Between the living room and the kitchen is a narrow, steep staircase leading to the first floor.
At the top of the staircase, the right-hand door takes you to the main bedroom, the left-hand door to the spare bedroom – my creative den and sanctuary (though currently, frustratingly, also a dumping ground for everything that has no home).
But before you turn right or left, at the top of that staircase, on the little square landing, is a small window that looks out over the garden.
In front of the window is one of the three birch trees whose branches reach up, up above the height of the house.
Standing at this window at any given time on any given day, you can find yourself witness to all kinds of magic.
One recent evening, when a great gale blew and the sky was clear and the moon was full, I stood in the darkness on the landing looking out to that great bright orb.
Beyond the bony branches of the birch and her great witches’ brooms*, the moon shone.
The longer I stayed there and the more I looked, the more I felt all the hardened edges of the day within me soften and melt. And after a time I was able to go to Ben and make an imperfect apology for our arguing.
The light of the moon softens us. The dawn chorus softens us. Seeing the first daffodils bloom softens us.
Nature is our home. And in it we come home, to our open hearts and soft edges. Without it we can only become harder, sharper and more brittle. Until we break.
Love and courage,
Leah
Happy sigggggh… Nature is our home. Earth Day is being celebrated tomorrow! It’s easy to celebrate her everyday. I’m taking in the ‘Conversations with Nature World Summit 2022’ (hosted by Pea Horsley, UK animal communicator) this week – listening to heart-centred beings.
This blog reminds me of seeing the Pendle Witches Trail! Happy fond memories.
I always miss these dates in the calendar, as much as I love and treasure the Earth! I hope the Summit was nourishing and uplifting. It seems like forever ago that you visited! Fond memories indeed. Lots of love Christine. xx
“Nature is our home”. So, so Beautifully said…and exactly how I feel every day. Your words ALWAYS touch my soul. By the way my youngest son is also a Benjamin…another amazing connection…when we named this amazing child I just knew he needed a strong name, and Ben IS that strong name for sure. Also, by the way my husband lovingly calls me the “witch doctor” because I’ve had a stash of natural medicines and remedies for myself and my family for 25+ years. Nature is not only our home it is the CURE to what ails us humans. Thank you Leah. I adore you, your heartfelt words and your spirit. I hope to meet you some day…in one world or another… Witches rise….LOL…
So many little connections between us, Nancy! Ben is also the youngest of his siblings. I am glad and grateful to know you are out there reading. Witches rise, indeed! Sending lots of love to you.
Oh, Leah! I think you ARE a witch. Me, too! <3
Hee hee, why does this feel like such a huge compliment?! Hello, my fellow witch! <3
Indeed. It is a compliment. 🙂