As I went for a run yesterday evening, being rendered completely oblivious to the silence of night, I was startled by a voice calling to me from the shadows. Two young women were sitting outside their home as I proceeded to run past and they asked of me this simple question “aren’t you afraid running at midnight? don’t you feel scared?” Having given little consideration to this thought – I responded honestly without a moment’s contemplation “no”. Their bewildered faces seemed to demand further explanation and so I explained as best I could that the solidarity of night afforded me the only time in my day without distraction – it allowed me the time and space to embrace my deepest thoughts without interruption and find much needed balance in the symmetry of the universe.

To be ruled by fear in this instance would deprive me of one of the most sacred times of my day¦ it made me wonder just how many people confine themselves in a perimeter of brick and mortar because they fear that which lingers in the dark peace of night. There are places on earth where such fears are justified, where great danger lurks in dark shadows threatening captivity, exploitation and death but in our sovereign land I find myself exceedingly blessed with the freedom which I seek. I hope I shall never have to look back on these times and utter the words “remember when”.