With so much global uncertainty at the moment, following on from months of uncertainty here in Australia with respect to drought and bushfires (which are still actually global issues – hello climate crisis), we all have to find our own ways of coping. Not knowing what is going to happen day by day, let alone next week, next month…next year…!!! The not knowing is the hardest part.
I’ve been trying for years to be more in the moment. I am certainly more mindful, my focus on the smallest of details is truly mastered. But those moments of succumbing to the mesmerising pattern of the veins on leaves, or ripples in puddles, are all too often broken by a child’s demands, or the clock ticking towards the next appointment, or simply my overthinking brain moving to the next moment. Most of our days are planned, even if loosely, there is usually a plan. And when moments don’t go plan the feelings of frustration and lack of control come rushing out. Right now we are out of control. All of us. It is scary.
However, this last week I’ve been observing and noticed that my 5yr old son is far less affected by the current situation. He is aware of the virus, but is not listening to the news, hitting refresh, or panic buying, or thinking about money and the future. He is playing with his cars on the carpet whilst humming Star Wars tunes. He is in the moment. Truly in the moment.
Sometimes I wish I was my son.
He recently got a library book about mangroves, and excitedly described it to me as a book about mangoes 😊. I giggled and then we read it and talked together about trees and tides and destruction and rebuilding (it was a great book!) The very next day I went for my usual river walk and literally stopped and stared at the mangroves. Really appreciating and understanding them after reading the book.
This photo is of the mangroves that sit along the sides of the Cooks River. I find them strong and strange and sometimes very smelly! They are big and round and lush, and then only at low tide can you see the magic that lies beneath the surface of the water – the shoots and leaves that live half their day underwater. These trees produce pods that can drop off and float downstream to find a new home to grow. They fascinate me. I don’t think I’d seen them before I moved to Australia. Imagine if they grew mangoes too – even more amazing!
These mangroves see a lot. They experience a lot. And they just get on with it – high tide low tide, they just do their thing. Resilient.
Nature wins again.
Nature is my way of coping.
Love Stripes & Trees xxx
Stripes & Trees 
I love this❤️
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