For the last few days I've been thinking hard about my place of reflection in Genoa but nothing comes to my mind. This makes me realize that I don't really have this special place where I could go to be just with myself and my thoughts. I haven't found one yet. These days I don't get too many chances to be alone; I'm a full time mommy and I guess I could have some “me time” during weekends when C. is at home but I don’t really want to. Weekends are this precious time when we all can fully enjoy each other and our little family.
But this doesn’t mean that I don’t need a moment of reflection. In fact, I’m one of those people who truly enjoy their own company only. I’ve always needed time on my own: to think things through, to contemplate, to get some distance, to look at things from different perspective. Any place could be my place of reflection, my oasis of peacefulness. Forests, parks, fields, our garden in Poland, old well hidden in wild raspberry bushes (how many times I sat on its edge with my dog at my feet, contemplating, writing my diary…). And all my favourite places in London, like Primrose Hill for example. Or Chalcot Square, so small and quiet and yet so close to noisy Camden Town Market. Or Starbucks on High Holborn Street. Or walks along the River from Barnes to Putney and back. Or… the list is so long…
But when I started thinking about all those places of reflection, the one that really came to my mind first was this place:
Two years ago (only two? it feels like ages now..) we rented a house with our friends in south-east London. The house itself was ugly but it stood on the bank of the River (sometimes, with windows open you could actually hear the waves of water and you dreamed you were close to the sea). There was a bench outside the house. This bench was my perfect place of reflection at that time. I would sit on that bench very often, especially in the evenings, watching the sky darkening, boats passing by, more and more lights appearing on the other side of the River. I would be sitting there clearing my mind and contemplating. The pictures show the view I had in front of me. Sometimes, I remember, coming back from work after yet another long and stressful day and before entering the house I would go and sit there for a moment just to calm down myself and rest my mind. Just to be with myself only.
***
These days my place of reflection is our bathroom. When I want to be just with myself, to contemplate and rest from everyday life, I go and have a long and foamy bath with mask on my face and sometimes candle light. It feels good. I lay in the bath with my eyes closed and dream.
But this doesn’t mean that I don’t need a moment of reflection. In fact, I’m one of those people who truly enjoy their own company only. I’ve always needed time on my own: to think things through, to contemplate, to get some distance, to look at things from different perspective. Any place could be my place of reflection, my oasis of peacefulness. Forests, parks, fields, our garden in Poland, old well hidden in wild raspberry bushes (how many times I sat on its edge with my dog at my feet, contemplating, writing my diary…). And all my favourite places in London, like Primrose Hill for example. Or Chalcot Square, so small and quiet and yet so close to noisy Camden Town Market. Or Starbucks on High Holborn Street. Or walks along the River from Barnes to Putney and back. Or… the list is so long…
But when I started thinking about all those places of reflection, the one that really came to my mind first was this place:
Two years ago (only two? it feels like ages now..) we rented a house with our friends in south-east London. The house itself was ugly but it stood on the bank of the River (sometimes, with windows open you could actually hear the waves of water and you dreamed you were close to the sea). There was a bench outside the house. This bench was my perfect place of reflection at that time. I would sit on that bench very often, especially in the evenings, watching the sky darkening, boats passing by, more and more lights appearing on the other side of the River. I would be sitting there clearing my mind and contemplating. The pictures show the view I had in front of me. Sometimes, I remember, coming back from work after yet another long and stressful day and before entering the house I would go and sit there for a moment just to calm down myself and rest my mind. Just to be with myself only.
***
These days my place of reflection is our bathroom. When I want to be just with myself, to contemplate and rest from everyday life, I go and have a long and foamy bath with mask on my face and sometimes candle light. It feels good. I lay in the bath with my eyes closed and dream.
