ravishank

Inspiration

What is something others do that sparks your admiration?

There is someone in my life who continues to demonstrate patience, passion and resilience as if from an endless spring. They manage the day to day stresses and trials that life continues to throw at them without shirking or complaining while showing kindness and compassion to those around them. They have done this for decades and continue to do so to this day. This someone has endured life’s hardships while showing gratitude with a smile. I have witnessed them experience the death of two husbands and more recently, cancer and hospitalisation at ninety. They battle on and inspire others with their tenacity and positivity, their ideas, their love and passion. They paint, they sculpt, practice craftwork – in many and varied forms – and sell their work in retail shops indicative of quality and take up. They have worked for the Red Cross, taught in hospitals and brought up a family. Asked whether they would do it all over again and their answer is ‘yes’ without question. This may seem a tall order but they don’t see it as such and they take it all in their stride. Yes, my mother sparks my admiration.

Kid at heart

What does it mean to be a kid at heart?

Reading stories, dreaming and enjoying simple things can be revealing. So too is the spark and special aura of certain unique individuals. They seem to have a wellspring of energy regardless of age. I have only ever met one or two of these in my entire life. They could be described as enlightened. But watch out for the fakes. They can mislead and shroud a troubled spirit beneath the surface. But some people really have a spark, a childlike energy that seems to set them apart. That wellspring of energy, that special something that has nothing to do with status, power or station in life. They attract everyone of course, including the needy, the troubled and equally, repel the narcissist or the politician. They seem immune to social norms, expectations and appear as outsiders. Perhaps we can learn something from them: we can take what we want – the life of an adult – and have the spirit of a child at heart. No, it has nothing to do with wanting and it’s not a shopping list. The enlightened don’t appear to want anything or need anything in particular. They just are.

Drifting off

What daily habit do you do that improves your quality of life?

The one thing I try to do each day is to experience an activity as if for the first time. For some reason this simple act seems to have a positive influence on me. Now, I know this may sound strange but it can be quite fulfilling if you think about it in different ways. While it is recognised as a form of mindfulness there are some instances that are open to interpretation. Perhaps a more straightforward example of mindfulness is to eat something sugary. You could think about the sensation of sweetness and aim to isolate the experience.

Another task could be the simple act of moving your fingers. Such action may seem trivial and simply time wasting (justifiably so given daily priorities and time constraints etc). But if you decide to partake it can be interesting. Remember, the ordinary and mundane were once extraordinary for the uninitiated child. Feel the sensation of grabbing a bowl or picking up an object. Try attempting to write for the first time. If this doesn’t grab you (no pun intended) try doing so with your non dominant hand. The unfamiliarity and lack of dexterity forces you to focus on the task at hand. The immediate feeling may be one of frustration but then again you may begin to experience a new sensation.

Try tasting chocolate with no expectation or as if for the first time. Now, this may be a tricky one because chocolate is known to trigger the release of feel good chemicals such as dopamine, theobromine and anandamide but hey, you didn’t know this as a kid (at least I didn’t). I challenge you to really taste it separating the cacao flavours from the sweetness component. Yummmm!

Another task is to follow your train of thought as you drift off to sleep. This is not the linear thought process of the conscious mind. The catch is sustaining some awareness without actually falling asleep:)

On the other hand you may find this so completely uninteresting that you are falling asleep anyway 💤

A day in the life ..

Was today typical?

Diary entry July 28

Early start at 4:30 am. Text group leader that I’m in for today’s jump. Feeling groggy but the coffee helps. Check the pack from last night. Yes, everything here except the unnecessary. Take emergency kit with protein drink and electrolytes separately. Yes, I’ve double checked. All here. Doing a fry up. Nothing like a cooked breakfast. Best preparation but have a sinking feeling most of this ends up in the paper bag at 10 thousand feet. Checking text memo from group leader. Great, all’s clear. Jump’s on. Weather good for plane. Just a south easterly picking up mid arvo. Extra details on check list – mm, seems all here. Oh, what’s this written at the bottom?

’At the time of arrival core needs must be met. This includes anything outside requisite procedure.’

No stress. No chances taken. Nothing left to chance. Just jump. Yes, this is it! Right, shower and change. Don’t forget the lucky necklace. Keys, right. Now, make sure everything’s switched off inside. Place pack next to medical kit on back seat. Must get to airfield before dawn.

Just another typical day (I wish).