As Advent leads to Christmas, let’s allow ourselves to step softly forward, that in the stillness and expectant hopefulness, we might seek those small glimmers of healing light.
Thank you for these beautiful reflections. I heard a choir singing ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’ whilst looking at schools for my daughter last year and I found the words and the experience so nostalgic and moving. Thank you for reminding me of the words again, and of the other beautiful carols you mention. Absolutely here for all the stillness and quietude possible in December! xx
I need quite a lot of silence and stillness in my life with small bursts of sociability and activity sprinkled through it. It is easy to be overwhelmed by too much ‘noise’ at this time of year, both audible and visual as Christmas music, lights, decorations and events flood in. I’m lucky to live in the country where quiet prevails and can just choose the ‘noisy’ occasions I enjoy.
I loved reading this David. As I get older I am seeking more and more peace and calmness. Even as a devout music lover I find myself often leaving the cd player off in the car as I journey to work. Just enjoying the silence.
Yes! The months of stillness are bittersweet, as facing ourselves in silence can be disorienting and difficult. But, as you say, it is essential. Necessary to the cultivation of each of us as humans. I also love your nod to the fact that "we've been here before." This is so good to remember, like tying ourselves up in a community effort of remembering that we wrestle with and celebrate the same things, the similar stirrings within our spirits. <3
The photos are so so lovely! ❄🌸 I really need pockets of stillness to myself as it's one of the ways I process the world around and how I tap into my imagination for my art. And like you, as the years flew by, I sought out more calm & quietude during the busy holiday season. I'm all about a life that I can actually remember now, haha. ✨✨✨
There is much I recognize and understand here. As a fellow only child, stillness and silence are so important to me, especially at this time of year. Thank you too for sharing the Sally Beamish, I didn't know it and it is very beautiful.
“…as much as I enjoyed spending time in the company of others, I always craved my own space”. Same. I need pockets of silence in my day or I find that I tend to get frazzled. Lovely post, David!
I’ve also been thinking a lot about stillness so this is very timely for me! A great reminder and In the Bleak Midwinter was my mother’s favourite Christmas carol so it holds a very special place in my heart. Lovely writing David, thank you for sharing.
These words gave me comfort. The first part, felt like reading about myself as a child. ✨
Aww, thank you ✨🙏
Thank you for these beautiful reflections. I heard a choir singing ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’ whilst looking at schools for my daughter last year and I found the words and the experience so nostalgic and moving. Thank you for reminding me of the words again, and of the other beautiful carols you mention. Absolutely here for all the stillness and quietude possible in December! xx
Thank you 🙏✨ Yes, we’re definitely seeking stillness amidst the hustle and bustle of December.
Just beautiful. You write about what so many of us seek and need. Thank you 🍃
Aww, thank you 🙏✨
I need quite a lot of silence and stillness in my life with small bursts of sociability and activity sprinkled through it. It is easy to be overwhelmed by too much ‘noise’ at this time of year, both audible and visual as Christmas music, lights, decorations and events flood in. I’m lucky to live in the country where quiet prevails and can just choose the ‘noisy’ occasions I enjoy.
I think that sounds like the perfect approach ✨
I loved reading this David. As I get older I am seeking more and more peace and calmness. Even as a devout music lover I find myself often leaving the cd player off in the car as I journey to work. Just enjoying the silence.
Silence is definitely underrated ✨
Yes! The months of stillness are bittersweet, as facing ourselves in silence can be disorienting and difficult. But, as you say, it is essential. Necessary to the cultivation of each of us as humans. I also love your nod to the fact that "we've been here before." This is so good to remember, like tying ourselves up in a community effort of remembering that we wrestle with and celebrate the same things, the similar stirrings within our spirits. <3
Thank you; so glad this resonated ✨🙏
Having read this the lyrics of Sound of Silence by Paul Simon come to mind💕
The photos are so so lovely! ❄🌸 I really need pockets of stillness to myself as it's one of the ways I process the world around and how I tap into my imagination for my art. And like you, as the years flew by, I sought out more calm & quietude during the busy holiday season. I'm all about a life that I can actually remember now, haha. ✨✨✨
Thank you 🙏✨ Yes, I’m with you on creating a life I can remember 😂🙌
There is much I recognize and understand here. As a fellow only child, stillness and silence are so important to me, especially at this time of year. Thank you too for sharing the Sally Beamish, I didn't know it and it is very beautiful.
Thank you 🙏✨
“…as much as I enjoyed spending time in the company of others, I always craved my own space”. Same. I need pockets of silence in my day or I find that I tend to get frazzled. Lovely post, David!
Thank you ✨🙏
I’ve also been thinking a lot about stillness so this is very timely for me! A great reminder and In the Bleak Midwinter was my mother’s favourite Christmas carol so it holds a very special place in my heart. Lovely writing David, thank you for sharing.
Thank you very much 🙏✨
I lovely piece of writing with some great reminders to make time for peace and calm during this busy time of year.
Thank you so much 🙏✨
Such beautiful reflections 🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️