Recently while running in a park close to where I live, I observed a beautiful sunset. Everything felt so calm and peaceful as the radiating warmth of the late afternoon was gradually replaced by the fresh coolness of the evening time, after the sun had disappeared below the horizon. I experienced the beauty and wonder of nature and all I wanted to do was to keep on running to remain in that space. It was a lovely time to cherish being in the present moment, to give thanks to God, and to remember all the blessings in my life.
Being still in that moment reminded me of one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen. It was while I was on holidays on Inis Meáin, the middle of the Aran Islands, located just off the West coast of Ireland, in the mouth of Galway bay. That particular sunset was more prolonged, it seemed to go forever, but that was because I took the time to slow down; to be in stillness and solitude. That way I could be truly present and savour the moment; noticing the calmness of the Atlantic Ocean, the stunning views of the nearby Inis Oírr, and the mainland – with Galway Bay and Connemara in the distance.
Being on Inis Meáin reminded me of the importance of stillness and reflection; and of taking time to enjoy life and being in the present moment. The island, which has remained the quietest and least visited of the Aran Islands by tourists throughout the years, has a distinct remote feeling to it. I came away from that experience feeling renewed and strengthened for the journey ahead. It was a bit like a retreat, which in the Christian tradition is associated with taking the opportunity of coming away from the normal routine of life for prayer and contemplation, to deepen one’s relationship with God; or to reconnect with the faith.
Nowadays, more than ever before, there is a need to take time to relax and unwind from the stresses of the world in which we live. There are many forms of retreat advertised, even running retreats. What is common to all retreats is the idea of taking a step back from everyday life. This often means unplugging from technology. Social media and the latest apps offer many advantages – such as connecting instantly with others, no matter where they are; and capturing the special moments of life. However, there are also disadvantages to technology. Recent research by Deloitte shows that 91% of Irish people who have a smartphone check their phones on average 50 times times a day. This time spent checking, scrolling, and clicking on the content streamed on phones reduces the time that people are really present to one another.
I find that there’s something special about spending a time of stillness in nature. That can often mean just being present in the outdoors; breathing in the fresh air, taking time to notice God’s creation – to listen to and observe the signs of Spring – the dawn chorus, the sunset, the flowers and the trees, the freshly cut green grass, the restful waters, and the wind or gentle breeze. These moments of quiet reflection remind me to be in gratitude for the gift of being alive. I believe that life is a beautiful gift given by God, and that each new day offers me a renewed opportunity to give thanks for this gift – a chance to slow down in order to be really present – so that I notice the blessings in my life, which I can sometimes take for granted.
