Just let it go…
I live in Jozi. At this time of the year, being on the roads is an awful experience. Potholes, taxis and huge rains. But those aren’t the real issues – it’s people’s attitudes that are truly awful. Whilst all the other issues remain, the one factor we have control over is our attitude. I made a significant error of judgement and decided to “pop” into the shops on the Monday before 16th December holiday. It was quite possibly worse than being on the roads! Tempers were short, people were loud and aggressive, and stopped marginally short (most of the time) of being downright abusive.
Whilst I accept that people are frazzled, and exhausted, and quite possibly in a rush because they were leaving on holiday the following day, there really is no real excuse for the behaviours I saw. Perhaps one way of rectifying the situation is to begin by understanding that we are all in the same situation. That each of us faces our own demons after a long year, complete with challenges and endless expectations from others. That we are all somewhat fragile and in need of TLC. And whilst not everyone is lucky enough to be looking forward to the holiday of a lifetime, it is possible for everyone to actively change their attitudes…
Let’s explore some options… To start, wake early (even as early as 04h30!), and simply enjoy the birds’ songs as they start their busy days. In my garden, it’s the robin that sets the tone for the day, with its cheery little song well before sunrise. Slowly others wake and join in. It is your own personal symphony, completely free of charge!
Pause to breathe – with intent. Often. First thing in the morning, to clear the cobwebs. And then, as often as you remember during the day. At this time of the year, there are a multitude of blossoms around, providing the most wonderful of aromas. Or perhaps it’s the smell of the ocean, with all that extra oxygen, that appeals. Rainstorms provide “petrichor” – the earthy scent produced when rain falls on dry soil.
The delicious smell of baking bread emanating from a bakery. Or simply appreciate the smell of recently mown lawns, fresh linen, your baby or a puppy, or even the clean, woody smell of fresh mushrooms. Focusing on aromas grounds you, brings you into the present and reduces stress.
Then get moving. Stretch even before getting out of bed. Luxuriously, like a cat. Take a short walk around your neighbourhood – or a longer hike in nature. Dance to your favourite music – even if it’s only in your living room. Take in a gym class or simply run for pleasure. It all counts. Get your blood moving and your mind clear. Walk on a patch of grass, barefoot.
Try to be conscious in the moment. When making a cup of coffee, do it slowly, deliberately and with purpose. Then sit, be still and savour the results. Cook a meal. Not necessarily fancy or complicated. Just do it with deliberation. Reverence. Share it with someone you love. My friend has a meal she calls her “last supper” – bangers, mash, peas and gravy. And when you sit down to that, you can sense the love behind the meal – just sublime. Soulfood.
Stop. Look up. We live in Big Sky country. The blue of the sky is never quite the same. From the palest blue through to deep cobalt. Watch the clouds. Big beautiful storm clouds. Thin, wispy cirrus clouds. And everything in-between.
Remember that the most incredible sunsets always involve clouds. Be aware of the moon. Go stargazing. Enjoy the breeze as it gently plays with your hair…
Life, and this world, are profoundly beautiful. Be present. Be appreciative. I would like to bet that if this is how you choose to live your life, it is impossible to get so stressed and angry that you are just plain unpleasant. And none of this costs money. Just a stolen moment here and there…
By the time you read this article, Christmas will be over and New Year will be approaching. Do NOT allow it to be another reason for stress! Just let it all go, be in the moment and celebrate being alive. Then do it again the next day. And again. And again… You get the picture. And before you know it, you will have had an entire year of celebratory days, regardless of the circumstances surrounding you. That, for me, sounds like a good year, and a worthy goal…
Jacqui Ikin & The Cross Country Team
