I walk at the lakeside again. It’s the end of July and Summer has made its full appearance. It’s been hot and dry for weeks now. Quite unusual for the Netherlands. We’re used to wet Summers. Something to complain about, the weather. Too wet and cold, too dry and hot… Apparently, no enjoyment in either. Maybe it’s what defines people. Always longing for something that’s not there. It takes us to search for meditation courses, yoga classes, mindfulness. To try and get us there, in that particular moment.
So here I am, walking, in an attempt to order my thoughts and organize my head. I don’t feel particularly “in this moment”. Rather rushed, agitated. Similar to the weeks before Christmas. That same kind of hurry and agitation. As if my life depended on getting things done, finished before the holidays start. To complete things as a necessary condition for enjoying that big moment: Christmas, summer holidays.
I stare ahead at the water. It’s past sunset, but still light. And very quiet. An otter swims along the nearby shore, quietly, purposefully. She’s either not aware of my nearby presence, or chooses to ignore it. Smoothly, she moves through the water and instinctively finds her spot to get on shore. And disappears in the high reeds.
With a clear and peaceful mind, I head back home.