The “Cape of Storms” has been delivering on its promise of late, and I found myself wishing that I could sing I can see clearly now, the rain has gone…
Simultaneously, I joined other residents in being grateful for the fast rising waters of our storage dams.
Maybe water restrictions will be eased this summer together with the multitude of new laws cramping our style?
Photographs of the heavy snow on the Matroosberg reminded me of the Swiss Alps, and in particular the Matterhorn.
This iconic peak towers over the picturesque village of Zermatt, in the canton of Valais.
I imagine that the thought uppermost in the minds of visitors is “may the clouds blow away so that I can see the peak clearly!”
The town is a pollution-free zone. All refuse is removed from the area and no petrol or diesel vehicles are permitted to operate.
Visitors leave their cars at the town of Tasch and board an electric train to Zermatt.
They are met at the station by porters driving small electric tractors drawing trailers that carry three or four people and their luggage.
True to form, when we arrived the Matterhorn was shrouded in white cloud. The thin air was crisp and the sound of the swiftly flowing river was music to the ears of those used to the noise of city traffic.
Theonly “threat”came fromspeeding bicycles and careless joggers.
Our holiday apartment was on the second floor and afforded an unobstructed view of the Matterhorn.
We got up early the following morning and rushed to the window. The clouds had disappeared during the night and the Mountain was in clear view. What a splendid sight.
Later that morning we took a cable car to the base of the peak, enjoyed an espresso and absorbed the stunning vista. There was no mist and we could see clearly across the border into Italy.
Standing on a high mountain is exhilarating. Life feels significant and this feeling comes from being fully present. Paying attention to the view seems to facilitate paying attention to the self.
Gliding down to our starting point, in the gently swaying gondola, I felt invigorated and at peace with the world.
I could see clearly. My life was in focus. I was no longer preoccupied with my duties and responsibilities. The Mountain had reminded me that I am one with the Universe.
During the past few months the information load has been overwhelming. We have been bombarded by articles on self-care and how to prepare for the future.
I may do something quite irrational if I read another arcane comment about “the new normal!”
Granted, there will be some changes in the way we “do life.” What we need to do is clear. We must ensure that the changes are positive, healthy and protective of the environment.
Lockdown, the frustrating hiatus in the unfolding of 2020, has helped me to see life more clearly. It’s been akin to an extended stay on a mountaintop.
Standing in a central place and taking in the vast vista before me every day. I still have many unanswered questions but I have learned to live with a quiet uncertainty.
I am trying to be more patient. I am allowing the process to take its course.
Focus on your breathing. Focus on the present. Focus on what is certain. Certainties are different for everyone.
I am thankful for the following: very good health, a loving family, a good support system, loving canine friends, being free to exercise, good housing and transport.
Observing a short period of meditation, usually in the morning, prepares me for the day.
Concentrating on the positive realities of life will keep us grounded.
Thinking about the goodwill, generosity, determination and resilience of South Africans will keep us humble.
Working on the things we can change instead of fretting about the things we can’t change, will give us peace.
Mountaintop experiences, physical or psychological, are rare for most of us. The trick is to create a mental space where we can see clearly over the obstacles of restlessness and uncertainty.
Where we can be at peace and let the world unfold as it should.
Shalom!
Rudyard Harrison is a retired Methodist minister, and councils at the Ruach Centre in Somerset West.
Begin forwarded message:
From: “Rudyard Harrison