February has flourished. The appearance of another month, promise of pancakes and perhaps a second opportunity this year to change ones habits and consider the benefits of Advent. This duration before Easter does not have to be totally focused on religion, although the arrival of Easter and yet more chocolate and focused advertising beckons. However, there is much time in-between which is often forgotten as the build-up is heightened by our materialistic society. Thus, the subject of this blog will be journeys and how we may tackle them. It feels poignant here to quote Eisenhower “accomplishments will prove to be a journey, not a destination” and we should be reassured to recall these words in times of great change, which seems to be happening currently in various industries including health, political and environmental to name but a few.
I wandered lonely as a cloud...
That floats on high o’er vales and hills...
The words above are not usually attributed to these purple flowers but this photo reminds me of the beauty of countryside not far from home and this time of year when Nature begins to blossom! Indeed, the original poem by William Wordsworth was inspired by daffodils on a walk with his sister in Ullswater, Lake District and I have had the privilege to visit Grasmere (along with its famous gingerbread!) and to see his grave in St Oswald's churchyard.
When all at once I saw a crowd, A host, of golden daffodils...
As this month has presented various opportunities for me regarding future university decisions, career choices and sailing events beyond Cambridge, have prompted me to consider the ways in which our lives can suddenly change when we least expect it. This may undoubtedly be frightening for many of us, given that so much of our lives can be planned and scripted on a daily basis to allow us to feel in control. My journey to the Lake District reminded me of the variously unexpected but frequently delightful journeys which we might experience in our lives and which is reflected in Wordsworth's beautiful poem.
"Remember, you alone get to choose what matters and what doesn’t. The meaning of everything in your life has precisely the meaning you give it”
Marcandangel's words here remind us that we do still have ownership over what happens, regardless of whether it is planned in the way we desire or not. Of course, the latter situation is more challenging but here I bring to mind yet more encouraging words by Tony Robbins “the only impossible journey is the one you never begin”. Today is the day and now is the moment to accept what you desire - and similarly do not like - and be at ease with this. Another vital consideration which often affects our decision-making is the support or lack of it by those nearest and dearest. Understandably we seek to confirm our choices as being correct through clarification by family and friends. Be that as it may, I am of the firm belief that sometimes we have to take the step and be confident that those who matter to us and who care about us will follow! I urge you to take up the opportunities available to you, as you will grow as an individual and it is likely that others will be inspired to test themselves too.
Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Interesting words by Rainer Maria Rilke in the photo caption...
But what do they really mean?
When reflecting on the changing nature of the seasons and especially when we have recently been faced with Storm Chiara, Dennis and Ellen in a matter of weeks, viewing life as a journey with storms and sunshine may be a valuable comfort to assure us that no storm is permanent. Knowing that ultimately only you can make crucial differences to your own life means that we can grab the uncertainty of the future with both hands and worry less about how others view us.
Pathetic fallacy of the current changeable weather reflects the tempestuous energy within the universe and the undeniable fact that we can’t always predict what is going to happen. All you can do is to embrace who you are, and trust that those close to you will respect your decisions and aid you on your journey.
Recently, whilst travelling through rain and observing the dramatic effects of that rainwater on the landscape, I was reminded of the aforementioned visit to Grasmere with loved ones to experience the delights of the world-famous gingerbread and the opportunity to see the grave of the equally world-famous poet, whose focus on yellow flowers was inspired the nearby beauty of the Lake District. The elegance of nature in both experiences comforted me that perspective is a vital consideration and one which becomes even more important when we undergo the journey of life.
Continuous as the stars that shine And twinkle on the milky way, They stretched in never-ending line Along the margin of a bay:
The poem which flows throughout this blog, signals the stark difference between the universal and the individual, something which rings true to our considerations of how we must be courageous and take on life's journey as it comes.
Ten thousand saw I at a glance, Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
William Wordsworth's animated words give colour and hope to our lives with a simple yet poignant visual image. Bright flowers poking through the ground and blooming to their full potential together, even on a hard ground in winter. Nature is victorious and so may we be.
