This week I stepped into my 44th year immersed in the beautiful forests and waters of Springbrook National Park. I don't know about you, but the last few months have been big, confronting, challenging and powerful. It's required all my inner resources to hold myself through it and be with what emerges with true loving-kindness.
To not run, hide, numb or distract myself, despite how much I might want to.
To be with what is which sometimes means sitting with my own demons or inner bullshit!
It's a wild ride. Difficult but liberating.
Fortunately, connecting with nature is what helps get me through the dark times, reminds me that I inherently belong and that it's only out of hubris that new life is possible.
It was beautiful to bring some of these nature connection practices to our 3-day community development and reflective practice workshop in Alice Springs/Mparntwe earlier this month. A true delight to sit in circle as 16 people learned about living processes and created a reflective learning community together. And to also enjoy labyrinth walks, fire-side conversations and full-moon walks. We can’t wait to offer further workshops that bring together the practices of community development, nature connection and reflective practice in other places across Australia in the future.
I look forward to supporting nature connection with others during our women's walk on 18 August on the Sunshine Coast. In these challenging times supporting, caring and being with each other in the natural world is so profoundly healing.
It’s been a big 6 months, and Peter and I are loving these slower more contemplative winter days as we lean into what’s next in our personal and vocational lives. Some big decisions and adventures are on the horizon, and the fire side yarns, and long slow hikes are offering their own supports and wisdoms.
With love until next time,
Rachael (and Peter)
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