A Zen Moment In Autumn

Posted byRebecca BuddPosted inLadyBudd, North Vancouver, Park & Tilford Gardens, Sunday Evening ReflectionTags:, , ,
A Garden in Autumn

“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”

Viktor E. Frankl
A Garden in Autumn

This weekend, I met up with Sarah and Frances for coffee for the first time in three weeks, which included a visit to Park & Tilford Gardens in North Vancouver.

We had just returned from an exciting travel adventure and felt that unmistakable welcoming feeling of being home and with family. It is as T.S. Eliot wrote in the Four Quartets: “We shall not cease from exploration And the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we started And know the place for the first time.”

A Garden in Autumn

As we meandered through the pathways, taking photos of plants and flowers seemingly unaware that Autumn has arrived, Sarah remarked on the sense of peace that pervades gardens. I felt that same sense of being “in sync” which prompted me to capture my thoughts in a short video.

This is your invitation to join me in a Zen moment on an Autumn afternoon.

Published by Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

56 thoughts on “A Zen Moment In Autumn”

  1. looks like such a lovely, peaceful refuge…

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    1. You would love this garden, Graham. Actually, it is 6 gardens, all in a relatively small area. It is situated by a busy shopping centre, the perfect place for a garden to be – accessible to all. Park & Tilford was originally built for the employees of the distillery adjacent to the garden. It was donated to the city and is now beloved by all the community. What you didn’t hear in the video, was the chatter and laughter of children that were visiting the garden at the same time as Sarah and me.

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    1. I knew exactly what you mean. “Man’s Unheard Cry for Meaning” brings us to a greater understanding of ourselves as well as the world around us. Powerful, poignant and life-changing. Sending hugs!

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  3. I know I will always find beauty here: of both the visual and auditory variety. And often literary references too. I remember using the T. S. Eliot quote in some writing I did a while ago.

    Thanks for providing a respite in this loud and busy world, Lady Budd! 😀

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    1. Thank you, Marian, for your heartening and encouraging comments. We live in a complex world that is busy and chaotic. It is good to close our eyes and breath deeply to drown out the noisiness. T.S. Eliot has the best quotes, doesn’t he? I find that they prompt deeper thinking.

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    1. Liz – I am learning that take a even a few minutes to pause and reflect increases my creativity. Over the years, the idea of productivity has somehow been connected with success. I am learning that resting my mind is the way to well-being. Which to me, = success. I am so glad that you joined Sarah and me in the garden.

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    1. About a year ago, my sister Sarah suggested that I should consider daily meditation even if it is only for 10 – 15 minutes. I am learning (slowly) that a quiet mind has more energy and creativity. We live in a very complex world that encourages speed and fast thinking. So glad you joined me in the garden!!

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    1. I am delighted that you enjoyed this Zen moment, Dave. What made it extra special for Sarah and me was the sound of children’s chatter and laughter in the background which didn’t come through the video. Families bring their children to Park & Tilfold because it is accessible to the entire community – which is indeed heartening. I am learning to stand still with my iphone camera to lesson some of the jerkiness. LOL!!

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  12. Rebecca, thank you so much for this much needed moment in time. Those gardens were simply lovely. I’m working on the final editing of a poetry book to be published in December. Busy days ahead. Huge hugs to you. 💜

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  13. Thank you all! This is a wonderful Zen video. I remember these scenes, from my life’s time there. Vancouver is lush to the point of luscious! {{hugs}}

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    1. That is the perfect word, Resa: luscious! Did I tell you that this garden was original the site of a distillery? I am certain that something was left in the soil from those days. “Friends of the Garden” have a great team to keep the garden healthy and beautiful. They added pumpkins to line the pathways, some with huge spiders sitting on top of them. Halloween is around the corner. Thank you for coming over to my side of Canada. Hugs!!!!

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  14. “Breathe deeply and be at peace” This is a really thoughtful message, I have read it several times and will keep it for later, as well. Thank you for sharing photos, this is a very beautiful, quiet garden place in the middle of the city. It is a place that we visit often and we always come away from the visits with a sense of calm. From the many comments, I detect that there are others who experience the same feelings. It is so good to have you home from your trip to the East, from what I hear from the three of you, it was verry enjoyable, but I am selfish–I am very glad that you are home with us! !

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    1. I missed our coffees when we were away but was grateful for the technology that kept us connected. It is good to be home and join you in Park & Tilford Gardens. Autumn is a wonderful time for reflection and revitalization.

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  15. Another beautiful Sunday Evening Reflection. That gnarly tree is spectacular, and I have a similar favorite in our park. It’s so lovely to learn of your coffee and visit to the gardens with Sarah and Frances. I enjoy that your mom confesses to being selfish about wanting you near. 🙂

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    1. Sorry for the late response, Mary Jo. Sarah, Frances and I are thankful that you joined us for coffee virtually. We recorded a conversation that day on “What is a dream life?” I had read an article about achieving a “dream life” but I was unclear on the writer’s definition of “dream life”. I wanted Frances and Sarah’s perspective. I will be publishing it soon and look forward to your thoughts. Sending hugs!

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  17. That was so beautiful and peaceful, Rebecca, what a lovely “space” in the midst of my busy morning. Frankl’s quote is profound, a remedy for all that ails us. And a lovely Eliot quote too. It’s a great feeling to come home. ❤ ❤ ❤

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    1. Thank you for joining me in Park & Tilford, Robbie. The leaves are just turning now so I am heading back to meet up with Frances and Sarah today to visit the gardens again. I enjoy seeing the transition between seasons.

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