With candlelight multitasking ceases to be an option
Last night during the big storm we had a blackout for a couple of hours. As I went around the house finding matches and lighting candles, I noticed how quiet and still the house and the neighbourhood was in the dark and the rain.
I was reminded of Bernadette talking about preparing for the nighttime with a quiet ritual as we would have done in days before electricity. I imagined myself there.
There was only one thing to do at a time, you can’t see very far with candlelight so multitasking ceases to be an option! As I prepared the dinner by candlelight, I was able to be more mindful, listen to the wind, think quiet thoughts and enjoy the task at hand (which is not how I usually feel about cooking).
I noticed a place in my awareness that seems to be always on alert, listening for the phone, hearing the tv or radio, thinking of an email needing to be sent.
I noticed a different pace in my movements as I needed to be more careful about where I was walking and placing objects and holding the candle at the same time.
I made a cup of tea and then sat down by the gas fire as there was nothing else to do. There I was, just sitting and being receptive, when my son came home and needed to talk, again, a peaceful moment presented itself to be enjoyed.
I am taking some inspiration from this unexpected experience and quietly looking forward to the next blackout!
Aurora Hammond
Aurora Hammond
M.A. Psych, B.A.Soc Stud.,Cert IV Workplace Training
Aurora Hammond has been a social worker, psychotherapist, group facilitator and trainer for over 30 years. She completed a Masters Degree in Holistic Psychology in the US in 1984 and was the founder and CEO of the College of Holistic Counselling for over 15 years.
She is the author of the book Good Grief, Healing the Broken Heart and the Pool Meditation CD. Now working in private practice as a Medicare registered mental health social worker Aurora describes her way of working as holistic psychotherapy. She lives in Manly with her 24 year old son who has Aspergers Syndrome.
Hi Aurora,
It’s chell, from quest, it’s been 1mth since I have been in the lovely tranquil surroundings of bundanoon .
Life has been defiantly trying since then, I defiantly get the expression “don’t think that u will come and unpack and all will be ok”, it’s when you start to unpack that’s where the real hard stuff begins,
I am finding it difficult to put in place all that I learnt at quest, I find myself saying “I’ll do that later” and well I never do, or life happens and I miss the opportunity , I really need to rewire my whole train of thought, it’s so easy to slip into the old ( familiar I think )
Any suggestions would be really appreciated , im feeling a bit swamped , i feel as though for every step forward there is something that knocks me back two or sometimes three, and I’m starting to feel exhausted with the constant roller coaster of emotions and energy that follow this .
Hoping you and your son have been keeping well
I Really miss Quest , it would be so lovely just to live that lifestyle everyday !!!!
Hope to hear from you soon
Regards and a big rainbow
Chell