a day of equanimity

Last weekend, on a sunny Springy Sydney Sunday morning, we headed just a little way north, to our (not quite yet) new home. As I sat on the ferry, alone, crossing the sparkling water, I could hardly wait. The Zimbo and the boykaloikes were already there and I was trying so hard to surrender to the moment. Surrender to the fact that I ended up being an hour late (for a very important date). I tried hard to be in the moment of drinking in the lovely first ferry ride back to the island, since we'd signed a contract on our house. Back to the island. On a very deep level, which I can only hear when I'm very still, I already feel like I'm coming home.

So, anyway, we spent two happy hours there, in the company of the "old owners". They were warm and lovely and I'm so glad to have met them - especially to let them know that they can move on in peace, their home will be received with excitement and gratitude and will be full of loud family moments. Hopefully for years to come.

They showed us how to read the level on the water tanks, how to clean the balcony without dirtying our rain water run-off, what to do with the septic tanks, etc etc. They were open and inviting and generous with their time and space.

Another delicious moment was meeting the next door neighbour. Within 5 minutes, he and I were standing in the back of our two back-yards discussing a communal chook pen and discovering that we'd like the same breed of family dog. There you go. Sign number 101 that we are meant to be there.

The day continued with (kind of) unexpected surprises and those of you who know me well will be thinking that I must have been wetting my pants with excitement... but no. Here's where the equanimity comes in. I have long looked at that word and thought what a good idea but o how tricky! But, I really am feeling it! So much chaos, so much happening, so many failed birthday cakes in a row, but I can still feel my feet (they are a leettle bit light today) and am remaining (relatively, for me) calm. And in the coming week this will be what I aim for. I've got a long way to go, but there's progress.

"Equanimity: the ability to perceive all aspects of our lives with acceptance and patience rather than our usual extreme reactions... the ability to keep calm whatever is happening."

Sarah Napthali, 'Buddhism for Mothers'