(African saying)
Leisure by William Henry Davies
What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare?-
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows:
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass:
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night:
No time to turn at Beauty’s glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance:
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began?
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
This morning I went for an early morning walk while the sun was still shining. I started off listening to Radio 4's "Today" programme on my phone, keen to catch up on election results, but quickly switched off to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the moment. I talked to the new calves in a field next to my path; watched a blackbird having a bath in a muddy puddle; took in the beauty of the trees and flowers; listened to the constant birdsong; and did my meditation in the local churchyard. I slowed down and forgot my cares and worries for a while.
Writing prompts:
- Write about the last time you really slowed down. How did it feel in your body and your mind? What prompted you to slow down?
- Go outside, perhaps into your garden if you have one, or out into your street, and just stand. Look around you. What do you notice? Does anything surprise you, or bring you joy? Write about it for seven minutes. Share your thoughts in the comments box.
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