Author: Sara Devoy

How is it so many of us feel that we have to account for our every waking moment? We may have our lunch at our desk and count our steps on a walk; our daily lives are increasingly scheduled. We have lost the art of play, of wandering and wondering. It is not surprising that we have a tight neck and shoulders, headaches, digestive problems, or a tense jaw. We may be time-poor and money-rich or be neither and still feel our time is being eaten up. So who or what is taking our time? Did we make a contract to give it away and sell our souls in the process? How come wondering, and wandering in nature, seems to be a forgotten art? Getting lost is increasingly less possible it seems!

John O’ Donaghue’s words remind all of us that being in nature, often alone, helps to “release the caged mind”.

“When the mind is festering with trouble or the heart is torn, we can find healing among the silence of mountains or fields, or listen to the simple, steadying rhythm of waves. The slowness and stillness gradually takes us over. Our breathing deepens and our hearts calm…This invitation to friendship with nature does of course entail a willingness to be alone out there. Yet this aloneness is anything but lonely. Solitude gradually clarifies the heart until a true tranquility is reached. The irony is that at the heart of that aloneness you feel intimately connected with the world. Indeed, the beauty of nature is often the wisest balm for it gently relieves and releases the caged mind.”

-John O’Donohue

(from Beauty: The Invisible Embrace)

Perhaps we feel we have heard it all before and we still don’t have the time.  We may live far from the countryside and have such long working hours with a huge commute that makes it feel impossible to  DO anymore.  You are so right there often feels as though there is NO time to be in nature. This is our mind playing tricks on us again and we need to play the game.

When we TAKE time it seems to me that we can MAKE time! We don’t need to be taunted by time.. I find that deciding to do a ‘ timeless’ activity for five minutes, some art, read a poem or take time in nature, can really help. The mind is less resistant to small changes. Less threatening somehow… before we know it we might find ourselves with a looser jaw and a soft mouth as we watch the waterfall with awe. Our tight neck and shoulders are easier and tension headaches lessen as we see the flowers along the path. We can surprise ourselves…it seems as though we have stepped out of time!

I would love to hear what ways help you to recover your playful timeless nature.