Please visit other lovely corners:
jane, ladybug-zen, ian, bonnie, esti, sophie, cele, modsquad, caitlin, joyce, ani, couturecoucou, kim, a day that is dessert, natsumi, epe, kaylovesvintage, trinsch, c.t., jeanette, outi, schanett, ritva, dongdong, francesca, state of bliss, jennifer, dana, denise, cabrizette, bohemian girl, ruth, dianna, isabelle, amber, all the lovelies, mister e, janis, kari, jgy, jenna, skymring, elizabeth, audrey, allison, lise, cate, mon, victoria, crescent moon, erin, otli, amy, ida, caroline, lisa, dorte, kimmie, la luna dans le ciel, nicola, malo, vanessa, britta, virgina, april, rebecca, b, sunnymama, kyndale, samantha, karen, kristina, angelina, juanita, pamela, emily, dorit, sophie, janet, mcgillicutty, desiree, travellingmama, aimee, mirtille, madchen, guusje, boise, daan, woolie, 2ndspring, jenell, tina, inna
PS Sorry for such a long post- hope nobody has fallen asleep...
PS Sorry for such a long post- hope nobody has fallen asleep...
I'm still awake!! I love how you shared the past and future of your "special" place to reflect.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it really doesn't matter where we are just as long as we take time to listen to the silence within. Hugs... xoxo
those are great shots and tell a story in themselves. the flat water is beautiful and i love the low lights. thanks for posting.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great tale. I wish I could visit London to take in the sights and smells and sounds you mention.
ReplyDeleteI am still awake and enjoyed your story all the way long ...
ReplyDeleteIt was a great post. I can completely understand! I love the views of the river, particularly that they were taken at night when time slows down.
ReplyDeletenot fallen a sleep at all, but i feel peaceful. such a pretty post.
ReplyDeletei too love to be alone, i understand you totally on that!
and what an amazing spot you had back then. we all need a spot like that!
I used to have a water fountain in my backyard and loved to sit outside and hear the water in the background... it was so soothing, just like my own little stream.
ReplyDeleteIn the winter, I take a bath just about every night... more to keep warm than anything. Great post.
Bathroom ;) I agree !!! and may be our favorite place of reflection is inside ourselves...
ReplyDeleteNice pics too !
beautiful photos !!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteafter 7 years in London , I miss it still everyday
ReplyDeleteI loved your post, and I loved your photos of London. I miss it so much!
ReplyDeleteI also have a personal experience with London. Much longer ago. I used to go for long walks there, like you mention.
ReplyDeletethanks!
ReplyDeleteto be with yourself- that´s it!
I love how this topic is causing people to reflect on their lives. It's so interesting to me. I loved this post. And great pictures!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely did not fall asleep. Thank you for this lovely post. The bathroom is good!
ReplyDeleteNot asleep at all, but in a good dream state. Your story is wonderful. It is true how some places bring out different sides (and activities) in you. You found your peaceful place even still...
ReplyDeleteNice post ! You can try essencial oils, on your bath... Have a nice dream !
ReplyDeleteLovely lovely post (I'm still fully awake :-) ). I second you on the 'like being alone' part. I really enjoy my own company too. And that view; 'WOW', is what comes to my mind!! Must've been great to come home to every night.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind words on my blog. It made me so very happy!!
Dear Kasia, this is a wonderful post with wonderful words and pictures. Your words are powerful and in the same time relaxed. Memories of a childhood. To be alone with yourself, the bench in London....homesick....i wish you everyday the calm to find your places of reflection and wish you a happy day! What did you made in London? I'm curious ;-)
ReplyDeleteNo, don't apologize! Your stories are wonderful. I especially liked the one of you as a girl with your dog, your diary, and the well covered in raspberry bushes. I'm so there!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post and river views.
ReplyDeleteMakes me remember when I lived in NYC in Brooklyn and walked to work over the Brooklyn Bridge every day to downtown Manhattan. Thanks for your post, and bringing back reflective memories
what a lovely post kasia. i really enjoyed that. thanks for sharing! besos-jane
ReplyDeleteThis is such a sweet post. I can feel your longing and your dreams. And bathtub may not be as glamorous as a view over the Thames, but when you leave it, you don't go back to your shared flat, but to your family!
ReplyDeletePS I also miss my own flat in Ldn, but that was years ago ...