shed the old in order to make way for the new.  These are turbulent times, virtually everyone I know dealing with varying challenges and there's a general sense of stress in the air, with people constantly rushing, intolerant drivers, pushy customers and queues, all testing our patience.  My advice is simply just breathe.  Breathe deeply.  Let it go.

Be true to yourself, whatever testing circumstances you may be going through.  I've made my chosen charity donations and find it humbling to consider those with so much less. Give thanks for your own abundance.  Enjoy some simple pleasures whether taking the time to decorate your home for Christmas, savour the aroma of mince pies freshly baking and listen to some festive music.  See the light.  Amidst all the busyness take a moment to think about what makes you happy and make sure you weave that reality into your day.  Whilst wrapping your gifts remember that life is the most precious gift of all.  Tell those you love what they mean to you.  Treat yourself with kindness.  Let's celebrate the reason for the season and spread some joy to the world!

Wishing you and yours a very happy Christmas, full of peace and goodwill.

Autumn in Paris

True to the lyrics of the Cole Porter song I love Paris at any time of the year but to me Spring and Autumn are best. Being there at the end of October was particularly wonderful for so many reasons and above all whom I was with.  To share some inspirations of this fabulous city here are a few of my favourite things: the best croissant and individual jugs of delicious coffee for breakfast at Cafe de Flore whilst immersed in the total 'Frenchness' and history-infused atmosphere; walking along the elegant streets pondering on the lives of residents behind the smart doors and ornate ironwork balconies; that early morning anticipation of the new day in such an appealing capital lifting you up with it's energy; delectable displays at the Boulevard Raspail produce market requiring great resistance to buy ingredients for cooking when there's no home kitchen locally to return to; (I wonder if Ina Garten ever rents her apartment...what a dream that would be); beautiful fashion boutiques; chic displays at Bon Marche; impromtu street jazz providing the quintessential Saint-Germain vibe; perfectly chilled champagne...

Keeping to the Paris theme I'd highly recommend the recently released film "The Untouchables" based on a true story.  In French with English sub-titles the wry sense of humour is very entertaining and it's uncanny how the lead, Francois Cluzet, is truly a French Dustin Hoffman.  The unlikely story of a widowed millionaire paraplegic, result of a paragliding accident, plus his ex-con carer, has real character in the respect and fondness they develop for each other.  Watching it prior to my own Paris adventure was a great way of getting back into the language.

Last but not least I've just finished reading the New York Times best-seller book "Lunch in Paris" by Elizabeth Bard, equally charming this romance with recipes merges the American 'just do it' attitude with French joie de vivre.  A wonderful insight into one couple's happy ever after.  Food for the soul...

Autumn's progress

Even though I cling on to any shred of Summer for as long as I possibly can, the day comes when warmer clothes are needed, hot drinks are more appealing than cold and there's that slightly woody scent in the air that signifies the change in season.  The recent equinox heradling the official start of Autumn, followed by the powerful Harvest Moon means there's no denying the advance of this 'season of the mind' described in Jane Alexander's  excellent book 'The Natural Year' as a 'wake-up to the psyche after the langour of Summer'.  Jane explains how the key focus is on finding your path in life through assessing your career; making changes where necessary, trusting your intuition; fine-tuning your environment; becoming organised and managing stress.  

In the pagan tradition the Autumn equinox is seen as a festival of purification and September is a month of 'letting go'.  I think it's also fascinating that to the Chinese Autumn is a time for storing what's necessary and getting rid of what's no longer needed.  A time of clarity, relinquishing things both physical and emotional which no longer have a place in your life.  An inspiring concept the reality of which has far reaching impact, creating a sense of balance and being centred.

In letting go my sadness of Summer's end I shall embrace substituting outdoor swimming for walking and embark on a pleasurable time of nurturing, nesting, being aware there is always a choice - perhaps not in the outcome of a situation, but certainly in how we deal with it.  Whilst the colours of the leaves begin to change, I will be mindfully space clearing, completing a much overdue sort out of my wardrobes, gardening, preparing my home for the colder weather ahead and focusing on a fresh direction with work.  All within the framework of love, friendship, family and home that to me provides the best foundation for a truly fulfilling life. Relevant to any belief system I think Harvest Festival is a wonderful time to give thanks and enjoy the tradition of appreciating the fruits of the land.  This connectedness provides a rhythm to our year that irrespective of how quickly life may seem to be flying by, gives a sense of inner calm and grounding.

Time and Tide Wait for No Man...

As Summer turns and September begins to advance toward Autumn I'm always aware of the shift in season and sense of change that brings.  A time to consider how the rhythm of life goes on and nothing stays the same.  Locally to where I live is the charming and historic village of Bosham, situated on a peninsula between two tidal creeks, near Chichester in West Sussex.  Dating back to Saxon times this is the location where King Canute ordered the tide not to come in, as a lesson in mortality to his courtiers to prove he was 'just a king' and did not have special powers.  Irrespective of how we may try and control events in our own lives at some point it's necessary to acknowledge the need to 'go with the flow'.

I find it fascinating how Bosham has been a settlement for over a thousand years and with that the perpetual cycle of life through the ages.  A busy port at the time of the Crusades in the 12th Century it was traditional for Crusaders returning home from Constantinople and the Byzantine Empire to blunt the edges of their swords on the stones of the first church they came to.  Consequently to this day these marks of the cross can still be seen in the stone arch entrance to Bosham church.  Such a tangible connection with lives past across the centuries and realisation that we are each on this earth for a limited time.  Best then to make the most of every day and be aware of what's important. 

This poem called Late Fragment by Raymond Carver, who died at the age of 50, certainly makes you stop and reflect:

And did you get what
you wanted from this life, even so?
I did.
And what did you want?
To call myself beloved, to feel myself
beloved on the earth.



 

Joys of Summer

(Image courtesy of Steven Morris)

Post Olympics and the incredible spectacle of the closing ceremony there's a collective chance to relax, reflect and rejoice in this special time.  A memorable Summer for many reasons and not just the vagaries of the English weather.  August traditionally brings the chance for taking some time off and celebrates Lammas, the ancient festival of transformation.  For crops planted in the Winter this is now the start of farmers' busiest time of year and harvest.  A chance for us too for metaphorically taking stock of our own lives. 

Whilst enjoying time at the beach walking along the shore and swimming in the refreshing ocean, I've re-read a gem of a book I discovered years ago "Gift from the Sea" by Anne Morrow Lindbergh.  As the cover succinctly states: "A modern-day classic...wise meditations on youth and age, love and marriage, solitude, peace, and contentment...ways to reconcile our most deeply personal needs with obligations to family, friends, lovers, and work, ways to separate loneliness from replenishing solitude, and ways to find solace in the simplest of daily tasks...Gift from the Sea serves as a spiritual compass guiding us toward inner tranquility in the face of life's deeper questions".  Personally I think this slim volume and treasure of a book is beautifully written.  It opens your mind in the gentlest of ways, provides a different perspective and with it the chance to give thanks for all that is good in our lives.  A welcome pause for thought.