I have been a visitor of Gembrook Retreat for over 10 years, visiting more or less often depending on work, community, covid…
As someone living in Footscray, an industrial suburb of Naarm Melbourne’s inner west, getting “across the city” to the eastern hills is the part of my journey that feels longest. Today, as I set out, my Google navigation advised that there had been an accident on Elliott Ave (round the Zoo) that was causing a 17 min delay on my route and advising this was still the fastest route because of road works.
At this point, I am thinking unkindly about Melbourne roadworks, drivers who have accidents, and more unkindly still, about the frustrated and angry drivers who pass them. Briefly, I consider whether this is a sign not to go, instead… I take another way. It is out-of-the-way, it is further north than I need to go but I am moving and avoiding angst.
I have made a decision about the kind of drive I want to have and the kind of driver I want to be.
It might be because I had this heightened sense of alert towards route variations activated that I noticed – for the first time ever – an alternative road towards Gembrook that is purportedly only 4 mins longer (I meandered taking it in and stopped and took photos for this post so don’t hold me accountable to that).
This new route took me ‘below’ the Cardinia Reservoir instead of following the main road C413 above it.
This windier route (Boundary Rd, Alber Rd, Stony Creek Rd, left on the C406 to Paternoster Rd, Bailey Rd, McBride St) is therefore slower, and more scenic. There are not buses, nor schools. Old gums soar outstretched arms to the sky and create a welcome avenue of shade on this 30° summer day.
The hay is being rolled up, sprays of golden wattle are opening, and the pops of orange Flowering Gum are like unexpected flumes of fireworks, highlights amidst lush greens.
As I come this slower and more beautiful way, I can feel an easing in my breath and body. I am becoming more present to where I am now – rather than focused on getting ‘away’ from home or ‘arrived’ at Gembrook. The emphasis is not on the fastest way or most direct.
The image of a labyrinth comes to mind. The residential community has formed one in the render on David’s Cabin.
I think there’s something about old pilgrim cities with the church at the centre meaning you had to work to find your way through. The sacred isn’t easy or straightforward to find, you have to work for it, you have to persist.
If you are finding barriers keep coming up to what sacred connection looks like for you, be it: rest, lighting a candle, being in nature, a creative practice, meditation, listening on Country, attending a faith space… Be encouraged, as you take in the above image, that even when the path seems to turn and lead away, there’s really only one path to take and, whatever directions you follow, you’ll get there.
I also got slightly lost on a detour to try and find Gembrook Park which, I did indeed find, but only after exploring what is probably local access rather than the main entrance.
I extend an invitation to you Reader, to get lost and pursue a path more beautiful.
itellyouarise 