From: Views from the Top Shelf

Feeling out of place, displaced or even homeless whether in spirit or physically, is a sad state of affairs for anyone to end up in – Christmas time of not.

It’s a bit more full on to unveil any genuine sense of spirituality these days, no matter how good-natured one’s approach. I find my work where I am. As I told my instant fellow believer and neurological ward inmate, P. G. a while ago: “Wherever we find ourselves at any given time, that’s where we (need to trust) that this is where there’s work to do, or a reason for us to spend that time here and nowhere else.”

So I find some real comfort in thinking that perhaps that’s all I need to concern myself with going forward. Well, it’s not exactly an easy peasy lemon squeezy task for me to commit to trying to steer a clear course straight ahead as best I can but there you are.

One of the magic words banded about a lot these days is community. Diversity and inclusivity are two other priceless gems. In my current living situation and drawing on 2021’s experiences (yet one more annus horribilis), I can honestly say those words are no longer mere abstract misnomers but real and tangible concepts.

Yesterday we had our Christmas celebration, and I enjoyed it very much. It included nice food, thoughtful good wishes, humour and good cheer.

My present, an Indian-inspired incense burner (I think LOL), took me aback a bit, I do admit, as I could not connect it to Christmas. Although E. from level 2 said it would bring me luck and I also recollected it was only a week or so ago that I thought to myself that I wouldn’t mind being able to burn some incense.

The day, then, which had started badly with a fire alarm and one of the loveliest and most caring carers having burned her hand in an accident involving boiling oil, did in fact end with a sense of bonhomie and community based on diversity and inclusivity.

I was also grateful I didn’t get deodorant for a prezzie and enjoyed the African vibe when some of that infectious music was being played and yes there was some dancing with carers hailing from such far flung places as South Africa and Kenya.

Where Hope abounds, Fear retreats ..