Being

During my younger days I was always busy. As I reflected on this state as I grew older I recognised that "busyness" was a state of mind. The first thing that helped me was to live in Alice Springs and mix with Aboriginal people who often do not wear a watch. in speaking with them there would be long moments of silence in a conversation and often in that silence communication would take place. They also taught me about being. I remember being called about 2am to be with an aboriginal health worker whose mother had died at home and the deceased's sister was sitting on the ground beside a fire outside the house wailing in the traditional way of grieving and waiting silently with the worker until the rest of the family came to the house-again in the silence communication took place and we were present with their loved one. I had a friend once who told me to slow down whether walking or talking and I still practise that daily. Meditation and being silent also helps me- I am still learning.

— Bazza F