I don’t know if it is just me but time seems to be speeding up and rushing by. Each year seems to go by faster than the previous one and I seem to make fewer achievements for this passing of time. I have too many tasks and too many demands, but not enough time for them all.
The phone rings at any time of day or night, interrupting my thoughts and slowing me down whilst the time still flashes by. Other peoples schedules encroach and my plans get disjointed and out of kilter. I always seem to be waiting for something or someone which leaves no time to plan or think clearly. Too many things to take care of and not enough time to do all those things.
To make time slow down, I take time out, step out of life and time. I visit a garden, soak up some history, or walk by a river or through the woods; always with camera in hand; you never know when the perfect photo opportunity might show up.
Along the way I look for the perfect bench so that I can take time to sit and rest a while, stepping out from the humdrum and escaping for a while. I sit amongst nature and think, reflect, plan, stargaze, dream and reminisce. In this place where time slows down I forget about the day-to-day hustle and bustle and contemplate the wonders of nature and my place within it. I watch and listen and tune back in, once again at peace with my place in the world.
I invite you to sit and rest a while with me…
But before you sit down, please remember to turn your mobile phone off; we don’t want to be disturbed from our reveries.
Cherry - Out & About 
Stepping off the merry-go-round DOES mean leaving the phone, internet, and TV behind, Cherry. I’m with you on that. I just need to do it more often. My mother-in-law once told me she was busier and less organized after she retired than when she worked in her career. That’s me. If ever I question having time to take my daily walk, I hit myself on the head to say “WAKE UP, GINNIE, and smell the roses!” You seem to do this well, Cherry. Thanks for the reminder.
And now we’re off to see Petra at her painting exhibition near Den Haag. There really IS time to do such things!
October 8, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterGinnie
Oh..I so get this Cherry!! Just yesterday afternoon – out for a walk in the woods with my dog – I sat down on a big rock and just stared out into the changing light. So necessary to have a few quiet uninterrupted moments in the never-ending distraction.
Thank-you for this!
October 8, 2011 | Registered CommenterMarcie
Cherry, love this image!
I can never be reminded enough to: slow down, turn off the cell phone, breath. It needs to be carved into every living! Thank You!
October 8, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterMary Sherman
Such an important reminder Cherry…to take the time, to sit and rest, to relax, to let the mind wander to to most definitely turn off the outside world and all the gadgets that keep us “plugged in”.
October 8, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterSherry Smyth
This image of yours is illustrating perfectly the bench Id love to sit on to let myself think. How beautiful and so calming. Thank you Cherry 🙂
October 8, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterAnyes – Far Away in the Sunshine
Cherry, this is such a wonderful post! Your first paragraph could have described me – and I also love to step out. I love the beautiful image of the curved bench in this nice little corner – I can imagine sitting there and just day dreaming. We should do it much more often, and when we do without any feelings of guilt. I have also found that a walk around the lake is one of the best ways to “step out” and rest a bit. And don’t worry, I almost never have my cellphone turned on!
October 9, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterCarola
I love the colors and artistry of your photo. Like everyone else, I can relate to your words. I’ve been practicing mindfulness lately – paying attention as I walk to the crunching of leaves, the sound of the wind, the sun on my face, my breaths – looking for that sense of presence, slowing down, relaxation. It really does seem to make a difference in how happy I feel.
October 9, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterMaery Rose
Oh, yes, I was just having this same conversation today at a family picnic. It seems to not just be passing, but accelerating. And I think you are right, it is so important to just stop every so often and force yourself to slow down, to just be.
My garden is one of my favorite places to do that.
October 9, 2011 | Unregistered Commenterkelly
oh yes, this is such a good reminder to lose all the things that have us rushing around like headless chickens. i have been doing that a lot more lately, and – like kelly – it’s often in my garden, simple things like feeding our ducks, or putting together my pot garden ( a collection of herbs and flowering shrubs that I am collecting). it makes me feel happy 🙂
October 11, 2011 | Registered CommenterEliza
A fabulous illustration to accompany your wonderful post. I love turning all the gadgets off and leaving the email for a day now and then. It really is so restful.
October 11, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterMarie
Thank you for all your thoughtful replies, they all chime with me and expand on my blog post 🙂
October 11, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterCherryPe
At last here I am. Too busy ;-(. You are so right !!! Thanks for reminding me
October 12, 2011 | Registered CommenterPetra