What Is This Life?
What is this life ….. Spring has sprung. Buds are forming on various plants in the garden, and great tits have taken over the bird box. When they’re not busy building their nest, they sit in the birch tree watching intently as pigeons squabble for space on the bird table. Meanwhile, flashes of red traverse the bramble bush as bullfinches dart between the thorny branches. A pair of buzzards circle high over the nearby woodland, catching the air currents as they cruise.
A single paragraph to describe things which, in reality, might take a number of days to observe. And although I see them, it’s always while doing something else. Looking into the garden as I wash up, or refill water bowls. Glancing at the bramble as I rush from the house. Arms full of child, nappy bag, keys, and other assorted items. Tonight, as I write, I think of the poem by W. H. Davies, Leisure.
“What is this life if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare? – ….”
I used to take more time to stand and stare. It’s so important to our general wellbeing. From gazing at stars, to watching insects go about their lives, with or without a camera, standing and staring can be very life-enhancing. It offers a time for reflection, for wonderment, for creativity …. things we encourage in our children, yet overlook ourselves as we juggle myriad tasks through the days.
If I had a hat for every different role I take, I’d perhaps be a milliner. But really, I only want a single hat. The one which says ‘This Is Me‘ across the front. The hat I wear as I coordinate life as mother, daughter, sister, wife, photographer, blogger, trustee, campaigner. Also, the hat which I wear when I stop. The one which holds my thoughts as I stand and stare.
Reading this post from a couple of years ago, I had more time to stand and stare. I’m trying to fit much more into each day at the moment, which seems to be a general trend across society. Technological advances are designed to make life easier, but we end up doing more. Ordering groceries online saves the time of shopping in person. Yet the time saved is rarely spent on relaxation. We can be contacted at all hours, in many different ways. People expect an answer, quickly. We are so busy that we have different calendars for different sections of life. The business one, the family one, the ‘to do’ list one. And there is technology again, offering a selection of different calendars to suit all roles. My own electronic calendar currently has five different volumes for the year. No wonder people are tired and stressed.
I don’t make new year’s resolutions, but perhaps I should make a spring resolution. To find more time to stand and stare. After all,
“What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare? – ….”
That is a beautiful blog Emma. You are right to say we don’t allow ourselves enough time to just do nothing but look at the world. That is the one consolation of not driving. I gaze out of the bus windows or stand waiting for the bus looking at the world around me (when I am not talking to a new fellow traveller I have just met). The one hat you omitted was your “friend hat” and I am sure that is one you wear frequently as you are a lovely, kind and thoughtful friend. Happy weekend. Love E xx
Thank you for your lovely comment, Eileen. I’m looking forward to spending time standing and staring together when our son is a bit older. You have a lovely weekend too xx
I have to agree Em, lovely blog… I can totally relate to the many calendars, not having any time to stand and stare. I have struggled recently with trying to juggle too much, life’s stresses and anxieties, and I vow to take some time soon to just stand and stare 🙂 Very important for our wellbeing. I do hope that you are all very well, and I often wonder how you’re getting on. Sending lots of love, Lisa and Adriana xx
You do have a lot on, and it’s easy to run out of time to stop. When you have a chance to stand and stare, let me know, and I’ll come along to stand and stare too. Take care xx