Taking myself and my rituals with me

On non-negotiables and knowing what you need. A Still Point Curiosity & Contentment self enquiry

The heat of the sun might mislead you to the early hour of the day. As I sit on the empty wooden bench overlooking the Vltava River, the rushing sound of the weir softens the edges of the cars and the trams of the daily commute. A handful of locals walk their dogs along the dusty paths of the riverside park, a couple of runners pass by and a grandma with grandchild laugh in the playground before the piercing heat of the day takes hold; this is life in Prague around and in between the melee of visitors.

I left the others sleeping to find a spot to meditate and write outdoors. There was space in our lovely apartment but I haven’t found myself compelled to do so since our first day in Krakow. A few late nights and, on occasion, too much of the local tipple might have contributed to me not waking so early and once we were all negotiating our slot in the bathroom and trying to get out for breakfast and the day’s sightseeing I figured no one would be too impressed if I was sitting cross-legged in a corner breathing and contemplating the meaning of my life!

As the days move on, I feel the absence of my routine and fully appreciate the irony of coming away on holiday to get a break from the routine only to feel a strong desire to bring so much of it with me. I’d packed my journal and notebooks, pens and a choice of books to read, reluctantly leaving my yoga mat only due to a lack of space in my cabin bag. But with each passing day, even as I have soaked in the beauty and elegance of the cities, I became aware of the need for my rituals. Perhaps even more so in the busyness of a crowded city, I need to find my little chink of calm.

The paradox of being a person who likes to do things threaded around a person who could simply sit still and read a book for hours on end has drifted through my awareness as we walked around the cobbled streets of Prague. So here from my vantage point on the bench watching the sunlight glisten on the ripples of water, I stare across at the open window with its ornate stone ledge and wonder what it would be like to look out and see this magnificent view each day. What life looked like in this place, for the first part of my life, when it was hidden behind the metaphorical Iron Curtain and who remains to remember that when the streets and squares, bridges, castles and cathedrals throng with tourists.

Then I close my eyes and breathe.

With gratitude

Jacqui

---

---

Question for today 

What are the non-negotiables in your life that you would choose to continue even on holiday?

Where might you adapt these when necessary and when could you let them go?

---

Take into your day 

Based on what you have identified above, notice what you actually do in your day. Are these really the things you need or is there something else that serves you?

---

PS I offer a lovely community here on Substack where we gather each month to learn more about mediation and there is a guided practice. This is a replay of a recent Live Meditation Circle - Letting go without trying - from behind the paywall.

If you enjoy the recording then sign up as a paid subscriber to join me every month.

The next live Mediation Circle dates are:

Gathering Nine - Wednesday 9th July at 19:00 - 20:00 London, UK time (BST)

Gathering Ten - Wednesday 13th August at 19:00 - 20:00 London, UK time (BST)

If you want to listen to previous live mediation circles you can find them here .

Our next Still Point Seasonal Mentoring Gathering

Early Autumn Gathering - Monday 1st September 2025 - 19:00 - 20:15 London, UK time (BST)

If you know of anyone who you think would benefit from joining our little community then please do share and recommend it to them.