Celebrating Shabbat, 16 of us walked slowly, through God’s green sanctuary at Garvies Point. At first, we were chatty, and our voices could be heard above the birds. But gradually, as we became infused with the surrounding beauty of the sights, sounds and sweet aromas, we started to relax and grow quieter. Slowly progressing through the area, we stopped frequently in enchanting spots where the Cantor’s wise counsel guided us in thanking God for our blessings, singing a comforting prayer, saying the Shema and simply being quiet in the moment. as one who does not find it easy to remain in the present, I was gratified to find myself letting go of the past and worries about the future. I truly was in the present. My soul was soothed, my spirit lifted.
