1.
From the Forest — a poem by Charles Davies
From the Community
A Poem from The Forest
I could long for no greater master than the forest teacher
who with wind and silence
says - 'Be still'
No greater doctor than
the forest healer who
holding life and death within her
says - 'You belong. And are not lost!
No greater friend than
the forest priest who
in chorus with a thousand million leaves says - 'We are but visitors here. Let go!
—
This week’s piece from the community is courtesy of a certain being in the name of Danny Schmulevitch. I have yet to be part of Danny’s retreat, but I have had the privilege of knowing many, many people who have.
I’ve known Danny since 2017, when we participated in a 3-month long programme called The Foundation Course with Concord Institute. Having been quite deeply involved in the organisation since then, I decided last week to revisit this particular programme again, and it began this weekend.
And so, I thought it apt to share this particular poem with you this week :). I haven’t met Charles, and I don’t know how to find him on the internet. Nonetheless, this poem showed up for me and I share with you the gift that it was 🌳.
2.
As the Season Turns — a podcast by Ffern and Lia Leendertz
From the Internet
I discovered this podcast a couple of weeks ago, courtesy of
who facilitates FLOWN’s ‘flock’ sessions (which are very effective, for some reason).Each year at Christmas, I receive a copy of The Almanac written by
. I spend much of Boxing Day and the 'no-time' time between Christmas and New Year reading through the Alamanac and fantasising about all the things I'm going to do when the months and seasons come. For the most part, November comes and I pick up the Almanac again regretting that I'd spent the year only somewhat present to the seasons and gifts they bring.The podcast is great. It shows up on my feed as a reminder that it’s time to check in with myself and mama nature. I listened to this on the morning of 2nd March after having very little sleep, before I even got out of bed. It was factual, informative… and yet so of the earth. Just for a moment, I was present to my place in nature’s world and I felt part of something bigger.
I hope you enjoy this podcast. And if you live on the equator or on the other side of the world… then know that this happens elsewhere 😅.
Lia also has a substack, where she shares each week in the season. We are in week 9 of 52!?!
3.
Spring! — a poem by Charles Graham
From the Pub
Today you get two poems. This one comes from Charles Graham whom I don’t know, but I believe is from my hometown of Stroud. I came across this poem at the pub some time ago.
—
Spring is on the breeze Alighting once more Upon this our cold Earth With feather wings, Dripping snowdrops & then yellow flights of daffodills to decorate our Lust for life. Hello, gorgeous Spring! We love you For your glorious & much anticipated Return.
—
INVITATION
If you have a piece of creative self-expression that you’d like to share in this newsletter, please get in touch! Just respond to this email. Or if you know someone whose work should be here, then send this to them too 💌.