1. hello! 2. love letters to trees 3. something to listen to 4. what is...? 5. what's next?
Hello Reader!
After years of guiding people through some of life's most profound moments, I found myself facing a humbling truth about my own resilience.
I've experienced many significant life events, some joyful, others difficult. By the time I reached 'midlife', I noticed that my resilience wasn't what it used to be. Thinking about aging, another career crossroads, moving for the hundredth time, and thoughts of retirement (??)—and simply the sheer weight of having lived until this point—these things can take their toll.
Initially, I was seeking ways to build my resilience and move forward with confidence. It wasn't the same or as easy as it used to be. And, in noticing transitions that my friends and colleagues were going through, It became very clear that we're often not prepared for these mental and physical shifts.
Shifts came when spending more time outdoors, gardening, and through training as an End of Life Educator and Nature & Forest Therapy Guide. I witnessed, and personally experienced, the profound clarity and healing that comes from spending time with the natural world. It became evident that nature is not just a backdrop to our lives, but a transformative teacher and our most trustworthy ally.
In particular, here's one 'aha' moment that I keep coming back to as a reminder:
Embracing Cycles and Letting Go: Nature constantly teaches us about life transitions, including birth, death, and renewal. Just as nature moves through vibrant spring growth, the fullness of summer, the letting go of autumn, and the quiet renewal of winter, our lives too have their own rhythms and cycles. This cyclical wisdom can help us find peace with the idea of transition and adapt to changes with greater ease.
For example, trees shedding their leaves in autumn, without hesitation, teaches the importance of releasing what no longer serves us—old habits, grudges, or fears—to conserve energy for new growth. This process of release can be freeing and pave the way for new opportunities and experiences.
gif by JuliusH on Pixabay
love letters to trees
In 2015, the Melbourne (Australia) City Council started a program where 70,000 trees were given id numbers with email addresses. The idea was that people could report any ill or failing trees that needed attention.
It worked better than they thought with emails coming in from all over the world, but people were writing letters about how much they love individual trees! Check out some of the letters,HERE
“
Thoughts in your head are really no different than the sound of a bird outside. It is just that you decide that they are more or less relevant.
— Adyashanti
something to listen to
I used to look after some canaries in a large aviary. I loved hearing their birdsong as I cleaned their cage every morning. I would listen and wonder, what are they saying?
Now, I love exploring Soundcloud and Youtube birdsong recordings. In fact, research shows how we evolved and relied on bird sounds to tell us what was going on in our environment. In this Tedx talk, Maryjane Claydon explains how.
I started doing this specific practice and find it immensely satisfying. It engages all of my senses and challenges my thought process.
This practice encourages focused observation, curiosity, and reflection. By using words, pictures, and numbers to record what you notice, wonder, and are reminded of, you can deepen your connection to the natural world.
You don't need to be an artist, or know how to draw. This is about observing and recording what you're noticing.
So grab a notebook and pen, pencil, crayon or pastel, and find a leaf, tree, stone, ant, stick - whatever is nearby.
1. Ask yourself, 'what am I noticing?' Then write, draw, and use numbers to record what comes up for you.
2. Now, what does it remind you of? And write, draw and use numbers to convey your thoughts.
3. And, ask yourself, 'I wonder....' and write, draw and use numbers to record your answers.
If you want to share your findings, I'd love to hear them!
Last year, I offered online nature journaling sessions through a recreation centre, and plan to offer more in the Fall/Winter. Please let me know if you're interested!
what’s next?
Join me on August 7th for another intimate and transformative webinar where I'll reveal how nature can be your guide through life transitions.
RSVP HEREfor my August 7th webinar ‘Nature as your Ally’, where I unpack how nature’s wisdom fuels resilience, clarity, and confidence. If you’ve ever wondered, “How do I move forward when everything around me changes?” this is your answer. This will be a 30-minute webinar at noon PST, with time for Q & A.
I am opening my Founder's Circle for EMERGE program! If you are a post-menopausal woman, the details can be found HERE to learn more. It's 6 online sessions over 3 months starting at the end of September. And, if you know someone who might be interested, please forward this to them.
I hope this newsletter offers you another perspective, peaks your curiosity, and, most importantly, reminds you that you are not alone on this life path.
