Meditative Interlude

To one who has been long in city pent,
'Tis very sweet to look into the fair
And open face of heaven, to breathe a prayer
Full in the smile of the blue firmament.
~ John Keats ~

Every now and then, it is good for both ones physical and mental well-being to escape from the everyday activity of life and to immerse oneself in the heart and soul of the natural world.  To be absolutely at peace, surrounded by mountains, sky and water and not think about any of the many things one focuses on during the course of a normal day.  These pauses or interludes break the pace and allow one to breathe more deeply and consciously and to reconnect with ones source or essence. 

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A well-placed interlude relieves the tedium and monotony of life and reminds one of ones place in the greater scheme of life.  Little troubles and niggles assume insignificance.  Greater ones are relegated to the recesses of ones mind for a short while, allowing a reprieve from worry and concern.  Sit a while and allow your mind to rest as you breathe slowly and deeply, in and out... 

How glorious a greeting the sun gives the mountains!  ~ John Muir ~

As you sit on the hillside, or lie prone under the trees of the forest, or sprawl wet-legged by a mountain stream, the great door, that does not look like a door, opens.  ~ Stephen Graham ~

Whenever the pressure of our complex city life thins my blood and benumbs my brain, I seek relief in the trail. ~ Hamlin Garland ~

Smile, breathe and go slowly.  ~ Thich Nhat Hanh ~

Man's heart away from nature becomes hard. 
~ Standing Bear ~

These images were all taken today, at Wemmershoek Dam in the Drakenstein Mountains of the Western Cape. We will soon be entering our rainy season and the dam,  now half full will gradually start filling up.

The vegetation, dry and parched after the long dry summer months will turn into a lush green wonderland, seemingly overnight and as Spring approaches, the fynbos will explode into vibrant colour. We are entering one of the most beautiful times of year in the Western Cape.  It will be cold, as this is our winter time, but we will enjoy many glorious crisp days with clear blue skies and perfect lighting.