One of the things that I love about Scotland is that no matter where you are, you are never too far from some place with a relatively rural aspect. You could be smack-bang in the middle of a busy shopping mall on a Saturday afternoon and then, in the time it takes to walk 10 minutes, find yourself in a beautiful secluded garden, a wide open expanse of parkland, or even looking out over miles and miles of arable land where the prime real estate is occupied by sheep and cattle.
When I was out on Saturday in Edinburgh with my family, I decided to take a short cut through the graveyard which sits at the bottom the castle. We had just been at the Farmers’ Market enjoying the buzz which pervades Castle Terrace every Saturday morning, of enthusiastic producers and curious customers, of dogs trotting at their masters’ heels, of children dodging round the legs of the grown-ups who are asking questions, putting in orders, tasting the cheese, the wine, the oatcakes, the tablet. Finishing off our weekly shop, I decided to take the boys to the park to run off some of their energy, so we ducked down through the gate in the thick, ancient sandstone wall that encircles the land at the foot of the castle.
Instantly we were surrounded by a quiet calm; it was as though we had walked into a bubble where the hectic but happy hubbub became instantly hushed and the cool quiet of the graveyard took its place. There was no-one around and the contrast between where we had just been and where we were now was astounding. A little pocket of peacefulness.
I took this photo while we were passing through and I just had to share it with you as I think it really captures that sense of calm solitude, with the soft light streaming through the trees, dappling the leaves and casting haphazard shadows on the leaf-strewn grass. I soft-focused the edges to try and convey the very real sense that I had of entering into another place, a quiet space of tranquility undisturbed by the busyness of the day.
Where do you find an oasis of calm away from the frantic, fervid pace of daily life? Is there a place in your neighbourhood which acts as a pocket of peacefulness?
What a beautiful photo, Amy!
Like you, I am lucky enough to live in a small town in Stirlingshire, which is surrounded by beautiful countryside.
When my twins were babies, I used to take them out in their pram twice a day and walk for an hour or so. I loved walking along the banks of the River Carron or along country paths. My daily walks were not only a great way of shifting my baby weight, but they were also fantastic for my mental wellbeing. I loved the fantastic scenery and fresh air and could really switch off from the stresses and strains of family life! I even enjoyed walking in the pouring rain!
There is a path near my house, which is where a railway track used to be. (It closed to passengers in the 1930s and to freight in 1967.) I still enjoy walking along this path under the old railway bridges. When it’s dry, I often take the girls to nursery school along this route. The girls really enjoy their walks ‘through the forest’. We love listening to the birds, watching out for rabbits and squirrels, admiring the pretty flowers and jumping on the crunchy leaves!
Thanks for sharing this beautiful photo, Amy! In Berlin, there are some great graveyards too. They are like big green islands in the noise of the city. And I like to read the headstones – a lot of very known people are buried there. Musicians like Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, or garden architects. It is like a walk through history.
Ulla Hennigs last blog post..Silence and Peace
Howdy, Amy! I love the concept of “getting away” when things get hectic. It’s like a cool shower on a hot day. Taking a vacation from life’s rushing pace is always easy for me, though; a quiet pocket of calm is only as far away as an enjoyable book. I’ve always had the ability to focus on my reading to the point of being able to completely ignore everything around me.
Robert Hruzeks last blog post..The Tie That Binds
Amy, this is a beautiful photo and you have truly captured the peace of this lovely place. There is a park near my home, tucked away, you would miss it if driving by. In the midst of a bustling neighborhood it sits unobtrusive and rather unremarkable at first glance. Yet, when you enter and cross a little foot bridge you are transported into a magical place of looming trees and absolute serenity. The quiet solitude is only broken by the sound of chirping birds and falling leaves. It is one of my favorite places here in Michigan. I had loads of favorite places in my old home so I’m trying to find new ones here. This so far is my only one but it is a treasure.
Great photo, Amy. I got gooseflesh seeing the graveyard again. We stumbled into it our first afternoon in Edinburgh. An oasis of deep greens and quiet grays, just a few steps away from busy Princes Street. I was especially taken by the sundial on the wall at St. Cuthbert’s. “Vivite Fugio” is the inscription. “Live well, for I fly”. Good advice.
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What a beautiful picture. I can feel the stillness of the place by just looking at the picture. While I rarely have the need to go seek for peace/silence, meditation works best for me. I simply visualize wherever I want to be and enjoy. Following post describes it in detail : Instant De-stressing and Relaxation Technique – Anytime, Anywhere
Avani-Mehtas last blog post..Honor Your Anger Style : Anger Management Series Part V
My pocket of peacefulness is walking along the shore of lake michigan. I also find a pocket of peacefullness each week during my creative art class.
Stacey / Create a Balances last blog post..Yes, Oprah Really Did Call Me
You must be one of the few parents that still walk their kids to nursery/school, Annette. Good to hear it! Sounds like a really special walk too.
That sounds like a fabulous graveyard, Ulla. I’ll need to put it on my list of places to visit!
Oh, where would we be without a good book, Robert? Couldn’t agree with you more
I’m sure you’ll find even more treasures, Karen. Sometimes it just takes a little time. You’re little park sounds like the perfect start!
Do you know, Bud, I never even saw that inscription! Will definitely look out for it next time I’m through there.
I’ve just started experimenting with meditation, Avani-Mehta, so I’ll be sure to check your post out. Thanks so much for linking to it!
I often find peacefulness beside water, Stacey – it has a special calming effect on my soul
Hi Amy,
Reading this made me so homesick! This is the beauty of Scotland I miss so much.
I love to getaway on a stream. There is something about water rushing by that calms me.
David
davids last blog post..Whistle while you work