The creatures living in the forest did not require a map to find their way there. They followed the path that led them through the undergrowth, over twisted roots and shiny flint laid out like a secret code. They didn’t need to unlock doors or pay for parking. Life was free here and they were welcome. The branches of the fir trees bowed their heads as the deer quietly and majestically passed by. The butterflies led the way, dipping and diving, kissing them with their wings. They had come to a place of peace.
In autumn the forest flowers have laid their heads down and quietly retreated, but they lie unperturbed, knowing they will bloom again in the spring. The beech leaves fall, whispering in the wind, sometimes captured by a passer-by, and put in their pocket for luck.
The creatures of the forest know the secrets of the world. They know the clouds don’t just float above the trees, but hold the secrets of the night and wrap their arms around the moon and carry stars in their pockets. All is clear without the need for instructions or rules. There is a knowing and an acceptance for what is. The nightingale comes, and fills the night with a beautiful song, stretching its feathers like sheet music. It sings because the world is listening.
If you just pass by the forest, look towards the waving trees. ‘Here we are’ they say, ‘steady as you like’ as their arms reach up to the sun.
It seems that everywhere we tune in at the moment we are bombarded with fierce rhetoric. So much unrest. So much heartache being endured by innocent people caught up in wars they didn’t want. Loved ones separated and lives torn apart. So many harsh actions and words, seemingly with no give and take. So much about ownership whilst people are ending up with nothing at all.
I like to think that there are people out there willing to be humble and to talk willingly without agenda. Most people just want the chance to enjoy the small things in life. The important things, like taking a peaceful walk in the sunshine.
‘We do not need guns and bombs to bring peace, we need love and compassion',’ Mother Teresa.’
I pull down the blind
and with that
I hope
for peace of mind.
Perhaps the world
will talk some sense
as I sleep,
and dispense some peace
and recompense.
Madness, how can you
be so ugly
when all the moon
wants to do is shine?
In these days, when our senses are bombarded with fast information and transitory moments, poetry offers a timeless gift -one that connects us with our deepest emotions, encourages reflection, and captures the beauty, and sometimes, challenges of life. The news flashes are relentless; we can’t help wanting to be informed, but the quiet moments when we can curl up in an armchair and read meaningful lines are essential for the soul.
Poetry transcends boundaries – geographical, linguistic and cultural. Across the globe, people write and appreciate poetry in countless forms, and often the themes of love and nature, struggle and hope are universal, thus connecting us all with shared experiences. If you look back at some of the ancient poets like Rumi, his work is just as relevant today as it was hundreds of years ago. Just think of his beautiful and thought-provoking words transcending time and filling our hearts just as if they were written for us yesterday. To me, that is a priceless gift from the past.
In this fast-paced world, the beauty of poetry can be enjoyed with little time commitment. While it encourages us to slow down and take a moment it doesn’t demand the same amount of time as a novel will, yet still invites us to pause and reflect. We can carry a little slice of heaven in our pockets!
Poetry has the power to heal. For both readers and writers, it offers comfort in times of pain and suffering, and even clarity where there is confusion. A few lines of a poem that sum up what we are thinking or feeling can turn things around on a difficult day, or make us laugh if we read something light-hearted.
Poetry is timeless, and yet it can also teach us a lot about the past, almost like a time capsule. By preserving the voice of a forgotten era it can inspire us and remain timeless at the same time.
The world news isn’t good as I write this post. In fact, I am lucky to be able to sit in my writing corner putting thoughts down. Others aren’t as lucky. Last night I climbed the stairs with a heavy heart and looked out across the sky before closing the curtains. I sat in my bed and wrote a poem.
I like to think of myself as a spiritual person. I also embrace Christianity, having been brought up with a Church of England background. I seek a deep purpose and meaning in life while being a dreamer too. I feel grounded when I can feel the sunlight on my skin or the pull of the waves under my feet. I feel happy sitting at my desk creating poetry or a new story. These are the times I can wear my ‘spiritual slippers’; the more worn they are the better! (Okay, they are just ordinary slippers, but I think we all have those moments when we shut the door on the outside world, shrug off the day and put our slippers on – that, in its way, is a small spiritual happening!)
