Nature teaches me so much

Sunsets in winter are earlier, but can be spectacular!

Even here in the temperate climate there are seasons and it pays to work with the rhythms of nature. I am part of it all after all. Winter is beautiful at Fosterton retreat- a great time for cozy nights and cool walks. We’re fortunate to have rain over the last few weeks as it was pretty dry.

Soft rain day after day means the ground has absorbed the water and the difference is wonderful.

Caterpillars are using all kinds of places to safely metamorphize.

We’re also watching the Monarch butterflies* spin cocoons and hatch their splendid wings. Every time I get up from the computer and stretch I go and check out the caterpillar setting itself up for it’s cocoon. I’m hoping to catch it in the act. Why? Because it’s amazing!

(*Monarchs are not indigenous to Australia however there were reported sightings in early colonisation. It is believed they were swept over from the northern hemisphere and were unable to breed here until non-native plants were introduced, giving them a food source. They might also be called the Greater Wanderer as we have a native type that sometimes is referred to as The Lesser Wanderer .   It is beautiful but not as brightly coloured.

Bandicoots are popping up (or should I say hopping up) much more often now, which we are pleased about. Hopefully they can survive despite the presence of wild dogs in the area (these have increased in number in the last few years). These gentle creatures dig around for roots and while doing so are aerating the soil. Something that seems so minor, even annoying for some, has a great contribution to make to the life of the whole ecosystem. I haven't managed to get a good photo of them yet.

Back in the day (yes, last century, millennium even) when I used to present in schools on ‘Values for Life’ I often said “Everyone of you will have some effect on others and this world. We get to choose what kind that is- positive or destructive. And it doesn’t have to be with grandiose gestures.” Bandicoots are a perfect example of that.

“Nature gives to every time & season some beauties of its own”

Charles Dickens Brainy quotes

Dickens’ words so often inspire me, he’s one of my favourite authors, one who cared about justice, not just his own place in society.

There are seasons. Last year was a season for nurture and planting with the bereaved family. This year while still nurturing there are some fruits being reaped. That is a beautiful thing, believe me.

Now there is more time to focus on the business, with plenty of opportunities being created. But I have a bias towards going fast not slow, slower than I used to but the drive is still there. I can feel the pull. I can feel the frustration at things taking ‘so long’. Ask the caterpillar about that! However, it is good for me to pause, breathe, remember the stages where it seems like nothing is happening. Have you ever got up in the dark in summer and sat through a sunrise? It takes ages- but nothing I do can make it go faster. Believe me!

And can we speak about the cycle of life and nature without the verse from the Old Book? “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (the book of Ecclesiastes chapter 3 verse 1 in the Jewish and Christian scriptures). In the 1950’s Pete Seiger turned it into a now famous folk song “Turn, turn, turn” as an antidote to the protest songs he was writing, although he ended it with “Peace I swear it’s not too late.” Someone else, The Byrds, made it into a Number 1 hit.

We're older, more tired, but still working together! And wanting to serve.

So as winter wanders through it’s cycle, I am grateful for so many things:

the rain, that there I enough water to fill our water tanks.

a fire to keep me warm and wattles which have a short life cycle, serving the birds first, then us with firewood.

Our Stained Glass artist friend Marian (@leadlight-of-day) and the retreats we run together,

The things I learn just by being present to nature around me, and

that Max and I are able to do this together.

There are many offerings at Fosterton Retreat this year. If you have a look and see something that can serve you at this time do contact us. Or pass it on if it is suitable for someone you know. We’re still trying to connect with people who are our mob, that what we offer serves them deeply. We appreciate your help with this. Bronwyn