This weekend ….I hiked with a favourite human friend of mine along with Fern my furbub – we went on a mini hike to One Tree Hill. From atop we saw – Mt.Eden basking in the light just a little higher from my peak where I stood and then Mt. Albert that seemed like a mini hill – took delight in sighting the lean sky tower amidst the undulating greens – and felt sheer joy in making it to the top !

The day was warm pleasant and the air was cool – I felt blessed to be amidst kind and fun company.
The intention of sharing my musings is to affirm the goodness that comes with
Taking time in being observant and
Being engaged (in our present moment )- in the now.

Taking time to observe is a carefully thought out process of making sense of the happenings around …
Gives scope to take a step back – instead of rushing into thoughtless utterances or
Engaging in actions that are carelessly impulsive –
Being observant is conducive to thoughtful words and kind actions
It is therefore an inherent part of reflection kindness and compassion.
Being observant is also then a stepping stone to wellness and resilience

All of us going through this pandemic era of ours are aware of how this illness wipes through communities regardless of socio-economic or gender or culture boundaries and divides. It has swept through nations deemed as third world and then the swipe has been twice as deadly in the developed nations of our world. This illness whiffs with ease way past the thresholds of humble dwellings and magnificient castles – as it cares not in the least and knows not between the haves and have-nots!!
Yet it seems ironic that we hear stories where regions or people afflicted by this illness are sometimes scorned upon by those that remain untouched for now …. hmmmmmmm- however let`s go with the wisest option to merge this illusory divide by

• Being mindful that for now – all of us are connected in going through this journey together and
• Celebrating the steady strickle of stories that celebrate kindness and compassion.

So now dear readers what are you doing to stay observant and being in the now- here are some suggestions

• Take time to engage a 100% with whatever you may be doing
• Be it giving your time in talking to a friend or
• Listening to the words in a song
• Enjoying the flavours in your meal
• Giving thanks to the food that nourishes you and to the roof and walls of your home that protects and keeps you warm

If you happen to live in the Southern Hemisphere do pause and
Count the daffodils that are beginning to bloom and watch out for the lambs heralding the arrival of Spring ….

Let`s finish with lines from our most regarded poet of the nineteenth century Shelley ” If Winter comes , can Spring be far behind ?”