May 2021 Contrary Winds

Reflections: Contrary Winds
New programme in June, tasters in May: "Weaving Shadow and Light"
Dare to Blossom Monthly Circle on Zoom Saturday 8th May
From my archives: May titles poem
 

Reflections: Contrary WInds

April, here in England, has been a month of contrary winds, and little rain. One day recently I wrote this in my little travelling notebook:

Near ‘Crab Ledges’ on the west side of Trevose Head. There is a very strong easterly wind and it has been hard to find any shelter, but now I am tucked down on the rocks, under the low cliff here.

‘Wind waves’ are blowing outwards from the shore, very bizarre. Tomorrow and Saturday real gales are forecast. 

(for some reason MailChimp is not allowing me to upload the photos of those waves I wanted to include here. So this is a random image for no other reason than that I love it, and so do many others as I receive comments every time I share it.)





Contrary winds. The whole month of April has been ‘contrary’ in Cornwall this year – here it is usually a month of showers and sun, this year we have had late frosts, sunshine, and these strong, cold winds. This year, it has been so dry that the fields and gardens need water.

Here in England, our lockdown has been eased a little, so people are able to travel more and stay in self-contained units. Cafes and pubs can serve outdoors – and hardier people than me have been taking advantage of that opportunity.

Sitting here on the rocks it feels more like autumn than spring, a surreal time-shift for a moment, although where some of you are reading this, it is so.

I wonder how seafarers coped in the days of sailing ships, when they could truly be at the mercy of contrary winds. From the little I know about sailing, it makes it much harder at least,  having to beat into a head wind, or take a zigzag path, tacking across the sea.

Sometimes life feels like that, as if I am fighting against a wind that is trying to take me in a different direction. And yet, what if I turned and looked the other way with the wind behind me? Even if it may seem I am turning back, it may be that the scene behind me has changed. Do I see things differently now? What is there that was not there before?

For you, for your meditations or journal - to flow-write, doodle, paint, dance, sing - however you wish to express your thoughts and feelings: You may like to follow the questions I wrote above for myself.

• What if I turned and looked the other way with the wind behind me?
• Do I see things differently now?
• What is there that was not there before?
• What else is there about 'contrary winds' for you?

New programme for June, tasters in May: "Weaving Shadow and Light"

As I mentioned last month, I have been asked to repeat this six week Circle that I first ran last year. We will begin on Monday 7th June and end on Friday 16th July, encompassing the Summer Solstice, or the Winter Solstice, depending on where you are in the world. The live Zoom gatherings will be on Tuesdays at 11.00 am UK time, and potentially with an additional time for people in other time zones, maybe on Monday evenings, when you will see I am offering a taster call.



There will be two taster Circles, the first on Monday 24th May at 7.30 pm UK time, the second the next day, Tuesday 25th, at 11.00 am UK. They are listed as events on Facebook if you would like to connect there, or simply reply to this email and let me know if you would like to join me so I can send you the Zoom link a day or so in advance.

The Dare to Blossom Monthly Circle Saturday 8th May at 11.00 am

For those of you who prefer  a 'light touch' commitment, here is a reminder of the regular monthly Zoom gathering. Payment is on a donation basis. If your circumstances allow, and if you wish, donations are received with gratitude - but not expected. Just contact me after the event to arrange how to make a donation if that is what you decide to do. In any case, you are very welcome, and you will receive a photo of your cards, plus a link to download the recording (just shared with those present live on the call).



Here is the link to book, or simply contact me as always. It lasts between an hour and an hour and a half, depending on how many of us are there, and  is perfect if you just wish to join us occasionally. It can be seen as a replacement for the in-person workshops that a number of you used to attend, with the added advantage of being accessible to you wherever you are in the world, time zones permitting. In case you are wondering, donations are between £0 and £20, occasionally more when someone feels they have received a particularly powerful benefit through the experience.


From my archives: May Titles poem

Seeing with new eyes 
Growing strong roots
Inspiration 
One bulb at a time 
Renewal 
Energy 
Strong and True 
Giving Thanks 
Choices 
Going with the flow 
Unfurling 
Laughter 
Presence 
Curiosity 
 
Curiosity 
Presence 
Laughter 
Unfurling 
Going with the flow 
Choices 
Giving Thanks 
Strong and True 
Energy 
Renewal 
One bulb at a time 
Inspiration 
Growing strong roots 
Seeing with new eyes
 
I began these 'titles poems' in July last year, so next month, June, will be the last. I hope you have enjoyed them. 

Thank you dear friends, 

with love,
Mary

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