In the Moment of Presence

Moonrise over the Ocean, Copyright R.A.Fernandez 2026

It's the Winter Solstice in Australia today, a strangely warm one this year, not that I'm complaining. The sunrises and sunsets have been epic which, to me, matches the inner reflection of the season as nature seems to turn in on itself and fall into a long dream-filled sleep.

As modern humans we tend to miss nature's cycles which we were once a part of for hundreds of thousands of years. Understand what I'm saying here, we didn't just take pretty pictures of them, we were part of these cycles. So I recommend, wherever you are, take a moment to be in nature and reconnect to these great cycles. You never know, you might learn something new about yourself, or better put, remember something which you'd long forgotten.

What you might remember is the child like state. As a child you are in the moment, truly in it. You don't judge even your own actions, thoughts, behaviour - you are even truly in every emotion - what we could label positive or negative. Very soon the adults and institutions teach you to judge everything, especially yourself. Lost then is being in the moment, the child playing with friends is a state long forgotten, even stamped out by institutions.

Nature is in the moment, in the season, in the feeling of the present. Away from the intellect and just present. Away from the respectable safe harbour of standing. Away even from the harsh inner critic that no child ever has until they are taught to judge everything; Away and just present.

We obviously can't give up our responsibilities and just be children, but we can take a moment and go into that state of presence. For me, seeing an incredible sunrise or sunset stirs up something inside that brings out that little child's wonder, awe. I am once again in the present, no stress or judgements, just present - feeling the moment. I wish for you this hidden healing spring on this Winter Solstice.