Sometimes I go walking.
Just to think.
To clear my mind.
To feel the air.
Conscious in thoughts.
My mind fills in the gaps.
Visually, olfactory, and auditorily.
Sometimes steadily, and sometimes chaotically.
It wanders.
My mind goes to places.
Places that I don't want it to go.
Then I take control.
Like a dog on a leash.
Tugging and pulling.
My mind's trying to get loose
But I'll never lose control.
Cautiously yet steadfastly
Minding the gap
Fearlessly.
Till I see the light.
While walking, I thought about the first time I heard the idiom "Mind The Gap." It was on my first visit to London in 1999, where I spent a month travelling via the underground daily. Throughout the stations (tube) was the repeated announcement for travellers to observe the space between the train and the platform to avoid falling in between.
Upon returning to Jamaica, the words resounded in my head, and consequently, I started applying that phrase to different aspects of my life.
There's always a gap. A long wait. I'm always moving, changing, and going from one thing to the next, which has never been like clockwork.
I've crossed many bridges and I've also needed to bridge gaps from where I am, to where I want to get to. It has not been easy, but I've never expected it to be.
I've become mentally strong.
Physical gaps have a path, and it's up to us to decide which direction we need to go. I apply this same principle psychologically, by setting goals and mindfully filling gaps. Working on short-term goals is a great way to gain focus.
Focus is imperative in keeping the mind active and it doesn't matter if we derail from our long-term goals or use short-term goals as a ramp to bridge the gap. The most important thing is that we are occupied mentally and physically to help keep us emotionally balanced; in essence, minding the gap.
Gaps can be anything and can come at any time, so I think being proactive and flexible helps. Being proactive with the mind is like preparing ourselves for things mentally. Not necessarily preparing for the worst, but knowing how to be flexible and adaptable if things do not go the way we visualise or wish for them to.
Today's walk was a great grounding exercise and it reminded me to make room for deviations, gaps, delays, and disturbances in my life without feelings of despair. This short break for a wander gave me the chance to be mindful of my feelings and headspace. My motivation and drive have been restored, and I've regained some focus; Enough to mind the gap to the next stage or chapter of my life.
... Mind you, there has been a bonus of great weather over the last few days; Indian summers are the best as they help to bring on a high sense of optimism as we approach winter.
Until next time!
Thanks for stopping by, as always :)
All images are mobile shots that were taken by me.
Wes & Grindan
