“We did not come to remain whole.We came to lose our leaves like the trees,The trees that are brokenAnd start again, drawing up on great roots” Robert Bly I came across these four lines yesterday which felt appropriate – especially…
A new voice
Dear friends, July has felt intensely transformative in ways I’m only beginning to discover. Following my experience with children in Cyprus, I’ve just returned from our new ‘My Story, Our World’ ‘storytelling’ workshop which we held for the first time…
Living in tents to save trees?
Dear friends, What a privilege to have extended my “Mindfulness of Nature” invitation to children aged 5 to 12 years old this week – in collaboration with the BirdLife Cyprus and the Family House summer school in Nicosia. Every morning…
Loving life (even when we don’t)
Dear friends, I’ve recently been noticing that in times when anxiety, fear, sadness, or hurt come to visit, there’s a part of me that doesn’t want to ‘be here’ anymore. When these difficult mind states arise, something in me wishes…
My (our?) wish to ‘know life’
Dear friends, Greetings from a melting hot Southern France. On the third day of the week-long silent retreat in the Pyrenees I’ve just been part of, Jaya Ashmore (our natural jewel of a retreat leader) read Rilke’s words below. “Aaah…
Solstice reflections: entering the fire, together
Dear friends, The longest day of the year is upon us… Happy summertime to you all! I’ve just returned from our “Mindfulness around the campfire: Celebrating the summer solstice” evening which I held here in Cambridge. Thanks to all who…
Main Stage at ‘Wellbeing by the Lakes’ Festival
Dear friends, Just a quick post to share the exciting news that I will be giving a 45 minute talk at the ‘Wellbeing by the Lakes Festival’ in Dorset 19th-21st September. Come and say hello if you can. It promises…
Reflections on water
Dear friends, I hope this finds you well on this watery week. On Monday, I led my first event with a group of 13 year olds at St John’s College school in Cambridge – on possibly the rainiest day we’ve…
Summer & autumn 2019 opportunities
Dear friends, Thank you for your continued interest in Mindfulness of Nature and for the all the comments and reflections you share on the blog – which are always greatly appreciated and inspiring. Every day, I feel more and more…
“Opening to life”?
Dear all, This evening, I went to a friend’s meditation class and she read this simple poem by David Whyte which touched me quite profoundly. So here it is: Enough. These few words are enough.If not these words, this breath.If…