This week I had the opportunity to explore the Gatineau Region.  It was very lovely.   The chance to be in nature, and visit Chelsea and Haute Plain was very relaxing.

Connecting with nature allows one to connect with ourselves and to be present in the moment.   Also, it is a time to let become still and let our thoughts flow.

Circling back to nature when life seems challenging always reminds one that this is a just a moment in time.  Everything constantly changes from one moment to the next.  Sometimes it is useful just to label the emotion that arises and keep doing that and then watch as it passes.   I am so grateful for the teachings of Joseph Goldstein and Dan Harris  as I listen to their podcasts regularly.  I extract small things and apply them to daily life and find it really does help when things are challenging.

Recently I spent the most delightful, restful time in Mt. Hillaire Quebec.   It was a time to reset and rest after a long period of coping with many losses.   

I had many opportunities to spend time in nature marvelling at the beauty of the river, the town and the warm, friendly people of Quebec.   I had such a wonderful time, I did not want to leave!   

Stepping into more challenges and exploring new regions helps centre oneself.   I practiced a different sort of meditation here.   I focussed on the breath, but I listened to the water and I let that lead the way.   I spent more time focused in the present moment.   I am grateful for this time to rest.  I will take these micro moments with me as I continue to connect to nature this summer.

As the warm days of summer surround us in this month of July we have a chance to be truly grateful.   Spending time in nature and connecting with the water the sounds of birdsong in the early morning..feeling the warm sun on our faces as we focus on the present moment.   This gives us a chance to be more open to change, more open to discovery and to flow along with the changes that occur rather than resisting them.  Leaning into things even if we don't particularly like them, makes it a bit easier.    

Finding moments of solitude when we are not tethered to anything at all allows us to connect to ourselves and to find some space.  Whether we chose to meditate in those quiet moments, journal or merely reflect on what is working in our life and what we need to step back from.

As I continue my grief journey I am surprised still how family and friends say it has been over a year you need to move on.  However, as most people who are on the winding road of grief know...things do not work that way.   There will be triggers that come up unexpectedly and death anniversaries are always going to be challenging.  I continue to use meditation and my yoga practice in my toolbox for grief.  

Getting ready for summer is a lot of work in the garden.  Clearing the old debris and making way for new growth is essential.  All of my lavenders died due to the harsh winter so, now I am starting again with some French lavenders from Richters Herbs.   I am growing them in pots and will put them in the garage during the winter months so it will protect them.   My main challenge to the garden is the bunnies again.  They have already eaten some of the vegetable seedlings.  They are particularly enamoured with the dill seedlings.   I am going to install some garden mesh to protect them to see if this helps.

i recently moved some perennials from the backyard to the front and the timing was perfect in spring.  This is a great way to assess what is doing well and switch it up a bit.   Sometimes if takes a few times of moving plants around to find the perfect spot for them.

In the meantime I am practicing meditation and offering reiki treatments indoors or outdoors.   As the temperature warms up it is a great time to get outside and be in the garden!  There is always something to do in the garden.

As we leap into March it is time to spend a bit more time in nature as captured by this beautiful owl in my yard recently.

Often when we stop to marvel at such beauty it lets us for a moment become stationed in the present moment.  And with these moments we know all is well.

Coping with stressors during the winter is more challenging as we do not have the same outdoor activities and the weather is often our biggest obstacle.   However, when you can take that walk, grab some fresh air and clear your mind.  Allow yourself to take time to reflect on what is working in your life, what is not and eventually a solution become clear to you.   

Recently I am listening to Dr Chatterjee podcasts and I can't say enough amazing things about these!  The podcasts are so insightful and helpful!