After much distress, frustration and feeling just plain upset, you will come to realise that astronomy is something you do. It doesn’t define who you are, nor is it an indispensable “must have”. It is simply a hobby that hopefully stimulates enjoyment, brings about relaxation, is a source of inspiration and lifts ones spirits, to balance the monotonous demands and repetitive activities of daily life.
Then, one morning, you’ll wake up and be able to enjoy whatever the night or weather may bring. When equipment fails, you won’t. When the weather closes down, your peace of mind will not evaporate. When the seeing is poor, your vision of self remains clear. When the results are unsatisfactory, you are able to distinguish between your self, and what you do, or produce.
Over the years I have learned these simple things. When tired, sleep. When hungry, eat. When there is nothing to do, do nothing. When the weather is bad, it’s not personal.
Now, when are those pesky clouds going to bugger off! As you can plainly see, I am still learning...striving to find the balance between “doing” and “being’, but I’m now enjoying it more, and can better pick myself up off the floor when I fall flat on my face, which I do often…much too often! But what the heck, it’s only a hobby.
Cheers
Dennis