colours of nature

past experiences add a huge depth and strength to our character. Painful exhausting destabilising and overwhelming at the time , we seem to find a way through by just tentatively shuffling forward . As the great healer of time has its way, softer blurrier less jagged feelings replace the rawness of immediate experience . And then , out of the blue and unexpectedly we are shaken and jolted Back to those times . A trigger a moment a time and place where the memories come hurling towards us again. Even when armoured and prepared , we succumb to the panic and fear they evoke . Some things I guess deserve respect and it seems the wounds and scars remain fresh and the body alert to danger .

#thebodykeepsthescore #holdingscars #pain #fear #experience #trauma

messages ping and the modern superficial announcement of their arrival belies the news they carry . “How do I go on when I feel so alone “ ? It’s so hard to hear ; so easy to picture the face of suffering that reached out with this digital cry for help .
there is so much we can do . ‘Are you Alone ?’ ‘Do you need company ?’ ‘talk to me ‘ tell me something that Balinese today and I’ll tell you the same . Perhaps you will smile at my story , or perhaps you won’t hear me ; but you know I’m right here to support you through the pain . Some days it will overwhelm you and some days you can walk beside it , breathing more easily .

#loneliness #loss #hope #calmwaters# #lost #hope#friendship

strange how we can help others manage anger but when we sre pushed to a place where we feel we can no longer cope our tolerance to manage pain is breached . As a peace loving humanitarian I work hard to manage emotions positively and rationally . And yet . What is the point where rational thinking becomes unable and unwilling to manage the hurt inflicted by others ? Is this a good thing ? To reach a boundary and then to be strong enough to stand up for yourself so that their words and actions are reflected Back . An interesting one that I ponder often . Any views out there ?

#anger #angry #upset #boundaries #emotions #frustration # calm #patience #tolerance

it’s fun with friends . Reflecting back laughing at times we all experienced . Concerts mischief moments of madness; shared annoyance no one changes characters still . We loved it one and all . How fortunate we are all Still in touch . If anything getting stronger . I won’t say wiser as we aren’t !

• reflections #

#reflections #mirrors #memories #seas #skies # clouds #lonelyseaandsky #beach #scotland #photography

that warm cosy safe feeling when we are surrounded by friends we have known for years and we share the same stories . The same memories and spaces . Stories laughter more colourful and wild for the retelling . Just the best antidote .

#love #friends #sharing

the ripples of loss smooth as they travel . And some things strengthen . The ties between those remaining can become a space for comfort , new beginnings a deep sense of belonging . These powerful emotions are swept Up ; complicated buffeted fragile , but if they can persist they offer a sanctuary where the loss finds a more gentle place to rest .

Yesterday’s experience was so hard . Seeing Bravery fragility confusion shock in the human condition on the faces and in the words of those you care for is heart wrenching . There are no Shortcuts to grief. Moving through the grieving process – denial anger bargaining depression and finally acceptance is not a choice we make and the journey is never the same .
I hope small acts of kindness can support these wonderful people through that journey . We can all make a difference

#hope #support #resilience #friendship #healing

On being present when other people are grieving .

I sat with two extraordinary guys this evening as they talked about loss and shock and grief . How one moment all is as it always was , and the next a huge rip in your very existence comes uninvited , wrenching the everday into a seething pit of the unknown . Throwing the practiced familiar lived patterns and habits into a new and unwelcome jagged painful world .
The human spirit is strong but to see the loss and know the challenging journey these men must travel is salutary . Being present and walking beside them through their hurt is something we can all do . The least we can do .

#grief #loss #pain #support

there is something both energising and calming walking along the river’s edge . The sequinned reflections, the life oblivious below and the busyness of the early oars scything rythmically . It’s a joy to behold when the mud of the last days is held immovable as I walk unslipping along the path.
am I alone in devouring these ice cold days .

#riverwalks #2025 #icy #january

Glorious sunshine finally after weeks of misty and mild grey days . Everyone had a spring in their steps and had made the same ‘ let’s go to the sea’ decision. So good- the blue the air the sun frolicking dogs and dads and a sense of happiness and wellbeing for the new year . Quiet prayers and hopes the world can step away from war and step towards our shared humanity