Hello , my fellow brave human

Last week I wrote about my revelation about the onion. I’ve had some lovely responses - so thank you to all of you. I can say that it’s very heartening to know my emails are being read.

But wait, there’s more!

If you look very closely at the centre of an onion, beneath all of those layers what do you find?

Nothing.

Just space. A tiny space.

Isn't that remarkable? At the heart of this complex, layered vegetable is emptiness—potential, possibility, breathing room.

This empty centre isn't a failure of the onion's design—it's the point. That space allows for expansion. It reminds us that our destination, the place all these layered gifts have been leading us toward, is openness. Room to grow. Infinite possibility.

And here's a crucial insight: without the layers, there wouldn't be a centre at all—there would just be nothingness. The centre exists precisely because the layers exist. The layers create and protect that space of potential. Without them, we wouldn't have a container for possibility; we would simply be formless, undefined. 

Our layers aren't obstacles to overcome—they're essential parts of who we are. They've shaped us, protected us, and ultimately created the space at our centre where our truest self resides.

Finding Your Centre

When we finally glimpse our centre by peeking beneath our protective layers—not removing them, but understanding them—we discover something profound: a quiet, still space where our truest self resides.

This space isn't empty because it lacks substance; it's empty because it's where all possibility begins. It's where the fire in your belly originates, or perhaps the peace you are seeking. It's the source of your bravery.

Many of us fear this emptiness. We fill our lives with noise, with busy-ness, with distractions—anything to avoid facing that still, quiet centre. But in doing so, we miss the greatest gift: the opportunity to truly know ourselves.

The Paradox of Strength

Here's the beautiful paradox I've discovered on my journey: our greatest strength comes not from discarding our layers, but from embracing them while simultaneously connecting with the quiet vulnerability of our centre.

And the more comfortable you become with peeking beneath and embracing these layers, the more comfortable you will be with your space for possibility. It’s a gentle dance of awareness—acknowledging all that protects and defines you while also honouring the infinite potential at your core.

And we discover that what seemed like emptiness is actually fullness—a wellspring of creativity, compassion, and courage that has been there all along, that works with the layers that give it form and protection.

Lindsey, the original inspiration for this piece then wrote me this.

”We could talk about the illusion of self. We could talk about the atoms of the onion being reconstituted as another part of the world. Yet the best outcome from the point of view of the onion would be to leave the protective skin on and let it grow and flower, acknowledging its original purpose as the massive bulb it is. There are multiple truths here.

Who knew that onions could hold such wisdom?

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A quick shout out to my readers in the US.

“I often feel depressed when I look at the news, but I am feeling encouraged as more people join the protests.”

I’d like to give a special mention here to Lynn and her husband Jim in the US who sent me this picture of them doing their bit (on the right of the pic). I really feel for our friends over in the US. It saddens me so much every time I read my newsfeed and see another bl**dy awful Executive Order being splurged out. But the protests are heartening to see. We’re with you both in every way we can be.

I’m just off to prepare for our first ever Brave Advance Day. I’m so excited.

You have a great weekend.

Here’s to your brilliance.

P.S. If you find value in these reflections, please consider sharing them with others who might like them. For more information about The Brave Collective click here.

Kirsty x