BEING IN PLACE
by contemplativeinquiry
Dawn is late now, and all the more welcome when it comes. Looking out on the world after morning meditation, I see light shining on the tower of St. Mary Le Crypt. I am seeing with fresh eyes, and the knowledge that Elaine and I will be staying in Gloucester. A local house move is planned, conceivably before the turn of the year, a few minutes walk from here.
We will not be migrating north (1). Our plans fell through. We have some disappointment about this. But there’s also an element of relief that at the prospect of a less disruptive move. In many ways we are already settled. Moving house is now a major detail rather than a life-changing event. We can focus on being in place.
For me, this includes deepening my connection with the landscapes I walk in as the wheel of the year turns. Autumn is my favourite season and October can be a special month. This is my first year in Gloucester. Taking these October pictures, I can celebrate the here and now. Having them, I can enjoy the record of a new chapter in my life, with other years, with their own Octobers, to come. I don’t know what the future will bring. I do know that I find this framing nurturing and hopeful. It is part of bringing meaning to my world.
(1) https://contemplativeinquiry.blog/2022/08/20/northward-migration/
contemplativeinquiry 
Yes… deepening connection to the landscape – I remember moving to a place ‘for others rather than my choice’ – it was a very challenging time but fellow Druids said ‘keep walking’. I did – and actually I couldn’t force connection (I think I expected feelings to deepen purely through repetition) but when I truly listened I found new (but still local) places that spoke to me – which proved to me that there is more to the sentience of the land than ‘imagination’…
Finding an internal openness and receptivity that may evoke connection rather showing up with an implicit demand. Beyond that, I’m just letting your final phrase about ‘the sentience of the land’ to resonate.
I am, for entirely selfish reasons, glad that you are staying in Gloucester.
Thanks for your comment. It feels very affirming. Hoping to see more of you, perhaps before too long at the Folk Museum here.
we’ll be at the folk museum event on the 21st!
We are expecting to be at the Apple Day this Saturday. Is there something on the Friday as well?
That’s a surprise and I guess has possibly come to you as a relief? Strange how things work out…
Yes, it is a relief in many ways. We are now looking forward to completing this house move process at last!