I’ve just returned from two weeks of hiking in New Zealand (stunning). I had no idea before this trip how much I needed to reconnect with myself in the wild, that sort of connection that comes when daily life is stripped back to only a few necessities that can all be carried on your back and the only thing asked of me is to put one foot in front of the other and turn my senses outward. What a great relief to be reminded of this and feel that natural sense of wellbeing arise – it truly is our birthright. Jon Kabat-Zinn is right, the little moments they aren’t little, they are everything. When I’m fully present with the drops of rain that dance off the leaves of a Gully Tree Fern contentment spontaneously arises. When I turn towards the ache in my hips as I climb yet another sharp incline I notice the pain isn’t nearly as bad as my mind is making out. It’s my mind’s resistance to pain that is causing most of my distress. When I simply turn my attention to the sensations in my hips I notice warmth and a rolling ache that comes and goes, that’s all it really is and contentment arises even here. Turning towards the present moment with curiosity and friendliness allows me to find contentment with whatever the moment is offering. No little thing indeed! Can you relate?
With great warmth Heather
