Since Covid there has been a global shift to prioritising being ‘present’ in our lives, honing the art of noticing. We’ve been inspired more than ever to create our own castle, a haven in our homes. Thinking of my own special place in my home I wanted to encourage friends, family and readers to share their happy safe space. Perhaps it might inspire you to create your safe/special spot, if you don’t already have one. It took me a while to find the right name for this section of the blog. Then the word ‘kumbla’ popped into my head. This word harks back to my literature studies at university. Kumbla comes from the work of Erna Brodber entitled Jane and Louisa Will Soon Come Home:
“The image of the kumbla derives in this novel from a popular Anancy story in which Anancy dupes Dryhead into believing that he is surrendering all of his sons to him by telling his son Tucuma … Anancy’s whole career has been one of spinning “fine white cocoons” (124), creating kumblas “designed to protect for generations”.
I’ve drawn upon the image of a kumbla as safe space/place. Yet, how do you find peace if your home is also a place of work? In this feature North London based remote worker Aaron, tells us about his kumbla.
My very favourite place to sit and take a break when working from home is my back garden. We have lots of potted plants and the garden is wild and unkept. And I absolutely love it. It’s filled with all manner of life from buzzing insects, snails, frogs and foxes.
Nothing beats being able to sit with a good book, and a cup of water as I’m surrounded by nature in full bloom. The scent of lilies, the different shades of green plants it’s like my own oasis in the middle of the hustle and bustle of London.
If you missed the first kumbla feature, CLICK HERE.
Would like to be featured? DM me on Instagram or email: maria@xpatathome.co.uk
Looking forward to hearing from you.
