...to live each day as if it were your last, without frenzy, without apathy, without pretence"
Marcus Aurelius's words here may seem very stark but I think they provide a useful focus for our lives as England negotiates the end of a second lockdown and the start of varied restrictions dependent on areas...given the diversity in limitations, it is easy for us to compare, contrast and consider why our particular area has been subject to its specific restraints. However, as November moves towards the final month of the year, we can use the words of the Stoic philosopher to guide us to enjoy every moment we have.
When thinking about the penultimate month, a familiar poem by Thomas Hood comes to mind which ignites fond memories of learning poems in Junior School. It reads:
No sun - no moon!
No morn - no noon!
No dawn - no dusk - no proper time of day.
No warmth, no cheerfulness,
No comfortable feel in any member -
No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees,
No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds! -
November!
The beauty of this poem is that it is able to encapsulate the potential for November days to feel quite dull and grey, with not much light or colour. The excitement and energy surrounding 5th November can soon wear off, and therefore, we may experience more sombre emotions during the month. This poem clearly declares that there may be a lack of many sources of enjoyment during this month, but this acceptance means that there is a lightness pervading the words.
Jim Bishop said:
"Autumn carries more gold in its pockets than all the other seasons"
This is another beautiful collection of words which epitomises the beauty and wealth of nature which can still be experienced, despite the cold and dreary weather. I have been increasingly inspired by walks out in the sunshine, albeit at 2 or 3pm, given the earlier time of sunset. There is so much for us to notice - to hear, see, taste, touch and feel - and it may not be far away from your front door. Take the opportunity to just walk and observe everything that is happening around you. You may be surprised by how much you normally miss...animals and birds are preparing for the winter and the squirrels in particular seem to be increasingly friendly and inquisitive.
The seasons take their time to change and November seems to instigate a time of rest and relaxation, when the pace of life can slow down for the winter months, before the new life begins in the new year. We as human beings can also adopt this more leisurely style and understand the significance of tranquility in our lives. Try not to worry about all of your shopping, cooking and Christmas preparations and enjoy them instead! Use your energy effectively rather than letting it waste away.
Martin Luther King Junior said:
"There comes a time when people get tired of being pushed out of the glittering sunlight of life's July and left standing amid the piercing chill of an alpine November"
These words help us to recognise the natural peaks and troughs of life, yet that we can also eventually control our own situation in life. Now, more than ever, we can use the additional time available spent at home around loved ones, to help and support those who need it most. We can share positivity and goodwill, and guide ourselves and others to identify the possibilities in life.
Below is a picture taken about a week ago, when I was pleasantly surprised by the flourish of colour in the nearby woods. Sometimes we just need the time and space to notice the silent beauty and colour around us.
A poem by Clyde Watson reads:
November comes
And November goes
With the last red berries
And the first white snows.
With night coming early,
And dawn coming late,
And ice in the bucket
And frost by the gate.
The fires burn
And the kettles sing,
And earth sinks to rest
Until next spring.
The poem above creates many visual images in the mind and composes a splendid array of colour, perfect to brighten up any day or evening. Underneath everything lies the calm acceptance that November is a month which will pass, just like any other, but it symbolises the start of a pause in Nature's growth. The days become shorter, the nights longer, but there is still light and hope to be found. Take comfort in the warmth of your home, filled with loved ones and the chance to be able to visit other households coming up in December. November is the stepping stone to December and the festivities...the photo below demonstrates how we can view the world from so many different angles and how Nature can remain breathtakingly calm no matter what is taking place in the world of the man-made. Let us take inspiration from the peace.
I hope that you all enjoy my continued foodie posts on Instagram, especially as we move towards the festive time of year...Brie & cranberry, Mince pies, Gingerbread and so many more flavours...this is the time to indulge in your festive favourites and immerse your home in delicious smells! I welcome any other Christmas suggestions and favourite delicacies to enjoy at this time of year!
The radio show also continues on a Wednesday evening 8-10pm so, I hope that you are able to tune in, especially as this week will contain a plethora of Christmas songs to guide you through the week. Here is a time which I can dedicate towards sharing encouragement and comfort, by bringing us together through the power of music and words.
Let us end with another uplifting quote to direct you through the rest of the day:
"November is the month to remind us to be thankful for the many positive things happening in our life"
Enjoy the last day of the penultimate month and then the light and festive joy of December will be here very soon. Advent calendars at the ready :)
Lots of love always,
Sitara xxx
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