Today I went out early, just as the sun was appearing on the horizon here on the North Downs.
I adore tiptoeing out into nature when the animals least expect it and there is no one else around. I try and remain as much a part of the landscape as I can and not disturb them, but simply observe. We have six little fox cubs just above the garden. They are shy, so I feel incredibly privileged when I catch a glimpse of them playing, weaving in and out of the bluebells and tussling with each other. You can feel their excitement, their energy, their adventurous spirit. It reminded me of a piece written by Einstein, a long time ago now, but more relevant than ever right now.
A human being is a part of the whole, called by us the Universe, a part limited in time & space. We experience ourselves, our thoughts & feelings as something separated from the rest - a kind of optical delusion of consciousness……our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circles of compassion to embrace all living creatures & the whole of nature in its beauty…we shall require a substantially new manner of thinking if humankind is to survive & evolve to higher levels.
If we might only listen...
Here are some photos I took this morning of the intricacy, yet simplicity of spring in all its glory. Click the image and a slideshow gallery will open up for you. The smallest of tree blossom and flowers can be studied for hours, if we only we would give ourselves the time and the permission. And so it is, I wish a Happy Beltane to you all, and welcome each of you to Forest Bathing Made in Britain. We have emerged into the world in the strangest of times, yet the most interesting of times, and I very much look forward to meeting you when, once again, we are able to gather together to celebrate nature.