Good things from 2020

As the saying goes, every cloud has a silver lining, and this has been a good year to put that to the test. Here's what has particularly impacted us so far:

The beauty of silence - fewer aeroplanes overhead have increased our quality of life and that of nature around us.

Lots more walking - we've even got a map on the wall now showing all the local walks we've done and new footpaths discovered, and it has been uplifting to witness a great increase in the number of people enjoying local footpaths. Bumping into friends this way has helped us feel connected.

Gardening - yes, Monty Don is right: gardening does help with mental health and, bearing in mind John's role as webmaster for the local Gardening Association, horticultural glories can be displayed online (see www.gardenreg.org). Additionally the front garden design has finally been realised after a good deal of rescheduling, digging, soil conditioning and planting.

Technology - we've all learned to do new things and, although it'll never be a substitute for face-to-face, it's amazing what can be achieved with video link: we've both been participating in Pilates classes, John has had Trombone lessons (he's now got Grade 4!) and Rachel has done a lot of teaching. We're so grateful for decent WiFi.

Freedom from obligations - naturally we are missing shared indoor space, time and sustenance with friends, but thankful to have been able to attend some lovely concerts in the last three months.

Spending less - realising that cheap and simple pleasures go a long way towards helping us feel glad to be alive. This has facilitated the decision fo Rachel to retire from teaching at Schools this coming Easter.

Vocabulary - we've learnt lots of new words, and there has been an unprecedented increase in the use of the word 'unprecedented'.

We really do have so much to be thankful for. Previous generations in the first world have had to learn to face perils and build resilience, but those in the third world are all too familiar with hardship, isolation and so much more. This is certainly not the first 'plague' in history and it's unlikely to be the last: it will be fascinating to see how historians of the future relate the story of the year we've just had.

Other family news:

Andy and Belinda both managed to get a retreat in before Covid hit in March: Andy with his dharma teacher Rob Burbea, who sadly passed away in May, and Belinda with her sacred clown community in Tenerife. Belinda had a rough 3 weeks of Covid in March but was lucky to recover, and since then has been grateful to be able to keep going to work and see her clients face-to-face. She moved NHS jobs in November, and is now working in a community forensic team in East London. She loves the ethos of the new place, and the fact she can cycle again! She also started her private practice as a creative therapist and supervisor, currently offering this online. Despite the challenges, she's enjoyed a bit more time to write (publishing two articles), rest and play the ukulele. Andy has continued tutoring, and enjoyed creating an online course for Cambridge on one his favourite novels of all time, Moby Dick. Excitingly, his first book came out in June. Although Andy's family have had a difficult year of bereavements, it's been warming to see such strong mutual support. Belinda and Andy had a wonderful couple of weeks in Wales over the summer, exploring southern Snowdonia. They both wish you health, safety and peace as you journey into 2021.

Sofie and James locked down with Sofie's parents in Slagelse, followed by Summer back in Copenhagen and a couple of wonderful autumnal months in Bern. Sofie's performances continued after the Summer at the Royal Danish Opera, though those at the Bern Opera House were postponed until spring. In December she was made a Knight of the Order of Dannebrog for her contributions to the Danish Royal Theatre, so that was a lovely ray of sunshine! James began the year with a month at Paris Opéra, and in autumn opened the English Chamber Orchestra's 60th season, separated by months of reflective piano practice, composition and discovering Danish beaches. A pretty wretched year for the world and for many of friends - but it has slowed us both down and helped us to appreciate each other, and our little patches of the world, even more.

Once again we are supporting a locally run but internationally focused charity instead of sending cards and gifts. If you would like to read about it, please click or tap here.

May you be blessed with the gift of love and peace this Christmas and throughout 2021.

John & Rachel