In the Botanic Garden
I have many photos like this…
…tree branches outlined against a blue sky, with some fluffy white clouds floating by.
You have probably guessed I’m engaged in Active Rest - on this occasion in the Botanic Garden of Oxford.
When I was young (back in the 80s) I lived in Oxford for four years, working at Oxford University Press. I like to visit every now and again and am lucky enough to be able to stay with a friend.
In need of Active Rest
On this fine morning I decided to walk around some of my old haunts. By the middle of the day I was tired and aching. I sat down for a coffee but knew an injection of Active Rest was what I really needed. Having found a sheltering tree, I spread my raincoat on the still slightly damp grass and used my bag as a head rest.
It felt good to take a break and although nobody else appeared to be enjoying Active Rest, several other people were stretched out in the sun.
Noticing sensory input
The photo shows what I was seeing. Sounds were perhaps the most interesting input: conversations growing louder and then fading as people walked by; the crunch of feet and wheels on gravel; the rustling of leaves in the light breeze; the buzzing of insects; a faint mechanical hum; reggae music coming and going in snatches; and a mysterious popping noise. I couldn’t smell any flowers but recent rain had brought out a general scent of vegetation. Neither cold nor hot, I was aware of slight changes in temperature as clouds passed in front of the sun. All this sensory input pushed out the mental chatter usually to be found inside my head.
I’m not sure I ever visited the Botanic Garden when I lived in Oxford. I was a different person and life was not the same as now. For example, you had to go food shopping during your lunch break or on a Saturday!
A melancholy habit?
Lying there, a wave of melancholy (perhaps that’s my habit) swept over me for lost friends and opportunities. But this was quickly replaced by a sense of well-being as I allowed myself to expand into and connect with my surroundings. I needed to pay attention only to my Self as it stopped clinging on to tension and thoughts and restrictions. The Past is something to be explored in a different context, and as for the Future, I’d already made a plan for the rest of the day.
After a few minutes I felt lighter, calmer, more comfortable, and ready to continue with my wanderings. I rolled over and gathered my things, getting up carefully, and taking my time.
Then I strolled over to the source of the popping noises and discovered seeds from a large bush exploding at short intervals. I was disappointed not to find a label. Perhaps it’s time to acquire a plant identifier app!