Hello, and waving out to you, whatever part of the world you are in. The Wild Edge is currently read in 44 countries, which astonishes me really. It reminds me that despite so much that tries to separate, there are so many thread and bonds, often invisible to the eye, which are working towards the act of bridging. It’s just one of the many reasons why words and stories and art- your art- matters.
For this week’s creative retreat, I have a contemplation and some imagery for you. I am not going to offer much commentary here, as silence, space and nature are the real retreat hosts this week. But I do have a quote for you from one of my favourite writers, Terry Tempest Williams.
The invite is to read the quote a few times and, then to allow yourself some contemplative time in nature. Maybe that is sitting in a garden or local park, maybe it is going for a hike, or a swim. What’s important, is intentionally inviting contemplation and listening, and then trusting what you might hear within the silence. Afterwards, you may like to journal about the experience ( I offer some prompts below as support). And feel free to comment or email me with your reflections.
To contemplate…
If we allow ourselves contemplative time in nature…then we can hear the voice of our conscience. If we listen to that voice, it asks us to be conscious. And if we become conscious we choose to live lives of consequence.
- Terry Tempest Williams
The photo wander…
Earlier this week, I had the good fortune to spend some extended solo time in nature. Well, it wasn’t exactly solo. It was myself, a host of fictional characters, two dogs, a horse, the sea, some swallows, herringgulls, stonechats, blackbirds, chiffchaffs, robins, sparrows and a headland of wildflowers and blossoming trees. I took my camera along too, so if you don’t have access to some open space right now, then perhaps you can take a slow wander through these images, as a contemplative nature ‘walk’, resting on each image for a few moments, before moving onto the next. Perhaps one particular image speaks to you, and you might choose to focus your attention and reflections on that, or you may choose embrace the whole photo experience, directing your reflections with a wider gauge. Either way, I hope you enjoy this little piece of heaven:)
The prompts
What did the experience evoke in you?
What is the voice of your conscience communicating?
What is becoming conscious?
Coming up on The Wild Edge
Owl Hours, Poetry Salon, Seasonal Salon… and more.
Owl Hours- Creative Practice Circles:
Find focus and flow, commit time to your creative projects, and connect with others.
29 May, Thursday 8-9pm GMT+1 (Irish time): Owl Hour
5th June, Thursday 8-9pm GMT+1 (Irish time): Owl Hour
Poety Salon
An hour to savour the spirit of poetry.
8th June, Sunday 6-7pm GMT+1 (Irish time): Poetry Salon
Summer Solstice Salon: Friday June 20th
Marking the Summer Solstice, I’ll be hosting a special seasonal salon on June 20th with poems, prompts and creative ritual. Tickets are included in the ‘Gold/ Founding Membership’ of The Wild Edge, or can be purchased below.
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