It is a peaceful suburban self care Sunday this campervan morning. High white cloud and a lot warmer than yesterday morning. Birdsong abounds. Starlings have returned, a couple of blackbirds in the ash, blue tits darting around ( They always seem to come in pairs or fours, never just one ). A Robin in the oak singing away. Bees have become a more frequent sight, going about their business. A sense of Sunday in the air, if that makes any sense at all. John Burroughs wrote :
“ We talk of communing with Nature, but 'tis with ourselves we commune... Nature furnishes the conditions - the solitude - and the soul furnishes the entertainment.”
I fell in love with this when I read it and it sums up part of my campervan mornings and my on going love affair with landscapes, nature and photography.
Reflecting on yesterdays gathering, the bringing together of people to sing, play music and commune together on a different level. Always a powerful moment for me and to see them leave with smiles, which is also always a relief. Healthy reminders for why I do what I do and also a top up for my own energy levels. A great example of what you put out into the world you get back in abundance. Kelley Harrell wrote in her book ‘The Gift of Dreamtime ‘:
“ We don't heal in isolation, but in community.”
I deeply believe in this and more than happy to play my part however briefly. In his famous book ‘Bowling Alone’ analysing the destruction of community in the USA, Robert Putnam writes of the decline of social networks, social trust and the norms of reciprocity.
“ To build bridging social capital requires that we transcend our social, political and professional identities to connect with people unlike ourselves… Equally important and less exploited in this connection are the arts and cultural activities “
The creation for us of social capital by participating in music making.
I am always warmed by my friends and colleagues who bring people together to do this. Groups scattered around the UK and around the world, laying the foundations and building communities wherever they can. A passion that sits alongside other passions. Here endeth the lesson. Do something for yourself today, it is self care Sunday. Lovely days people.
“ People do things together less and less instead they observe others and become sidelined in society “ Simon Proctor.
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