Hello faithful readers, and passers by!
As you can see, my ability to produce one blogpost a month is waning a little, but that will make sense if you read on!
Since the onset of our Pandemic times there have been many adjustments in my life, as I am sure you can relate. My dedication to project 4 x 4 x 4 has not waned, but alas, I am only human (which is sometimes terribly frustrating) and so can only achieve a certain amount in the time I am given. Much to my chagrin I began a full-time job back in November - a relief for my more sensible friends who worry about my free-spirited approach to life when it comes to matters of financial survival! However, as much as I like to manage my own agenda, I could see the shutters had been pulled down on freelance commissions for the foreseeable future, and I am not completely frivolous!
I am working at a high-end Picture Framers in the city. It’s good, but it takes up more than ten hours of my day, which has put a strain on keeping other things going. I just have to be way more disciplined about what I choose to do, and luckily I have a good store of energy which helps!
I am a keen runner as some of you will know. During the first lockdown I created run-bys as a way of getting closer to people I know, and would ordinarily see. I ran past friends’ homes and recorded a video as I gave them a wave. They only found out about it later! Fast-forward one tumble, two injuries, physio via Zoom, and recovery. Since early April I have picked up from some training that I was doing just before the pandemic, for an event that I had scheduled for last year. The event is called The Ridgeway 40 and as it might suggest is forty miles long. It travels along the ancient ridgeway path from Avebury in Wiltshire to Streatley village in Berkshire. It is officially a walk, but they allow those that wish to run, to run! I have chosen to make it count by raising funds for Refugee Action: Refugee Action works directly with refugees to help them rebuild their lives here in Britain. They provide support with housing, finances and legal aid, as well as campaigning for their rights. Apologies for those that follow me on social media or other means where I may have already told you about this, but please find below a link to my sponsorship page if you would like to make a donation.
A hefty run-by! Still from this year, run-by last spring!
I know running isn’t for everyone, but it brings me a lot of joy, and gives me space to think and figure things out along the way. I have many tools in my self-improvement armoury, and I would recommend trying any of these at times you need to find some clarity or peace in your life:
Walking which is accessible to most: anything from ten minutes away from the desk, to a good walk in the park or further afield.
Mindfulness & meditation again, this does not have to take up too much time or be overly esoteric. I never thought I was in to meditation, as it seemed ‘a step too far’ then I realised that I participated in it regularly with this short practice: Sit tall with your feet on the ground and your hands resting on your legs, palms up: take a few breaths to bring yourself to the present moment, or go through all of your senses one by one, recognising them, but not over-thinking it! You can even just stand for a few seconds, making sure you are grounded, relax your shoulders and take a few breaths to re-engage with the moment.
Yoga! Of course yoga. This has been a part of my life since my early twenties, and although I have such little time to practice the physical element myself right now, I know it is there, and can be easily accessed through muscle-memory and practice. This is the one thing I would recommend to every person on this planet.
Free-writing, I think that is what they call it! I have been jotting things down as long as I remember, but recently I have been taking a more targeted approach to writing, and have been getting up an hour early once a week to go and write!
Maybe you have something that is bothering you, a decision to make for example. Take yourself somewhere away from home like a park or cafe, and spend an hour writing, without judgement, You’ll be surprised what comes up. You don’t even have to read it!
As well as hanging outside The Barbican centre when we had a brief glimpse of summer, I have discovered that Urban Social Coffee bar on Upper Street is the perfect spot for a bit of early morning writing! Croissant optional.
I dusted off my DSLR recently to take some pictures of my son, but the agreement was that I cannot publish them! I had some good news also, that an image of mine has been selected for Shutter Hub’s first publication in their own publishing house! That will be released later this year.
It’s been a turbulent 18 months, and I think it will take us all some time to unpick all that we have experienced during this period.
I will end with this offering from a meditation that I have been practicing almost daily for the past two weeks (on the recommendation of a trusted ally)…
May you be happy, may you be well, may you be comfortable, and at peace.
Blessings
Amanda x
From a recent run in Trent Park - a vast country park with plenty of off-road and undulations for practice!