A walk along the road : my reflective blog

In our fast lives it is all too easy to be caught up in the busyness and miss or not see what is around you. While driving today it was hard not to notice a herd of mountain goats on the road - not to mention these two who were having a full on disagreement.  The novel or unusual will obviously get our attention easily - but how often do we go through life on 'auto pilot' oblivious to what is going on around us - caught up in worrying about people and future events and not present in the moment ? How often do you notice things on your drive or walk to work ?  Do you take time to be conscious of the familiar sounds and sights each day? I challenge you to go for a walk this evening - walk around somewhere familiar but go with the intention of being aware and take notice of your environment. As you walk, look up and around, notice things, be aware of the noise your feet make as you walk ... try and focus on your breathing ....  Stop half way on your walk and consider your life, wh

 I don't really understand the fascination and lure of lighthouses .... but I know I'm not the only one who is fascinated and drawn to the mystery of a lighthouse.  Today I made my first visit to Hook Head Lighthouse  in Wexford, Ireland.  I remember fondly my time living and working on Fair Isle  and how on the (many) stormy days I wondered how the lighthouse managed to stay standing - but how reassuring it was at night as the light would sweep over my house ... it was a constant and dependable feature of my life at the time.  I wonder if the altruistic purpose and nature is a component of our love for them ... there to keep us (or boats at sea to be more precise) safe ?  As a final reflection - I can't think about lighthouses and not recall that powerful saying which is a timely reminder for everyone; If you close your eyes no lighthouse can help you   a challenge to us all to be aware, live in the moment and not to ignore or refuse the support and help that is there. Al