Monday 02 November
Why do we go through, what seems like, phases of bad things happening? Times when it feels like there is a relentless stream of sadness or badness. I don’t ever remember similar stretches of ‘positivity’ occurring.
“They always come in threes, you know.” Or “It’s just one thing after another.” These sayings tend only to be associated with negativity. As is the situation at the moment, another piece of sad personal news came to me today. Again, to the backdrop of all the crap that we are all dealing with locally, nationally and globally.
But, it was Epictetus who said “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” Very true. On the radio this morning, the author Charlie Mackesy explained how he manages his own emotional well-being during these challenging times.
For him, it’s all about his morning routine and his connection with nature. He lets the dog out to the backgarden then, bare footed, stands on the grass and watches for birds. Just back garden birds, I presume, and listens to the songs they sing. Then inside for a cup of tea. Simple pleasures that ground you can prepare you for the day ahead. I can totally get that. They know nothing of Coronavirus or Brexit or Trump. They’re unaffected by it all and some of us try to connect in some ways with them. It makes so much sense.
But I also find myself seeking solace in other things too, especially as the daylight hours are shorter this time of year. A metro train in the Netherlands was saved from plunging into water by a sculpture of a whale’s tail. How ironic that nature once again comes to the rescue, but in such an unnatural way.
And finally, football. I love having a kick about with friends every week. Complete escapism to add to the other jaunts from the weekend just gone. My legs felt oh so heavy this evening; a twelve mile walk on Saturday and reffing to two matches on Sunday took their toll. It didn’t stop me from smiling though.
The Bald Birder 