Hello , My fellow brave human

How are you feeling?

This has been a bit of an overwhelming start to the year if you are an avid follower of news. Actually I don’t think you need to be avid follower to be aware of what is happening.

I have to say my engine is taking a while to crank up this week and I realise I’m not alone. At times like this, I don’t like to think big. So here’s a thought I’ve been thinking of for a while and now seems appropriate to mention. 

When overwhelmed with the big stuff that we can’t put a dent into, or that we feel is out of our control, change your focus on tending to your acre. No matter where you are, town, city or country, look at what is around you and see what you have the power to tend to most.

Whether on your acre you have plants, animals or humans - how best can you tend to this small area. How can you show compassion, love, nurture and curiosity?

Because that is how we can anchor ourselves back in the world. It is real, it is tangible, it is now and it is manageable. It also means that we can begin to hold the space while others can’t.

It might just mean making an effort to talk to neighbours (whatever their views), or doing something community focused. Or planning your garden for the next year.

I’ve started practicing reiki for people in the village in the evenings. It feels lovely to be able to give back in such a gentle way, when stress is at an all time high. And at the same time it gives me energy. 

So, what or who is in your acre just now? And what can you do to tend it? And by the way, there are no rules - so your acre can be as big or small as you like!

Remember - we are still mid-winter. So we don’t have to start the year with a bang. We can nourish ourselves and others as we begin to re-emerge in time for Spring over the next few weeks. It’s only a few weeks to go!!!!

Hold on in there.

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Marathon Update

I’ve been a bit beset by health issues over the last month or so, though I have still managed to get out and about and completed my longest run yet over the ‘Wideopen’ Hill on the St Cuthberts Way stretch to Morebattle from Yetholm (7.5 miles!). It’s now under 3 months before the big day, so my runs are cranking up.

Wideopen Hill - heading downward!

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Myths that prevent us from choosing brave…

This is one to think about while tending to your acre. We sometimes feel that others have more power than we do - they may have more physical power - but that is where it stops. 

Tackling this myth is so important, and I think we need to practice how to do it now more than ever.

Read here ”Myth 3: Some People are Inherently More Powerful”

Kirsty x

P.s. If you'd like to support Down's Syndrome Scotland or join me on the run on 20th March, here’s the link

P.p.s And if you’d like to join us at The Brave Collective for your own brave journey - we have a space waiting for you.