This INKLINGS voice note shares some thoughts on reciprocal dialogues with nature. How we give and take in our relationship with the natural world around us. This has been in my mental stewpot this last week and inspired by Sandi Toksvig’s recent project1 of taking on 15 (and then an extra 25) acres of ancient woodland for restoration and community-making, in southern England.
As the very early signs of spring pop up - the daffs are beginning to poke the heads up - and the light creeps towards 6 pm I am reflecting on the ways I am in relationship with the natural world around me and the ways that I can give back, and not just receive.
We are conditioned to view nature as a resource to be extracted from for our own needs, and yet tending to it and nurturing its health is a vital part of our well-being as humans. We are part of it.
With the baffling and overwhelming news of more division and abandonment of diplomacy and cooperation worldwide, I wonder how I can care for my small place. It is the impotence I feel in impacting greater global conditions that can lead me into shadowy brain territory and physical stuckness.
On the day of DJT’s inauguration, I found myself somewhat obsessively picking up plastic from the beach after another wild storm (pathetic fallacy2 for sure). I am beginning to extract brambles from the hedges in the garden to give more light to the smaller plants underneath that will be itching to emerge in the weeks ahead.
Small acts.
I can often fall foul of the ‘it’s not enough so I won’t bother’ belief, but I am determined to not. The inspiring projects and people I see, meet and engage with around the place are a testament to goodness, care and gentle, fierce action in the world.
Places and people rooted in care that are nurturing the bones:
Grateful and energised to be a retreatant on the Dharma of Spring Awakening retreat with Lama Rod Owens at Earth Spirit near Glastonbury, England.3
Volunteer days are running again at Glasbren - near Llansteffan, west Wales. Check out details for their Thursday volunteer days here, alongside first-of-the-month Saturday community days and a host of other gatherings and workshops.
Will be in attendance at Neighbourhood Identity and Place webinar 12pm - 1pm Tuesday 11th February with Community Organisers.
Small space beauty and community at The Branch Pocket Farm in Osaka, Japan.
Lush to come across new-to-me projects in south Wales: Fieldwork Studio in Glamorgan. “Fieldwork centres approaches from organic farming, rural culture and artist-led spaces to support regenerative practices, rest, care and sustainable working within the arts, ecology and agriculture.”
The NATURAL INK. Course intro offer of £110 or 2 x £55 is coming to an end this week (when I can do the website back end hoojahmahflips) and shifting to the tiered pricing.
If you would like to get involved and book on to receive your NATURAL INK. kit in the post, head on over here to see full details and take your space.
Tiered pricing will be available following this intro offer period alongside subsidised offerings for marginalised folks in financial need. Details to follow.
In hearty camaraderie,
Karn
Sandi’s Great British Woodland Restoration on Channel4
Pathetic fallacy is the attribution of human emotion to inanimate objects, nature, or animals. Writers use the pathetic fallacy to evoke a specific mood or feeling that usually reflects their own or a character’s internal state.
I am booked onto this and very grateful and excited to get to practice with Lama Rod and the community.
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