Hi! I am back to blogging after a summer break. I promised myself to have a carefree summer, and I did.
Summer Holidays
Nova Scotia is a land of lakes and ocean beaches. On the hot sunny days I took quick trips to a lake for a swim or paddleboard.
The ocean beaches are more dramatic and spectacular but also colder than the lakes. Ocean swimming is a braver and briefer experience for me. Despite shaking from the chills, walking in wet sandy sandals, and feeling sticky from the salt, I loved the whole experience. I needed to give up comfort in the quest for fun. I may have looked ridiculous but I was happy.
My paddleboard allowed me to quietly mix with lily pads, sitting ducks and swimming geese.
Port Bickerton Lighthouse
The highlight of my summer adventure was a week at an insular lighthouse on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia. Port Bickerton is a wonderful place to experience true solitude. The coast is rugged and dramatic, the forests are deep and dense, and the meadows and marshes lush with flora and fauna.
The isolation was compelling as the beauty. I spent days walking along spectacular rocky or sandy beaches, all alone, with no people, houses or roads in sight. The forlorn foghorn pervaded the thick morning fogs. At night the deep black sky was filled with millions of stars.
This was an artist retreat. My intention to ‘capture’ the scenery with pencil and brush, conflicted with my desire to have fun and new experiences.
Make life simple and relax!
Eventually my outlook was altered. Rather than impose my notions and opinions on Port Bickerton I was slowly overwhelmed by the immensity, variety, and wildness of the place.
Why not allow myself to be part of the scene. When I put away the pencil, I started to see more things and I began to hear, smell and touch my surroundings: waves breaking, frogs croaking, clouds scudding, feet on hard pebbles in icy water.
‘Bee’ing Present
While observing bumble bees pollenating flowers, I wondered if the goals in my life were any more significant to the universe than the work of these bees.
Life in the Moment
Did I waste the summer? By economic measures it was wasted time, since I did not produce any goods or services.
I feel younger. I enjoyed more moments because I was less preoccupied with future goals. Like the bees, I let myself live moment by moment here and now.
My habit to be future focused and productive diminishes the value of the present and all that it offers. My small vivid moments this summer showed me that wonderous interactions happen every day if only we stop, observe and marvel.
