The importance of community

 Savoring simple daily pleasures

I am fortunate enough to live in an area where although the houses tend to be rather spread out and each property enjoys a fairly large amount of land, the feeling of community and connection is strong. 

This week I have been reflecting on how fortunate I am to be part of a caring community. I am so grateful to take a walk and invariably cross paths with people I know, or I am familiar with or just recognize from daily walks. It brings a sense of home, and contentment and belonging. I enjoy the routine and familiarity. Often recognizing that I see the same faces at certain times of the day- coinciding with their routine, be it tooting as they drive past, walking their dogs after work, taking in some fresh air, or walking to a particular destination at on the same schedule. 

Its really the lifeblood of society. To care for one another, lookout for people, show respect and kindness for your neighbors, and put out love and positivity into the world, daily. 

I have taken to trying not to pay too much attention  to the news of late- national news is purely dominated by the forthcoming election and global news is pretty horrific and, frankly, doesn't help my anxiety of to focus on my little bubble. I don't mean to sound void of compassion or crass or ignorant, but, particularly at the moment while I am feeling somewhat stressed, tied and over whelmed, i need to hone my focus a little more centered around my home and my loved ones. 

Its actually quite a pull to consciously step away from. I took a walk last Friday after a full week and towards the end of a long day, and on my usual loop I spotted the kereru swirling above the trees then, rather ungraciously - as they do, practically crash land in a tree overhead. It was then I noticed his/her partner was already in the branches already. As I reached for my camera movement caught my eye and there was another couple slightly further along the branch. It just struck me that these big graceful peaceful birds who mate for life, were quietly existing side by side, their habitat or territory shared agreeably. They roll with the changing seasons and what the weather beings us, they co habit and remain respectful, gentle giants. I'm sure society could learn an enormous amount from these creatures, we just have to pause enough to observe and reflect. The whoosh and swoop of their wings is such an incredibly peaceful sound to me.

I am currently sitting at my desk as the rain gently falls, having enjoyed a long walk through the bush tracks early with a dear friend, the cats came to inspect my writing and I think Albie has appointed himself editor in chief. 

Its school holidays, we are home for a couple of weeks with a few commitments but no heavy schedule, the weather is flick flacking between very warm spring and teetering on wintery, and I am starting to feel the sense of calm and peace seep back in which has been lacking for the past few weeks as days grew fuller and longer in the leadup to the break.

Now I can feel the relief of the luxury of time. Some much needed rest, our own schedules, and simple pleasures like listening to the birds with my coffee at first light, taking walks whenever I feel like it, having the time and inclination to cook for pleasure and try new recipes, read mid afternoon if I wish to, and potter in the garden when there is a break in the rain. Not to mention the satisfaction and sense of accomplishment if I steadily tick off all those jobs we don't usually have time to squeeze in on a busy working week. 

Today, I am actually rather grateful for the rain, as it encourages more inside jobs, the luxuriousness of being cozy, and the soothing pitter patter as our backdrop.