I sat on a wooden bench recently, looking out at the sea in Whitstable where I visit family every few months. The bench was slightly damp from recent rain. There was a chill in the air but I was warmed a bit by my small portion of chips I’d just bought. I enjoyed the sunset while I ate, dog walkers, families, couples, groups of friends occasionally walking in my vicinity. When the chips were finished and I started to feel the cold more keenly I made a slow walk back to the house.
Photo by Engin Akyurt on Pexels
I deliberately went a longer way back which happened to take me past a couple of benches, with the following inscription spread across them: “What is this life if, full of care / We have no time to stand and stare.” I’d heard that line before but didn’t know who said it. Looking up the quote later I discovered it was a line from a poem in the public domain, entitled Leisure by William Henry Davies. Here it is in full:
What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to turn at Beauty’s glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
Prior to my walk I’d been finishing a piece of work over several hours straight which is a long time for me to work without a break. My psychosis is triggered by stress, and cautiousness about this means I tend to work in short bursts. However, I was on a roll with this particular piece of work and was determined to get it done that day. Satisfied to have sent it off, I was however feeling a bit depleted by that point. I knew I had worked longer in one stretch than felt comfortable for me. But I hope and believe my stamina is gradually improving. Over time I’m able to do more. I can gently test what feels comfortable at times.
On the completion of my work I felt compelled to see the sea and stretch my legs a little. I returned refreshed. I suppose what I’m saying is we can safely exert ourselves so long as we take time to be replenished. As the saying goes “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” Replenishment can come from many sources. But it can help to deliberately take a break and be present – to “stand and stare” – and allow ourselves to take time to enjoy an imperfect but beautiful moment. Like eating chips watching the sunset on a chilly day sitting on a damp bench.
Photo by Madison Inouye on Pexels
You may want to reflect on when you have recently taken time to “stand and stare”?
What works for you when you want to be replenished?