Tag Archives: breathing space outdoors

First snows and hibernation

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There is lots of talk of an early and hard winter this year.This week saw the arrival of the first snows in Comrie.  Just a wee smattering at ground level and on the hill tops that looked beautiful all the same.

First snows around Comrie

Wintertime is the time for many creatures to hibernate.  A time to take stock, and to slow down.  For myself, I’ve had a break over the past few weeks.  It has felt like a hibernation as I have eased off normal activities and instead taken time to care for my son undergoing an operation for a rare condition, full of unknowns.  It’s been a scary time for all of us.  However, looking for the silver lining, it has also provided time to take stock, reflect and make the most of that slower pace.

Now, with the operation successfully behind, it is time to emerge out of this “hibernation”. Throughout this period I have relied, as ever, on being able to take some breathing space outdoors in addition to the support of friends and family.  I now have a new appreciation of what is important in life and a new energy to make the most of what I have. So, as the nights draw in, can you take some time to slow down and appreciate the good things?

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Propped up

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Birnam OakI sat under the Birnam Oak near Dunkeld last week, enjoying the final few rays of sunshine as I savoured my al fresco evening meal.

This grand old relic was propped up by some timber to stop its long branches falling on to the ground.  Presumably, without the props it would be destabilized.  After several hundred years of existence I think I might feel a little destabilized if I wasn’t propped up!

It made me think of how it has been the past few months for me as I have travelled north to south several times to support my aging parents.  We all need some propping up sometimes and so there has been a chain of support created where we siblings prop up the seniors and our partners and children help to prop us up in trying circumstances.

SUnshine on Birnam OakIn amongst the comings and goings,  my most important personal ‘prop’ has been to take some time every day to get outside to appreciate something of the natural world  taking some exercise and breathing space outdoors.  So it felt very satisfying to sit under the ancient oak in Birnam and contemplate what had passed by this tree over the passage of time and how, with some practically positioned props it could continue to grace us with its presence.

When do you need propping up?  What works for you?