Into the darkness – a prelude

into-the-darkness-a-prelude

This is one of those plump acorns from earlier in the autumn. Can you see how it’s opening up and reaching for the dark? But it cannot grow into a sapling oak here on the path. So I moved it to a place where it could burrow into the leaf mould and the earthy soil … Read more

Reasons to expand our listening

reasons-to-expand-our-listening

The thing about echo chambers is that they are predictable. After a while, we know what will come next. Yet that familiarity can become comfortable. We know where we are, or at least think we are. Until we realise that this isn’t reality. And then we have a choice.

Context is everything – growing where we’re sown

context-is-everything-growing-where-we're-sown

All living beings are intrinsically connected to their environment, from the largest tree to the smallest amoeba (or virus…). They only thrive if they are in the right conditions. And even then, how they thrive and the exact form they take is context-specific. Winemakers talk about the terroir. The distinctive soil, topography and climate that … Read more

Slowing down our responses and getting better results

slowing-down-our-responses-and-getting-better-results

Yes, I know this sounds counter-intuitive. After all, we’ve spent decades speeding things up and celebrating he who gets there first. Yet, the reality is that we’re not in a fit state to go fast – especially at this time – and neither is this our best contribution. Instead, that’s what we’ve created information technology … Read more

Where are all the nasturtiums?

where-are-all-the-nasturtiums

Last year the raised bed was overflowing with gorgeous orange and yellow faces and abundant greenery. Exuberant in growth and impact, I couldn’t help but smile every time I passed by. So, where are they now? There was just a single flower tucked away at the side, even though hundreds of seed pods were left … Read more

Growth emerges as hope in a flower

growth-emerges-as-hope-in-a-flower

Bare hazel, gracefully climbing the bank above the lane. For months just bare branches offering themselves to the elements. And then, a few days ago, hope emerges as catkins. These fleshy ‘lamb’s tail’ flowers, unfurled and dangling in the breeze, incongruous in still-in-winter barrenness. Where did this growth come from? And what about us in … Read more