When I was working as a GP in Edinburgh we had two clinic premises, one near the university and the other down at the shore in Portobello. One of my favourite routes between the two was the road around the base of Arthur’s Seat. As I’d drive along that road hurrying from one set of appointments to another I’d often spot someone sitting on one of the park benches and I’d think “Wouldn’t that be bliss?” But it seemed I had no time to take such a pause.
Ever since I was a student at Edinburgh University I’ve loved spending time in the Royal Botanic Gardens. One of my most favourite places in the world. I love the diversity of plants in the different areas of the gardens but I especially enjoy spending time amongst the tallest trees.
Last week I visited the Palace gardens in La Granja, in Spain which has lots of forested areas. Really a complete delight. Look at this bench, one of several scattered around the fountains along the many paths winding their way through the trees. Isn’t this just SO appealing?
This image makes two points for me. It reminds me of the importance of spending time amongst trees….something well known now as a healthy activity. And it reminds me of the importance of “taking a moment”.
We need to just slow down a little from time to time. We need to pause and reflect if we aren’t to be driven on semi-automatic by the wishes and Will of others.
It’s only when we stand back a moment and appreciate the “necessary distance”, as Iain McGilchrist calls it, that we can break the automatic feedback loops and become truly aware of the here and now.
Why not take a moment? Even right now, after reading this.
Heroes Not Zombies 
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