Breathers

 “If you find yourself saying, ‘hang in there, take a short break.” Paul Loomis, founder of Unraveling Stress in Amsterdam and author of Time Surfing

This is counterintuitive advice, don’t you think? However, I have recently taken this to a whole new level, and to my surprise, I am getting lots done. Last week I  mentioned that I wanted to explore, photograph and moodle around – inspired by these exquisite autumn days in Ottawa. Well, as often as those aspirations don’t come to fruition, this time they did.

My visits to the nearby arboretum have doubled, and I spent as much time on my favourite bench – observing- as I did strolling. Rather than ruminating about what I should be doing, I paid attention to the experience of exactly where I was.

Present Moment Seeing

And what did I see – dappled light through a canopy of trees, a stately heron unperturbed by my presence, a whisper of the breeze gently disturbing leaves of all shapes and colours. And of course the stillness.

Nothing happened – except for the spontaneous bubbling up of joy, the idea of more spontaneity in my life and on returning to my study, getting things done without striving.

And then the tiny side effects, whereby I finally, after 10 months, ordered the amazing book, Pathways To The Trees (tip for Ottawa readers) and picked it up at the Farm Store. I also scooped up my Canon Rebel and soon realized that I had forgotten all kinds of basic things about using it. Undeterred, I searched it up and went out practicing.

Connection

To my surprise, as much as I love my Iphone and the ease of taking pictures, this was an entirely different experience. How can I describe slow time with a camera? For me, it was a connection – perhaps something like the difference between the ease of Zoom and the more complex and rewarding experience of in-person.  I had forgotten the trials and then the satisfaction of picture taking with a camera slung around my neck.  Of course, I will still use my phone,  but for now, in this good weather, and while I am up on a ” Canon wave,” I’ll ride it for a while before the novelty wears off. I wonder what else I have discarded and replaced that might be worth revisiting.

Breathers

We so often think that there is no time for “breathers,” even short ones. But if I can gently experiment for this next while, without chastizing myself, I might find that they are life-affirming. I think we all need to figure out what a “breather” is – maybe a short walk around the block; a few stretches; a cup of tea; a doodle; a couple of pages in a book…a breather is a chance to just let your mind roam. And it can be doing something different than what you are currently stuck on- it may sound odd, but a breather for me when I am immersed in a writing task can be to tidy up the top of my desk. It is amazing what can be done in ten minutes. And I return refreshed.

My mother might have described a breather as a change of scene. Dr. Morita might say something like, switch from one thing to another. A breather is something that works for you.

My time at the arobreteum was more like a string of breathers stitched together. But I operate within the spirit of the law, never the letter and adapted it for the needs of the occasion – perfect autumn weather.

So, with my imperfect interpretation of breather I invite you to adapt the idea of the beginning quote and take short breaks rather than buckle down with your shoulder to the grindstone. “Try see.”  Try, and see what happens.

Notes:

1. I chose my banner photo from a group of photos I took at the Central Experimental Farm’s Ornamental Garden. Not because it was a great photo but because the flowers themselves looked like a felted picture. I found it interesting.
2. The second photo I took was from the window of my parked car. It is my neighbour’s tree, and the light was such that it attracted my attention. I suppose I am simply having fun.
3. October 1st is a great day for a birthday. Greetings to all of you who have a birthday this month. I hope you make the most of it. And strength and courage to all of you who are having a difficult time. There is no magic wand but there are things we can do even in difficult times. You are always welcome to be in touch. 
4. Thank you for showing up here and reading my scribbles. A deep bow of gratitude to you all. Best wishes, Trudy