I am sitting in the garden, the sun is warming me through, a gentle breeze is blowing; more weather in the mid-twenties to thirties is forecast. We have a hosepipe ban. Despite this, there is a leak in the village and although the authorities have been notified, water is causing a flowing cascade in the street! What a waste, especially when I think of others who truly live in horrific drought conditions. Here the garden is incredibly dry and beautiful plants are struggling. I use watering cans but, with two lots of stone steps to climb each time to the garden, it is tiring and takes forever. I have lost plants this year which saddens me.
Surprisingly the honey bees which live in the wall of my cottage are quiet today, not so many scouts out and about. I notice that the apples on the old apple tree are falling early this year. This tree has such character, it is a gnarled and friendly tree who I am precious about when it comes to pruning. Amazing how it continues to provide great cooking apples. The crab apple tree I planted two years ago is heavy with fruit, so much so that it is bowing down. The young fig tree seems to appreciate the weather and I can’t keep up with the cut-and-come-again lettuce, delicious and so refreshing. My little dog sits snoozing at my feet, and as I look up, I notice the young rowan tree and its berries, how I love their coppery colours, but they are also early this year.
I stray from sitting here to write a blog as intended today, about my reflections on Writing for Wellbeing groups; well, the one I facilitate anyway. So… mindfulness, although it is equally good to procrastinate for a while too. As I sat here earlier enjoying my lunch, having completed a plan for my next workshop, I had the overwhelming feeling of being so privileged and honoured by being in a position to facilitate them.
I have been a writer for some years now. However, I have only been holding these monthly Writing for Wellbeing groups for the past year and a half. And how I am enjoying them. I arrive early at our venue on the day, place a plant or two on the large table (actually four pushed together), arrange glasses and water and set up my writing materials. My trusted helper, a participant in the group, arrives to set up trays of coffee and teas alongside the well-sought-after plate of biscuits.
I spray some flower essences in the space, an attractive old conservatory in a walled garden. It depends on the day what I feel is appropriate, it can be a combination or just one. The essences gently permeate the room. Around us are a multitude of pelargoniums which are stunning in their variety and wonderfully calming, as is the fountain just outside the double doors. In the summer we open the doors to let in the light and sometimes even have to use blinds if it is too bright to write; in the winter there are heaters to keep us snug and warm. It’s so wonderful to feel the outside, the nature around us and the elements joining us in our creativity. I often do some tai chi or chi kung before everyone arrives to raise the chi (energy) in the space.
Women arrive slowly and surely. There can be up to twelve of us and after a drink and greetings we enter into a grounding meditation or similar.
We begin, and as stories are told, expressed and shared, everyone is able to trust in the knowledge that whatever we share in the room stays in the room. Some women have been attending since I started holding groups, others are just beginning. I love that the comments are so often that it is a warm, welcoming, calm space. To share in this way is enlightening for all; sharing experiences, wisdom, joys, sorrow. Together in this amazing place, an age-old ritual is played out which promotes wellbeing.
I feel very blessed to have the skills to offer these groups, knowing that it is a gift of love and light. I spend a considerably long time choosing a theme and content. We never know until the day what will materialise as we share, what insights, memories or thoughts will be shared. We do know that everyone will be listened to with respect, compassion and consideration.
What is exciting for me is that I am starting to offer and invite movement into the groups. This stems from my Infinite Tai Chi and Chi Kung Teacher Training years ago. Having experienced the value of writing and movement myself, in the form of writing with the movement practice Feldenkrais, I fully appreciate the benefits and will continue to enjoy seeing how our groups evolve and change. I feel the introduction of movement will deepen the writing experience.