A SWIM AND A TURTLE
This week, the scorching summer heat
arrived early, pushing the freshness of springtime out the window. The
sweltering weather did leave us wondering, not excitedly, about the
strength and heat of the summer season to come. It also means though,
that it has become warm enough to swim this week.
Usually at this time of year, walking is limited to early mornings or around sunset, as it is getting too hot to be out and about in the middle of the day. Often though, the water in the oceans, rivers, or swimming pools has not yet warmed up quite enough to entice everyone in, including me. Of course, you can always count on children, the brave little souls that they are, to jump in the moment that pool gates are opened.
Yesterday though, was the celebrated day of my first swim for the season. And wonderfully, it was in my most favourite place to swim in the whole wide world. I have written of this waterhole and river in a previous article - Swimming. Oh how I love thee. The river also gets a mention in my full-length book. It is a beautiful place. (The dot of white in the middle of the photo is me swimming).
There is something so beautifully cleansing about the first swim of the season, and even more so if it is in fresh water. A wonderful and long-term friend was visiting from interstate, so it was a pleasure to show him one my favourite places to swim. The rest of the world fell away as we swam and drank in the music of the world around us. It is beautiful when the only sounds you can hear are natural ones, such as the breeze in the trees that line the banks of the river.
This morning my friend was back on the road south and as I sat listening to a distant bird, the rain fell quietly outside, reminding me of how quickly life can change. We can be challenged through fiery, hot situations (not just weather-wise) one day, and the next can be beautifully soothing, with soft rain sent to nurture us, like a balm of goodness to compensate for the previous heat or challenges.
I was also reminded of death today, when I came across a turtle with a broken shell. It was still alive, but not looking well. I've been told that once the shell is broken, they cannot survive long term anyway, poor darlings. So I carried it down to the nearby creek - a better resting spot, I decided, than the middle of a tar street.
Like the weather, our lives can change in a flash of time - from hot and almost unbearable one day to pleasant and nurturing the next. And like the turtle, our health and protection can change unexpectedly at any time too. Life is a constant reminder about living presently and in gratitude for where we are, when we are.
I hope the little turtle has a smooth passing. And as the afternoon brings a return of light, gentle rain, I say thanks for the endless lessons that nature teaches, in her oh-so gentle ways.
I have since been told that turtles with broken shells can be saved, just as long as its spine isn't severed. You need to find a rehabber who can fix its shell, care for it for many months, then release it back to the wild when it's healed. At least I now know for next time. Thank you to Carol from NY.
Usually at this time of year, walking is limited to early mornings or around sunset, as it is getting too hot to be out and about in the middle of the day. Often though, the water in the oceans, rivers, or swimming pools has not yet warmed up quite enough to entice everyone in, including me. Of course, you can always count on children, the brave little souls that they are, to jump in the moment that pool gates are opened.
Yesterday though, was the celebrated day of my first swim for the season. And wonderfully, it was in my most favourite place to swim in the whole wide world. I have written of this waterhole and river in a previous article - Swimming. Oh how I love thee. The river also gets a mention in my full-length book. It is a beautiful place. (The dot of white in the middle of the photo is me swimming).
There is something so beautifully cleansing about the first swim of the season, and even more so if it is in fresh water. A wonderful and long-term friend was visiting from interstate, so it was a pleasure to show him one my favourite places to swim. The rest of the world fell away as we swam and drank in the music of the world around us. It is beautiful when the only sounds you can hear are natural ones, such as the breeze in the trees that line the banks of the river.
This morning my friend was back on the road south and as I sat listening to a distant bird, the rain fell quietly outside, reminding me of how quickly life can change. We can be challenged through fiery, hot situations (not just weather-wise) one day, and the next can be beautifully soothing, with soft rain sent to nurture us, like a balm of goodness to compensate for the previous heat or challenges.
I was also reminded of death today, when I came across a turtle with a broken shell. It was still alive, but not looking well. I've been told that once the shell is broken, they cannot survive long term anyway, poor darlings. So I carried it down to the nearby creek - a better resting spot, I decided, than the middle of a tar street.
Like the weather, our lives can change in a flash of time - from hot and almost unbearable one day to pleasant and nurturing the next. And like the turtle, our health and protection can change unexpectedly at any time too. Life is a constant reminder about living presently and in gratitude for where we are, when we are.
I hope the little turtle has a smooth passing. And as the afternoon brings a return of light, gentle rain, I say thanks for the endless lessons that nature teaches, in her oh-so gentle ways.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I have since been told that turtles with broken shells can be saved, just as long as its spine isn't severed. You need to find a rehabber who can fix its shell, care for it for many months, then release it back to the wild when it's healed. At least I now know for next time. Thank you to Carol from NY.
