Ma is a Japanese term that I have learnt through mindfulness. It is used to describe a pause in time, an interval or the emptiness in space. It is something that I find particularly difficult to engage with. Actually trying not to be constantly doing or thinking is a challenge. I can see how it supports mindfulness and being in the moment rather than constantly thinking and planning.
Most of the time this morning, whilst I was out walking the dogs, I came back to being aware that I was thinking about different things rather than simply being in the moment and being aware of what was around me. So I tried to bring myself back to where I was whenever I discovered that I was somewhere else. Each time I did I noticed the sounds of birds, it sounded like an owl at one point. I am not sure that it could have been but I was aware of the sounds. The weather really has turned to winter recently. There was a fog this morning that was almost freezing. It was only at the last moment that I took my hat. I was rather glad that I did. Most of the leaves are completely off the trees now though there are the odd flowers remaining on the gorse.
Last night I thought that I was on to the lacy hem of the poncho. I moved into the section. Thank goodness I had only done three rows. I remeasured the piece this morning and realised that I had got it wrong. I frogged the necessary section and am now working on it again. I try not to have the kittens too close when I’m working on crochet because I don’t want their hair on my projects. At one point last night however they were insistent that they needed to help me.
I am trying to focus on the poncho. I am aware that I constantly have lists of items that I want to make next. So I am trying to focus on enjoying what I am doing now rather than thinking about what I am doing next. It is something extremely difficult to do. I have decided that when I finish this piece I will make a couple of things for me. Hopefully that will help me to remain in the moment and and enjoy moments of ma!
Until tomorrow…
Tales from the Sheshed France 
Ma! That’s the problem – from the second you become Ma you’re thinking of your own tasks, and all that stuff your babies need, and planning for the future, and living on reduced income, and with a body that’s been through the mill (I think the pun had gone far enough now)
Seriously though now is the time for Ma – to create the moment of the self because soon you might just be a Grandma and then your moment of self will be blown and all the productive, creative stuff will be redirected once more!
Seize the day then in the mist, woods and in wonder – forget past and future – feel every movement of your feet on the ground. Feel the mist on your skin – you are clearly doing something right because the last flower photo is enchanting. Until next time, sending love 🤗❤️🤗
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I’m glad you liked it. It did take a couple of minutes to get it right!
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