When life gets a little more tricky, and I am faced with challenges, then my spiritual slippers might get pushed to the back of the cupboard. Information overload, news bulletins, general media bombardment, personal worries etc., pile up like too much heavy furniture in a small room. When that happens it feels difficult to find the light.
I have always regarded myself as a sensitive person, one who sometimes struggles with processing difficult information and one who will zone out in loud or busy places. I can carry a heavy load and appear stoical but be prone to anxiety. Finding balance in these treacherous times can be hard, but looking more deeply into the way the world and its politics works is something I am aware I need to embrace. I have come to realise there is courage in owning a questioning mind. Equally, some things may never be explained and holding on to what is good is sometimes all we have.
I am going to think of my sensitivity as a superpower! It is up to highly sensitive people to warn others of impending storms, to find a peaceful path and test the water. I have superpowers. I am going to use them! Now, where did I put my spiritual slippers?
The light is out - I'm turning in My head trying to make sense Of what's spinning within. Then - these are the thoughts That I like the most... Tomorrow we will sit And butter our toast And have the luxury Of planning small things.
Soul – the spiritual part of a person that is believed to give life to the body and in many religions is believed to live forever. A person’s deeply-felt moral and emotional nature. The ability of a person to feel kindness and sympathy for others. To appreciate art and beauty.
I’m thinking about how we look after ourselves and give our best to the world when we get caught up in the hurly-burly of everyday living, but also, and more importantly, how we cope when we are knocked sideways by awful events going on around us, both in our personal lives and further afield.
So much is said about caring for the mind and body and yet so little is said about looking after our souls. Yet even the simplest act of self -care can have a profound effect. Surely, if our souls are nurtured, we will feel happier and calmer. But how easy is it to feel aligned with the universe? Perhaps we should exercise our souls just like we do our muscles. It isn’t difficult but how often do we do it? We can exercise our souls when we go about our daily lives. We don’t need to dress up in exercise gear or go to a special place. How lucky we are to have a beautiful soul right inside us! We can include our soul in everyday acts quite easily! As we get in the shower, make tea or dig the garden, for example, we can visualise our soul lighting our heart up like a beacon. We can put it to work too and allow it to enhance our everyday lives by carrying out simple acts of kindness, placing a thoughtful touch on someone’s arm, or taking time and properly listening to another. When you give your time to another person and connect with them, this is a spiritual act in itself. Compassion works wonders.
It is hard to be non-judgemental, especially with so many opinions being foisted on us from the media, but it is good to practise tolerance. Standing up for what we believe in is important too, but a good soul uses a gentle voice. When you hear someone raise their voice, lower yours and see how the atmosphere calms.
The soul likes to be creative. It helps it to grow and to spread beauty wherever its creations land. Anything lovingly created makes the souls of both the giver and the recipient happy. Think how heartwarming it is to receive a happily created stick-man drawing from a child.
What do we do on the days when we feel overwhelmed – when the care of our soul takes a back seat and we are challenged? Some days are far from perfect, but the soul doesn’t complain. It waits patiently for us to remember it is there and reminds us that those significant challenges may be a bunch of tiny things in a row . Perhaps they are like a path of pebbles that will eventually lead us to where we need to be.
Nurturing the soul means taking good care of yourself. The energy you nurture within shows the worth you have. It brings meaning to who you are. It’s the smallest things that count.
On the days of heavy noise And dull spirits Take me to where the waves wash the sand clean And scatter shells made so perfectly That each one is like a prize. Lead me to where the wind blows softly Yet carries me along, to that haven Where the birds fly in and out From feathery nests and splendid corners Regardless of change. Lift me high up to the rooftops Way out of range, And let me watch the big red sun At the end of the day Cast its rosy glow Before it slides peacefully away. My soul is happy.
