Rosemary for Remembrance
Courage, suffering and the healing power of nature
The month of November, among other themes, offers pause for remembrance.
Now is an opportunity to reflect upon the sacrifices made by all who serve and have served for peace in our world; to respect the courage of so many, to honour the fallen and to acknowledge the innocent whose lives have been lost in conflict or in acts of terrorism.
Our world today needs our thoughts, our prayers and our desire for peace and harmony between all people.
These considerations bring the reminder also, of the inevitability of personal suffering.
None can avoid misfortune, illness, accident, ageing, loss … the death of loved ones and an array of recurring themes that embrace pain, hurt and grieving within our own lives and the lives of others.
We can accept the many faces of suffering. Indeed, in time, with courage, we must. But how best to manage the emotional pain that may linger long within our life challenges?
For all time, humanity has sought images, words, potions and the power of nature to quell dis-ease for body and mind.
Hence the green and fragrant rosemary leaves come to mind … rosemary for remembrance. A humble plant yet history tells that the Greek scholars of old wore trails of rosemary to strengthen memory and assist their successful work – no doubt an early recorded connection between humanity and products of the earth.
Throughout all time nature is linked to the human condition
If we reflect upon nature, we will surely recall powerful moments where special recollections within the garden, the park, the mountains or the sea can trigger memories, laughter or tears.
Nature, like ourselves, is constantly changing. In nature there are times of rapid growth, times of feeding, times of peaceful resting, dormant times, times of pestilence and trauma, times of dying, times for pruning, times of flourishing, times with birds, bees and other insects … and times for nurturing …
Since naturalness and simplicity are within everything it seems wise to value those qualities for ourselves – to become better, stronger, calmer, happier and healthier for as long as we’re meant to lovingly live, enjoy and contribute to our world.
Naturalness and simplicity …and some thoughts about Stillness Meditation Therapy
Originated by renowned Australian psychiatrist, Ainslie Meares M.D. 1910-1986
When my story was first published (In Stillness Conquer Fear: 1983) Dr Meares authorised me to teach his work, sharing and guiding me like a kind of apprentice, in maintaining its natural simplicity. In teaching this life-art to others and witnessing extraordinary benefits in the lives of so many, I like to remind my clients of Dr Meares’ encouraging words:
“all easy … all natural” …
Stillness Meditation, like a kind of pruning, means first let go of tightness and tension … just easy … simply letting it all go. In effortless ‘letting’ … simply letting … we begin to capture a glimpse of stillness within our whole being. We remain with it, calmly, just being still. And gradually the mind follows. And the ease in our body begins to merge into ease within our mind. Just as the garden naturally and effortlessly rests, we can also rest. In effortlessness comes release and with repetition of the practice, physical, mental and emotional calm is gained. Like caring for the garden, and among other rewards from ‘stillness’ practice, the mind learns to capture ease and those symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, tension, frustration and fear … gradually, gradually subside. Little by little, a gentle relief is gained. And so can be discovered a new way of ‘being’.
Our work at this consultancy strictly follows Meares’ tradition
Our clients are assisted through the support of reassurance, encouragement and facilitation of Stillness Meditation Therapy … deep physical and mental rest: a practice – or a ritual – to regularly repeat and gradually discover one’s own natural calm and serenity.
And so life improves to become calmer, happier and more true to oneself
