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Many parts of the world are now taking their first, cautious steps out of lockdown life, but here in Harris, we continue to stay safe by staying at home, along with the rest of Scotland.
Happily, the restrictions on daily exercise have been lifted and we are free to head out into the great outdoors a little more, as long as we don’t stray too far from home.
Our island’s natural world has been a real blessing in these tough times, helped by an uncanny run of good weather. And, when the sun shines here, there’s nowhere else we’d rather be.
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But, quarantine has been no fun for anyone, and even with all the trappings of technology, the wonders of the internet and non-stop Netflix can’t provide the connections we instinctively crave.
People’s mental health has inevitably suffered, even if physical health hasn’t, and the need to find some lightness and light relief from life’s struggles has never been more important.
We hear the word ‘mindfulness' being used a lot these days, but on closer inspection it appears that the high-minded concept is actually something rather simple, and perhaps even inherent to the Outer Hebrides.
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It is a quality of being present and aware of the world as it unfolds around us. It is that brief point in time we step back from the chatter of our thoughts and find ourselves more deeply engaged with the here and now.
Mindfulness can often be found in traditional island activities such as weaving tweed and shearing wool, cutting peats and hauling creels. With the right mindset, it can be enjoyed while painting walls, washing windows or even walking the dog!
But it is time spent among the mountains, moor and machair that perhaps provides the best opportunities. Tuning in to the rhythm of waves, the sound of wind or calls of wildlife help us carve out some rare space to breathe and become more rooted in our surroundings.
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The Scottish-American conservationist and philosopher John Muir once said...
“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul…” and we have to agree.
Over the last two months we’ve endeavoured to bring our far-flung friends a little closer to the local places we play in and pray in, capturing brief moments of Harris life through a new series of short ‘Pause’ films.
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Among the sights and sounds shared are sunrises over the rocky shores of the Bays, the call of Oystercatchers and Curlews, sunset waves breaking on our western sands and the dusk-drumming of Snipe in the skies above Scalpay.
So, as we navigate the new normal together, press play on these wee island films, try to pause in this often chaotic world, and take time to just be…here.
Thanks to Peter Kwasniewski and Shona Maclennan for capturing their Isle of Harris Pause moments on camera.