‘I must go and seek some dewdrops here, And hang a pearl in every cowslip’s ear.’ Fairy in A Midsummer Night’s Dream
The longest day has passed again. The time when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky and gives us our longest day of the year. This marks the second phase of the Earth’s journey around the sun – a time to nourish the seeds planted in the first phase. For centuries this time of the year has been marked with reverence and honour by people from all corners of the world. When the sun rose at 5am, and the light broke through the darkness of the day, it hit the ancient monument of Stonehenge directly in the centre, lighting up each pillar like a magical horseshoe. This awe-inspiring sight can only make us question how and why the people who came before us dedicated their whole lives in building such a monument. We cannot know precisely how they managed to do what they did but we can feel the divine rhythm and that connection to the movement of the Earth.
So many things in life cannot be explained and yet we marvel at them and can be refreshed emotionally. Perhaps after the rush of new growth and energy in Spring, Summer represents patience. A time to develop trust and confidence in ourselves and our future. In troubled times, this isn’t easy but the long summer days remind us to go outside and walk amongst the flowers. I watch an adult blackbird patiently feeding his young offspring – watch how, hour after hour, he collects the seeds and the crumbs, quite happy in the scheme of things. Perhaps our ancestors knew that to honour the sun was to celebrate the meaning of life and the importance of simple rituals and the art of nurturing life.
As I delve into the wisdom of the solstice, I come across a profound insight into the importance of setting intentions and tapping in to the energy that is surrounding us. Taking time to state what we need or hope for, and to be open to receiving energy and strength can provide us with a guiding light as we navigate the future.
If nothing else, take some time outside and stand in the sun. Feel the warmth of the sun rays on your face whilst standing in the light. Just like our ancient brothers and sisters who stood in the light long ago and observed the rising sun and all its majesty, you are here. For now.
This year, the D-day anniversary seems more poignant than ever as we face more global atrocities. I’ve been delving into some of the archives and reading about some of the young men who bravely set out on that June day eighty years ago to do their best for their country. The events of 6th June 1944, have achieved near – mythical status, but it’s so important to remember D -Day was a momentous battle fought by very real people. One can only imagine the fear and sadness that lived in the hearts of parents who waved goodbye to their sons, not knowing if they would see them again. And what of the men themselves? What must they have felt as they arrived at the coast to see the heaving sea heavy with vessels and the skies overhead full of aircraft? Who could ever tell us what went through the minds of young men who should have been at home fretting about nothing more than their studies or getting to work on time. The battle is extremely well documented and I’m not here to recount the actual events…I’m just here to draw attention to the boy next door with the smiling face who bravely stepped out that day, and all the other ones like him who didn’t make it home. I hope new generations go forth with peace in their hearts because of them.
D-Day
Did you wake that early summer’s day, And think of home Where everything was where it had always been And your mother waited - Uttering prayers until she Folded like a pack of cards. I saw someone like you smiling, As they bravely looked ahead, Somehow finding courage As they left their future On a windswept beach. And when the little ships Stormed the shores of Normandy Did the screaming skies Watch you hold your falling comrades And know the cost of liberty? Did someone speak your name And reach for your hand As you fell asleep In a foreign land? Oh, the beaches may be empty now, But the tide endlessly turns, To whisper the names Of long-lost souls.
Sometimes we yearn for small comforts…….I’ve slightly run out of steam due to various challenges today, but I have scribbled down these words. As my dad said – ‘onwards.’
For various reasons I have not been here recently. Life throws up storms from time to time as we all know. Sometimes it is hard to cope and we wonder why things happen as they do. But I have learned that showing up and putting one foot in front of the other helps, as does the kindness of friends.
Where would I be without my writing? I’m not sure, as writing helps me focus on the light. My writing, both in written stories and poetry is simple, but carries a message from my heart to yours. It’s a rocky ride, this world, but writing with hope helps keep my world, and hopefully yours, on its axis.
