Seeking Stillness

In a fast paced world we quickly lose sight of the restorative quality of stillness. We are so busy working, shopping, entertaining, and caring for others that it's easy to feel guilty to allow ourselves to be still for a moment, to be silent, to "be".

One of the most profound and moving experiences during our recent trip to New Zealand was "the sound of silence". We were aboard the Fiordland Navigator on Doubtful Sound for an overnight wilderness cruise. The first day we sailed through the fiords marveling at the pristine mountain scenery and the sheer raw beauty, making our way to the mouth of the Tasman Sea where the waters became noticeably more turbulent. After returning to a calmer cove we had time to kayak and swim (of course I did!) before dropping anchor as the sun set. After enjoying a delicious dinner with local wines we settled into our cabin for the night.

Aboard the Fiordland Navigator heading into Doubtful Sound

We awoke to magical morning light and a sense of anticipation for the day ahead. As we set sail once more we spotted a few Fiordland crested penguins on a remote rocky shoreline as well as several different species of sea birds but the real highlight was when the boat cut the engines and we were asked to stand in silence, not even to use our phones, but simply to listen. I truly don't have the words to do this moment justice. Our sense of hearing was heightened as we stood quietly and we began to realize how many birds were all around us (even though we couldn't see them) by the variety of songs and calls. We became aware of the cascading waterfalls and the sound of the breeze in the temperate rainforest that clothed the mountainsides. We became aware of how small we were in this vast wilderness. I know I wasn't the only one with tears in my eyes. The sound of silence.

The inky black waters of Doubtful Sound, snow capped mountains in the background and wispy ribbons of clouds between the two

As that time came to a close and the engines purred back into life, one of our tour guests recited a meditation to me which she had reflected on during that time and I'm grateful that she has allowed me to share it with you here. It perfectly embodies the moment:

The peace of the earth be with you,

The peace of the heavens too.

The peace of the rivers be with you,

The peace of the oceans too:

Deep peace falling over you,

God's peace growing in you.

Copyright for English translation: Christine Carson and WGEG Iona Community (1998)

During our Adventures in New Zealand tour we visited inspiring gardens; some touched our souls, while others made us smile at the sheer joyful extravagance of color and I'll share images and stories from those in the upcoming weeks. But I think that experiencing these fiords: their majesty, their serenity and feeling incredibly privileged to share in that moment – that is something that will stay with me forever and I know that many of our tour guests feel the same. For example, here's a link to a beautiful video one of our guests recently posted on Facebook.

So as we enter the Holiday season, I'd like to encourage you to take a moment for yourself. Linger over that first cup of coffee and listen to bird song. Take time to gaze at the stars at night. Stroll through your winter garden and inhale deeply. Enjoy a restorative yoga practice. If weather permits perhaps sit in the garden – without your phone and listen to all that is around you. Calm your breath, relax your shoulders and simply be.

Looking ahead

A peaceful spot to sit and enjoy the garden. Photo taken at RHS Harlow Carr, England

Winter is the perfect time to reflect upon our gardens; what is working? What needs adjusting? Be sure that you have also created a special place in your garden just to sit, with no other agenda than simply to be present in that moment.

Making Memories

A successful garden tour in my view is twofold: firstly it is one in which guests feel they have enjoyed unique experiences and special memories to savor – not just a list of plants they want to try and grow. Secondly it is when I notice guests sitting quietly, often alone in a garden and smiling. They aren't just visiting that garden – they are experiencing it. Would you like to join us?

Join us on our next adventure!

I can't promise you fiords on every tour but I can promise you a wonderful and varied itinerary no matter where we travel. Check out the details for my 2026 Adventures in Yorkshire & The Lake District garden tour and be sure to subscribe to my newsletter to be offered priority registration for my Adventures Down Under: Australia & Tasmania when it opens up soon.