Impermanence, a deep and subtle force for change

The world is changing and shifting and so are we. In my case, it is causing me to reconsider where I should create my home and pursue my livelihood as what seemed right five years ago, and have been unable to realize, no longer seems so clearcut. In other words, I am sensing that Italy may no longer be the best country to reside in as so much has changed, both in my own mind and in all those events that are beyond our control - social, political, economic, climatic and so on. Even just one year ago I thought my path was clearcut... Italy here I come. And the great thing is I have had the opportunity to rent a small house very cheaply in this little, isolated hamlet (which certainly isn't the right location) and to savour the cost and quality of an Italian life for 6 months and much of it was pleasant, especially the warmth and friendliness of the people and the beauty of the buildings and countryside. But now the pound has dropped 15% against the Euro and life in Italy is no longer cheeper than in England (apart from the wine), although the price of houses remains more sensible. In England of course they are stupidly high, a result of greed and irresponsible bank lending.

Further to that, at the ripe old age of 67 (a lovely age to be I can tell you, so don't worry), I have, during the past year since the passing on of my dear Mother, come to value much more than I did both my family and friends and also the roots of my upbringing. Over the years, I had almost affirmed myself out of England as I disliked so many things about the country. However, somehow my mind has turned to its positive aspects and I have realised that, in the countryside at least, the people can be very friendly and helpful. However, London is a different story, a joyless place ruled by consumerism, and the people proclaim that story. But the great joy for me is to discover the humanity of the English country folk and, if I move back to England, it will of course be to the countryside so that I can live at one with nature and practise my work in a beautiful environment. And some of England's countryside is so attractive and engaging, not as heart-stopping and dramatic as in Italy, but uplifting all the same.

So, for the next few months, I will be driving around and visiting different locations in both countries, pondering and listening to the wise voices until it is time to make an irreversible decision. This is a great exercise in my spiritual practice of mindfulness, patience and acceptance of what is. It is also a time for making lists and ticking boxes. Times are a-changing, there is a rebalancing going on and karma is doing its work. It is good to go with the flow, right now.