Photos of England
Some photos capturing the different aspects and moods of England. Many of the photos are from Oxfordshire and Yorkshire.
Houses of Parliament – London.
London Eye and the River Thames. More photos of London
…
The power of synchronicity
I was cycling in the Yorkshire Dales. The roads were surprisingly quiet for such an idyllic August afternoon. But, despite the breathtaking rural scenes, my mind was ruminating over economics; in particular, I was thinking deeply about UK labour market regulations and the National Minimum Wage. I was a little bit annoyed with myself for being so taken with economics, when I felt I should be enjoying the scenery.
My mobile phone in my back pocket started to ring and, unusually for a cycle ride, I decided to take the call.
“Hello, is that Economics Help?” (in strong Scouser / Merseyside accent)
“Er, yes”
“Can I ask a question on economics?”
Usually, when people ring up asking me economic questions, I abruptly say I’m too busy – especially if I am cycling. But, for some reason, perhaps because I was thinking about economics, I persevered. …
The power of synchronicity Read More »
Yorkshire panoramas
The Yorkshire Dales has some great scenery. These pictures show the landscape in panorama format, allowing a wider angle than usual. Click to enlarge photo.
Panorama of Lower Wharfedale, near Bolton Abbey.
Panorama of Middle Wharfedale – looking towards Barden Fell. …
Yorkshire panoramas Read More »
The hedgehog in the road
I was walking down the road when I heard a loud, impatient beeping from a car. It was stuck behind another car which had, for some reason, stopped in the middle of the road. The first instinct is to sympathise with the car which was impatiently beeping. But then, on closer inspection, I saw a very small hedgehog scurrying across the road. The hedgehog looked frail and tiny compared to the scale of the motor cars.
The careful driving of the first car had prevented a squashed hedgehog.
…
The hedgehog in the road Read More »
A Moment’s Peace at the Olympics
At the 2012 London Olympics, I participated in an event “A Moment’s Peace” – it was an event run to celebrate the true Olympic spirit – promoting the ideal of peace, unity in diversity and the hope for creating a better world.
The London 2012 Olympics was a special time. There was so much good energy and positive feeling across the country. I attended the mens Olympic road race and felt a unique atmosphere amongst the crowds watching by the side of the road. After watching the road race, I went to this ceremony at University College London. The ceremony involved unveiling a bronze sculpture of Sri Chinmoy holding an Olympic style peace torch. Tegla Laroupe said:
“This statue embodies the same spirit of oneness, brotherhood and friendship which has infused the origins and traditions of the Olympics, both ancient and modern, and which to this day gives the Games their unique appeal,”
I have written an article on the inner significance of the Olympics at Sri Chinmoy Races.
- The inner significance of the Olympics – at Sri Chinmoy Races
…
A Moment’s Peace at the Olympics Read More »
One night in 2012 – Remembering the London Olympics
One night in 2012 is a documentary about the opening ceremony of the London Olympics. It is available on iPlayer for a short time.
The London Olympics of 2012 seems a long time ago now. But, I do remember the wave of optimism and positivity which swept across the nation for those balmy three weeks. The nation caught the Olympic spirit, and it was a wonderful occasion.
Part of the success of the London Olympics was putting ordinary people at the heart of the movement and organisation. It wasn’t committees or powerful people, but volunteers freely giving their time which made the event special.
The Olympics is also a wonderful opportunity for the world’s nations to come together and – through sport – remember we have much more in common than that which divides. …
One night in 2012 – Remembering the London OlympicsRead More »
One night in 2012 – Remembering the London Olympics Read More »
Wildflowers by the roadside
I am continuing with my cycle training this month, but am paying as much interest to the wildflowers by the side of the road.
A field of wildflowers near Charlbury.
I caught a glimpse of this field through a gap in the hedge. …
Wildflowers by the roadside Read More »
Photos of wildlife in the garden
Some of the wildlife in my garden.
Bees are my favourite. Here the lavender is rich pickings for the bees. …
Photos of wildlife in the garden Read More »
Wildflowers at Aston Rowant
I often do hill climb intervals up the Chiltern ridge. There are numerous different climbs, which make a varied and testing training route. Today I tried a quiet road, which I had not been on before. After 500m, the road petered out and became a farm track, so I stopped the hill climb interval mid-flow. I was going to do a u-turn and search out the next hill, but felt inspired to take a rest and went into a nearby field. The field happened to be a nature reserve with a profusion of wildflowers; I have rarely seen such a rich diversity and carpet of wildflowers in Britain.
The site is just next to the M40 motorway. I have been on the motorway hundreds of times, but you never get to see any wildflowers, just some green fields from a distance. …
Wildflowers at Aston Rowant Read More »
Loch Lomond meditation
Around the turn of the century, the great yogi Swami Vivekananda visited Britain. He gave lectures and taught the basics of yoga and meditation to British seekers – Vivekananda was one of the first to bring the great spiritual traditions of India to the West. He stayed several months and it included a trip to Loch Lomond, where he chose a spot on the lake to meditate.
…
Loch Lomond meditation Read More »