Fire and earth
reviewing, savouring, gathering and preparing
We are in the season of Lammas or Lughnasadh - late summer. In the Celtic tradition, this is a time of harvesting, crafting and storytelling. And particularly honouring the grains that make our daily bread.
Our local season here on Wurundjeri country is Biderap - sunny and dry. A time to be very careful with fire tending. To enjoy the bounty of the coast; seafood, beach gatherings, swimming in the ocean.
In our modern world I associate this time of year with fire and earth; literally bush fire season and heat waves, and grounding in the routine of a new school/work year.
And honey! The bees have been busy all spring and summer, so this is the perfect time for gratefully harvesting honey.
Emotionally this is a time to think about endings. How are you feeling now the peak of summer is over and the days are getting shorter? Are you disappointed the holidays are over? Exhausted? Relieved? Content? Confused or uncertain about what will happen next?
I find it helpful to reflect on what was happening six months ago in early spring… what was I doing, planning, hoping for the summer to come? Did I harvest any of these dreams?
Last August I was making three birthday wishes:
to slow down and spend time in nature
to enjoy simple pleasures
to honour the deep work of mothering
Reviewing this, I know that I still need to slow down. And I still need to visit the natural places that restore my heart, mind and body more often. I’m savouring the sweetness of a weekly creative practice I’ve built up, and a monthly craft gathering with friends. And I’m proud I’ve protected and maintained the routines that nourish me as a mother - yoga, salt floats, massages, psychotherapy.
It is a beautiful, creative harvest this year. And also, I am feeling very weary. There is much bleakness, chaos and pain in the world, both near and far. It takes effort to live a coherent and loving life right now. I’ve been re-reading adrienne maree brown’s notes on four ways to make meaning of the moment when I feel overwhelmed.
And I’m taking small, steady steps to gather and prepare the resources I need to get me through autumn and winter - an iron supplement, adaptogen herbs, a night or two away by myself to rest and restore, long term plans with friends and appointments with practitioners who hold me accountable and motivate me.
I wish the same slow, intentional support for you. I’m honoured to still be a part of so many of your lives as a friend/osteo/supportive person. I’m grateful, always, for you being here.
Inspiration
The radical power of crafting together
Digital ecosystems - a different way of being online
Much love,
Emily