I read two things today which resonated with me, so I would like to mention them here. One of my favourite authors is Marian Keyes and I read an email from her this morning. She talked about how the world can be a scary place and how we can feel fearful (I’m paraphrasing), and struggle, but (and this is the bit I like): ‘You can’t set yourself on fire to keep others warm.’ We all want to save the world but we have to care for ourselves as well, before we can help others.
That leads me to the next thing that caught my eye somewhere. Words about a butterfly. ‘A butterfly won’t fly when it rains because the raindrops damage their wings. They rest and wait it out, it’s self preservation. It’s okay to rest during the storms in your life. Take all the time you need and you will fly again once the storm passes.’
We can fly We can grow, We can listen to What we think we need to know. We can dress To impress We can follow a plan, As we carry our life In the palm of our hand. But remember, all the dreams we wrote Lie tucked in the pocket Of our old overcoat.
Love sends good vibrations across the fields, the miles, the skies, and the oceans. Love has no borders. It never leaves us. It sits in our memories and stirs us when we need it. It appears in our dreams and runs through our veins. It made us. Like Christmas, love is never cancelled! Step outside when everything gets a bit much, take a breath and watch the blackbird. He knows how to love and he is getting ready for spring without sweating the small stuff!
Be grateful for our world.
Most of us notice the sadness around us and hold space for all that is broken, and in the quiet corners of our minds, we may tremble at the thoughts of an unknown future, but let us picture a time where all the four corners of our precious world have been swept clean and we rejoice in new beginnings.
Have faith.
I like to believe there is a power that is bigger than us, that is all-encompassing and loving, and I find that even though I have doubts, faith is what gets me through. Faith in a world that is inherently good and a life force that cannot always be explained and is beyond understanding. What compels eels to cross the Atlantic from the Saragossa Sea to spawn in the Irish rivers of their origin, or birds to cross whole continents, following a favoured route that no one could explain, to land atop the same trees every year? In the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives, we may overlook the miracles that occur and the awesome occurrences happening in nature on a daily basis.
The small things are the big things.
Kind smiles and softly spoken words can help when the world wears a muddled face. Small acts of consideration are like gifts that fill life’s empty spaces. A patch of blue sky after the rain, a cup of coffee shared with a friend. Someone telling you things will be okay, that they have your back. These are the things that matter. Oh! And when I sit at my desk, writing comes much easier to me when I play my personal Spotify list, full of peaceful music.
Be aware but be happy.
I think of my late dad who often came out with some classic observations. One day we were out on one of our little jaunts, perhaps off to the garden centre, and he sat as usual with one hand clutching his seatbelt and sucking in his breath …(I don’t think I am a particularly reckless driver, but still…) ‘You wouldn’t want to venture out on a journey these days without wing mirrors’ he said profoundly. I chuckled inwardly but I still hear those words and I love the hidden wisdom – keep an eye on your surroundings whilst progressing.
Dust yourself off
For those times you feel things went wrong or life went a bit pear-shaped. Keep going. This time of year, we may feel we have over-indulged too, but we can always start again with the diet/yoga class/calming winter walks. There are no rules!
Daily choices are better than grandiose resolutions
I don’t feel New Year’s resolutions work. Not for me anyway. I gave up making them long ago. I take it a day at a time and try my best to make good choices with whatever life presents to me daily. And if I have faltered, any day I choose to start again is fine.
Shine a light.
I never like taking the Christmas decorations down! I love the twinkling lights on the tree and the familiar and well-loved pieces that come out every year. The Christmas season comes to a close too soon, and soon all the angels, fairies, elves and stars go back into their box for another year, poor things. I’ve learnt to cope with post-Christmas blues over the years by placing a new lamp in the window – a sort of compensatory light to keep the spirits up. It gives me a new routine to embrace and lights the still-dark winter evenings.
So, there is my short and eclectic mix of thoughts as we move forward towards 2024. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I wish you the best year possible. If you are facing tough times I hope you find comfort, peace and healing.
And here’s a quote for those days when everything does go a bit pear shaped…..
Notes From Dove Lane 