These beautiful flowers bring promise and commitment of remaining together throughout the journey of the seasons, which we can aptly parallel in our own lives by remaining true to ourselves and each another without unnecessary question or hindrance.
The quote below emulates the conviction behind embarking on a journey, even if the end point or result may still be unclear:
"The best journeys answer questions that in the beginning you didn't even think to ask"
These words demonstrate how even the most structured plans may give way to another spontaneous experience which yields more self-discovery and learning. In an increasingly organised and arranged modern society, we may rely heavily on these structures to keep us aligned with the busy work-life balance. This is natural given that the pressures on performance are high. A survey taken in 2018 revealed that work is the most common stress of adults in the UK, with 59% claiming to experience it. Imagine how different this country and the world could be, if we didn't get so attached and worried about our work. An attitude in which we cared about the result but didn't identify every success and failure directly with ourselves, given that there are many external factors which we simply may not be able to control, such as weather, target market/audience, success of particular industries, rival competitors and so on...in an uncomfortable scenario, simply bring the words by Van Wilder to mind "Worrying is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but doesn't get you anywhere" and possibly avoid that rocking chair :)
When you can, take any opportunity to question and analyse your attitudes towards these arrangements and see how useful they really are. As part of recent involvement within the context of philosophy, I was introduced to the inspiring figure of Anandamayi Ma, someone whom I felt enlivened to share via this medium of communication. She seems to have brought simplicity and an open heart. Her name, a Sanskrit epithet, may be translated as 'Joy-permeated' and I think this epitomises her behaviour during her physical existence on earth, which we can observe when watching videos taken in her presence. When helping others, she never prepared answers, recorded herself or even revised what she said. She simply lived her practice. Her approach of being open to everyone's individual life experiences rings very true here. "How can one impose limitations on the infinite by declaring that this is the only way?" she asked. For me, she manifests how we can be sure that there is a journey out there for every single one of us, if we only have the courage to seek and find it.
The waves beside them danced; but they Out-did the sparkling waves in glee: A poet could not but be gay, In such a jocund company: I gazed – and gazed – but little thought What wealth the show to me had brought:
The joy and merriment experienced by the poet, reflected in the lines above, is a charming reminder of the importance to laugh and enjoy our lives. Although much of this blog does focus on the significance of acting sincerely and appropriately in one's life, let it not detract from the pleasures and enjoyments of everyday life which are wonderful. Anandamayi Ma herself brought laughter and positivity, a quality which many inspirational world leaders embody naturally.
For your own lives, the source of merriment may be a walk in the sun, or rain if you are experiencing extreme weathers as a result of one of the many continuing storms! Coffee and cake with a friend. A hot bath and your favourite drink for company. Or simply just time for yourself to breathe and relax. When we consider the words of the Great Commandment of Jesus "love thy neighbour as thyself", we may easily forget that the reverse is just as important. "Love thyself as thy neighbour". Acts of self-love are not selfish. Before you can give or receive love and respect with others, you need to love and respect yourself. I hope that my monthly blogs encourage you to challenge your traditional behaviour and give you opportunities to look inwards and see what you can learn.
For oft, when on my couch I lie In vacant or in pensive mood, They flash upon that inward eye Which is the bliss of solitude; And then my heart with pleasure fills, And dances with the daffodils.
"The journey is never ending. There's always gonna be growth, improvement, adversity; you just gotta take it all in and do what's right, continue to grow, continue to live in the moment"
Antonio Brown reminds us that every journey may be slightly different and sometimes we just have to direct our energies to simply following and trusting in the future and that what is right will happen. I hope that this blog has given you hope to follow your natural life journey and to stick to what you know to be true, having faith that those who love and care you will follow. It may be hard to imagine right now, but I urge you to start with smaller everyday changes in your life such as attitudes and approaches to work, family and friends, before considering how you might want to adapt your inner behaviour. February is a time of many worldwide occasions, including Valentine's Day, Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday and can feel like an interim month following January and preceding March and the month of Spring, but be patient and "endure until you succeed".
Happy February and I part with these poignant words by Dr Steve Maraboli:
"The beautiful journey of today can only begin when we learn to let go of yesterday"
Lots of love,
Sitara xxx
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