Little by Little
My motto at the moment is "Little by little." It is a life of pottering. A bit of this and a bit of that. I can do many things but only for short periods. Walking is good. It keeps the circulation going, especially in the legs. I walk over to the Sunshine Field and cut a very small amount of the undergrowth. Then I enjoy the view. At this time the world can seem dead, yet, on closer inspection, there is much going on.Then walk through the Artmesian Wood, pausing to bow at the boundary shrine, to the Retreat Hut. I sit there for a while enjoying the solitude and saying nembutsu. Brush out the dust. Walk again, this time toward Aphrodite's Land. En route I trim back a bit of bramble that is invading. My mother used to say, "Every little helps." I often think of mother and her practical wisdom, so often expressed in adages of this kind or quotes from the poetry she loved: "Our England is a garden and such gardens are not made, by saying 'Oh how beautiful!' and sitting in the shade." However sick, old or in pain she was, she always did her best to make some contribution. I guess, I have this stamped on my bones.
Dotty Flowers
As spring is approaching there are signs of life all around and Elja is getting very interested in identifying the flowers and other plants. There is not much in bloom yet, but each day one sees new buds. She has a big book in Dutch with fine pictures and becomes very excited when she identifies a flower, especially when it is something rare. At this time of year there are primroses of various kinds, some common, some not. Sometimes she drags me out to go and see something interesting or to have a second look at one to see whether it has spots on its petals or not which will make all the difference to its identity in the big book. I expect she will write about them on the site at some point.
The Joy of Learning
One contribution I can make at the moment is in the form of the series of Daily Teachings. I have to be careful not to sit too long over the computer for fear of blood pooling in my feet, so I go and sit by the fire and literally put my feet up, as much as possible. I realise that I am on an enforced sabbatical. That is not too bad. In fact, for some years I have been wondering if I should take such a period and just remain here at La Ville au Roi, and now the gods have taken the matter in hand and made it de rigeur. This also gives me a reason for reading and brushing up on my knowledge. I have always been a self-motivated scholar. Learning is a great delight.
Listening to Nature
Today I seemed to need more time alone. It is interesting how there are processes going on inside one of which one only senses the most superficial symptoms. They seem to gather like cloud. The soul has its own turbulence, the pattern of which is never fully disclosed. At such times human company seems only distraction and Nature is a better friend. Sitting in the meditation hut, looking out at the forest, there is a sense of just-so-ness that is nourishment for the inner beast. The fact that the land here is variously dedicated means that a simple walk exposes one to a range of divine influence. I feel protected and helped. Illness turns one inward, or, at least, renders one quiet. I have little energy left over for any kind of extroversion. Nature is an undemanding yet, nonetheless, transformative companion, at least in these pleasant temperate climes, and I am fortunate to be here in her enclosure. She is both a gentle solace and, at the same time, a ruthless wheel - impermanence reigns, with both its destructive and regenerative faces - yet both speak of acceptance and patience, a certain savage beauty that withers away concern with personal vicissitudes.
Replies
Thank you, Carol & Adam. this is a wonderful place to commune with nature. Rather Taoist - hence the new group.