📅 Thought for today:

‘One of the things that made me long to be back in prison was that I had so little opportunity for reading, thinking and quiet reflection after my release. I intend, amongst other things, to give myself much more opportunity for such reading and reflection.’

— Nelson Mandela

#thoughtfortoday #calm #slowdown #waterways #canal #Paddington #London #LittleVenice #supervisor #supervision #reflection

A quiet Saturday morning at home.

For three days I have been leaving home before the time I normally wake up and commuting into London.

It is 18 months since I did this.

Yet I managed to develop a routine that allowed for reflective moments.

I walked the mile and a half each day from Marylebone station to Little Venice. A good proportion of that walk is along the Grand Union Canal/Paddington Basin.

When I reached my destination I found a quiet bench to sit on (“my bench”) and just “sit with & observe”.

This was precious time, a morning meditation.

Only towards the end of the three days did I notice these tiles in the photograph, tucked under a corbel on a brick pillar.

Given my current journey along The Artist’s Way, I thought this was very relevant – and without the moments of contemplation, I think it is unlikely I would have noticed it.