A Few Memorable Moments
What a lucky person I am
I arrived in Calgary on Sunday for my annual in-person programs, which I love facilitating. What is different this time is that my 20-year-old granddaughter accompanied me. We will be here for two weeks, and Sophie has the honour of volunteering full-time at Wellspring for the ten weekdays. I am deeply touched that she is working in the organization that I am passionate about. This is a precious event in my 80th year, for both of us.
As many of you know, I am focused more on the small purposes and small joys of daily life. In the last three days I have spent time with dear friends walking, talking, listening and spotting the beauty of the outdoors.
A family of geese on the walking path between my grandson’s place, where we are staying and Wellspring, where we are working. The crab apple trees in the banner photo are everywhere in the neighbourhood, along with the lilacs. Blue skies and hot weather bring back wonderful memories of my friend John, a co-founder of Wellspring Alberta. Especially his infectious laugh and generous heart.
Daily Life
When I talk about ikigai, purpose, a reason to get up in the morning, I am mostly talking about today. What are the needs of the situation today and how do I respond. Futhurmore, how do I wholeheartedly respond to what is right in front of me. Not as grim duty or a series of shoulds. But with curiosity and an eye to the possibilities in any situation. It doesn’t for a moment mean daily life is easy but it does allow us to experience the great good fortune of preparing a meal, or planting a flower or listening to the birds. And of course the honour of teaching a program or writing a blog, cuddling my three year old great granddaughters or laughing with my older granddaughter as she spots my idiosyncrasies. I am of course not opposed to the big life purpose, but it can be discouraging if we think we must have one to live a good life and you can’t find yours.
So I am content with the meaning found in daily activities. The one day we have right now. And when we string all those days together we may discover that ordinary days lead to an extraordinary ordinary life. And it contains wonder, beauty, joy, love, loss, hardship, disappointment – the “whole catastrophe,” as Zorba puts it.
And then there are the sweet toppings on the cake when a friend sends a poem, or takes you to lunch, or one of your adult kids goes on a holiday and includes you in the journey through photos and a few words everyday. Here is one of those photos from the Shetland Islands. These puffins are adorable. And I won’t even get into the sheep – they make me want to be a shepherd except I know that is a romantic fantasy-being a shepherd is very very hard work so I will continue to admire them from afar.
May I say one last thing about this week – the joy when your little twin great granddaughters cast their smiles in your direction and your heart melts. No amount of fame and fortune can supersede these moments.( and even when you have fame and fortune it still seems to be the little ordinary moments that count the most.)
Notes
1) Since I mentioned sheep I will announce that I loved the movie The Sheep Detectives. I know it may seem a little corny but you can take a risk – find a theatre with a comfortable lazyyboy chair with a foot rest, relax and enjoy. There are several wonderful moments in this movie.
2) May I recommend that you don’t put your life on hold until conditions are just so.If there is something important that you want to do and you have the means to do it I hope you jump in, while you can. We all have an expiry date but we don’t know the actual date. Don’t miss the chance to splurge with your words and tell that someone what you love or like or admire about them while you are both still here. Why wait?
3) “Hope is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something makes sense regardless of how it turns out.” Vaclav Havel
4) An interesting question I am pondering from James Clear, author of Atomic Habits. “If your family inherited only your habits (not your things or your money) which ones would be your richest gift?
5) Please know how grateful I am that you stop by here to read these musings. I love your company! May you have what you need to do the hard things and may you use your flashlight of attention to also see the beautiful, the good and the kind. Warmest and best greetings, Trudy
Always love your posts – they are always reminding me of trying to be my better self;-)
Warm regards
Sabine
Oh Sabine. You are so kind. Thank you. Warmly, Trudy
Hi Trudy,
I loved the Sheep Detectives too! I immediately thought of the movie when you first mentioned Sheep in your blog. Made me smile.
I hope my children will pick up my habit of giving to others – helping others in need. Wouldn’t the world be a better place if we all did that.
I envy your grands and greatgrands. So happy you are having that experience.
Yeah for The Sheep Detectives. I am delighted that you too enjoyed it. Thanks for your kind note. What a wonderful habit to inherit – helping others. I found this such a thought provoking question. Warmly, Trudy
I’m so happy you and Sophie are together in Calgary. What a wonderful two weeks, both doing such meaningful work. We all miss you both so much!!!! xoxoxoxox
We are having a wonderful time Meghan. Such a perfect time to be here. Happy to hear we are missed. Momxo
So happy for you and Sophie to be together Trudy. Look forward to hearing about it when you return. Just back from Victoria last night myself. My answer to Clear’s question is: Stay in touch with family and friends throughout your life. xoxox
Such an important answer dear Janice and one that on the surface seems obvious. However, the follow through takes conscious attention because time slips away and we can easily neglect our friends when we don’t make it a priority. I want to be better at it especially because I have long distance friends. Thank you as always. Trudy
Hi Trudy and fellow blog readers,
Aren’t this weeks pictures just so neat? I so enjoy your nature capturings on film Trudy and those you choose from other photographers.
As for my habits, I immediately thought of some of my ‘bad habits’ and laughed to myself!! Probably not what James Clear meant but … I will take a second review of this question.
Enjoy spring almost coming to my part of the world!
Mary
Thanks
Thanks for your lovely note Mary. Always a joy to witness your enthusiasm and humour. I booked my reservation on your ferry for the trip from PEI to NS. I am excited to see you in person. Warmly, Trudy
Thank you, Trudy. Your blog always inspires me, and this time it made me to
enjoy everyday to the fullest. I went out to bathe in the fresh air and enjoy green foliage and blue sky season. Memories iat Wellspring and Canadian Rockeis have come back.
Hi dear Yoshie. Thank you for your kind note. You and your hiking group have been very much in my conversation at this time in Calgary. So many people treasure the summer of 2019 when you came to hike the Rockies and visit Wellspring. Deep bows to you all, especially from me. Warmest wishes, Trudy. PS let’s talk when I get back to Ottawa.