Hi Compassionates,
Have you been enjoying the autumn colours? The temperatures have definitely dropped, haven’t they? I’ve been relishing donning winter woollies, and trying to make the most of sunny days, far and few between, admiring the leaf confetti decorating the dull pavements, searching for mushrooms on forest walks, and admiring the ostentatious show of tree’s against a blue sky. That all equates to plenty of mindfulness 🙂
Have you been practicing some mindfulness too? Or have you been sheltering from the rain indoors? Me too! It’s been a pretty rainy season so far, hasn’t it? But even if we are indoors, we can still connect with nature and practice mindfulness. There’s nothing better than the sound of rain, if sheltering indoors, for example. The heightened rise and muted fall of the pitta patter, on the rooftop and windows, creating a relaxing ambience. Or perhaps you have been enjoying watching the changing colours from your window, or watching nature shows on TV. Even watching nature on our screens can have a proven positive impact. Which reminds me, I need to catch up on Autumn watch! 🙂
It certainly was a lively summer!! And now Autumn’s here, with its slower rhythms, I’m appreciating a little rest and an opportunity to practice some reflection.
There defintely was a lot going on over Summer, a lot to be grateful for. From helping with the Hive open day, in Epping Forest, crafting bees and butterflies on their meadow, to practising citizen science at Highams park, with the Big Butterfly count. And building a miniature green roof for pollinating insects at the Chingford mount festival, with nature and mindfulness activities at 228 and Memorial park. There definitely was a pollination theme.
That’s because according to the charity Plant Life, nearly 97 percent of the UK’s wild meadows have been lost, due to land changes, such as agriculture, and urban development, which means a loss of habitat for our pollinating friends, and a knock effect for the health of our eco systems, making it really important that we all do our bit, at home and in our communities.
Memorial park in South Chingford definitely has a great habitat for insects if you haven’t visited yet? There are significant wetlands, bordered with colourful plant life to admire. A mecca for bees, butterflies, and dragonflies. I even found a dragonfly nymph whilst weeding the pond in Memorial park a few weeks back with the Love South Chingford community group, which was very exciting. It’s the first time I’d seen one, and a great privilege, as Dragon flies spend most of the life cycle underwater. Really looking forward to spending more time in Memorial park in the future, exploring the flora and fauna and facilitating nature connection
Anyway enough about the future, my monkey mind is getting the better of me 🙂 Let’s not focus our minds on the past or future but just enjoy the present moment, Autumn is a good reminder for that. A good reminder to slow down and just be happy being. Just as trees submit by letting go of their leaves, we too can submit to nature’s rhythms, and practice being comfortable with impermanence. That’s easier said than done, as we all love to cling, me included. But perhaps if we make mindfulness a habit, we can loosen our grip, and enjoy natures show all the more.
Have a great Autumn xx
planetcompassion.org 