JULY DAYS 2024
by contemplativeinquiry
My walking time is still restricted. Perhaps because of this, familiar outdoor spaces have become exotic and magical to my eyes. My limiting circumstances are paradoxically making me more focused and attentive, enhancing my felt quality of life. I am readier to find joy in simple, passing experiences.
On my contemplative walks, the shapes and colours of trees move me deeply. Grasses and sky have a similar impact. I am very aware of these July days. I am very aware of summer. I am very aware of my place in the world as the year turns in my immediate neighbourhood.
A little further away, I stand on a canal bridge (below) and look back towards the city, which seems distant and small. Water and sky give me space and perspective. I let the elements of water and air nourish me at a time when I am largely grounded.
Close up at the water margin, I find light shining on the water. There is energy and movement here. The power of the sun is present in both a shifting luminosity on the water and the flowering resilience on the bank.
I shift into a meditation on the four classical elements – earth, water, air and fire – and how they work together to make the fifth (life, spirit) possible. Consciously engaged with the four, I can stand as the fifth, resourcing my individual life within a world of impermanence and interbeing.
Contemplative Inquiry 
I understand this concentrated view – by choice I am a ‘homebody’ – I rarely venture far (I have no passport and have not travelled abroad since 2013) Even before COVID trips to local town were infrequent let alone to other parts of the country. I can now count on one hand how often I am away from my immediate locality each year. I am out and about every day and I never tire of my surroundings. Contentment doesn’t cover it – you’re right, it’s magical.
Thanks for this affirming comment! Nice to hear this view from someone else.
There is such richness in knowing a place closely.
Indeed. Thanks for your comment Nimue.
When moving beyond what we find in nature to nature finding us, one is moved deeply, as you described so well in your post.
Many thanks for your comment. I like your phrase “nature finding us”.