I desperately needed to cheer myself up… The sunless grey days of German winter needed some warmth and the beautiful white landscapes some colour.
Fortunately I brought some really cute, really bright orange goldfish along from Namibia and decided to take them for a swim in unusual places.
Swimming in the snow ©Imke Rust
Swimming in the snow ©Imke Rust
Interventions like these are fun. And important. I slowly realize that these ‘small’ and playful things, which I am usually doing on the spur of the moment, are not that frivolous at all. I might just be following a hunch or a simple, but fascinating idea, at the time and only see the relevance to my life or the bigger picture later. And then I am surprised how these simple creative processes help me to make sense of my life and emotions.
Since I arrived in Berlin in the middle of February, I struggled to adjust to the cold and sunless weather here. Even though I have been regularly moving between the two continents and cultures for some time now, I am still not managing the change very well. I really enjoy Berlin and all that it has to offer, but I have to admit, as a born and bred Namibian I still feel like a fish out of water in Europe.
Flying Goldfish ©Imke Rust
Taking my goldfish out into nature, letting them brighten up the day, wobble through the snow and glide up into the sky reminded me that I could choose to embrace the unease and stress I am experiencing because I am out of my comfort zone. To focus on the bright side and willingly submit to the growth-pains which are a necessary if we do not want to stay stuck in the same old rut. And to explore the advantages: more freedom to discover unusual and new things, having fun in simple ways and being able to see the world with a fresh and unconditioned mind.
And for a while the excitement of placing my cute goldfish all over the place and photographing them made me forget my unusually low tolerance to the cold and my gloomy mood. 🙂
Finding a trickle of flowing water ©Imke Rust
Taking my goldfish for a swim ©Imke Rust (Photograph by Steffen Holzkamp)
Imke Rust 
THESE ARE WONDERFUL AND BRIGHT IDEAS you have!
i am so glad you could find postive and light ways to bright up your gloomy mood.
lots of warm sunny kisses
Oh thank you so much Elize!The snow is gone now and the sun has come out more – so i think your kisses have arrived here 😉
Oo Imke. Funny tho. But I get The Bigger Picture behind it all, your Idea and Feeling. It is Amazing what simple things can do to one s feelings. You ll work it out.
Thank you, yes humour often is the best medicine.And cute orange fishies 🙂 I hope you are well my dear? hugs and love xxx
I love love love these pictures! They are surreal and funky and somehow just so cool! And i love your text dear Imke. You are always at home within, so wherever Imke is, there is home! At least Growing pains are great (at least in hindsight). And to not let them turn into suffering but instead taking your fishies out is just so wonderful. big hug dear friend, might join you soon in continent hopping…. xxx
Thank you Jutta! You and your blog have been/are such a big inspiration for me, encouraging me to share thoughts and pictures more. 🙂
Wow, continent hopping might just be the solution for you too? That way you do not need to choose between two, but get the best of both… 🙂 Good luck with your plans. hugs and love xxx