The autumn equinox approaches and the excitement that comes with the onset of autumn builds…
The equinox approaches and the full moon is spectacular…
It is a fair time of the year. The sun creeps lower in the sky and the heat lessens but the light is clear; mornings come with a hint of chill and evenings are darker.
Autumnal light adds a special brightness to all things
But it is a time to celebrate the ‘drawing down’ of nature as plants shed their leaves, new growth slows, leaves fall and autumn harvests are gathered in.
Enjoy the autumnal colours – they can be truly spectacular!
The colours can be beautiful and need to be enjoyed, admired and wondered at… Enjoy!
February bounces in and whilst the weather still brings a chill there is certainly more light as the days lengthen.
Morning birds greet the dawn
With that growing light have you noticed how the mornings become filled with birdsong? Our feathered friends sense the approaching spring and their singing is optimistic,bright and cheerful.
A great tit pauses for a drink
Indeed, it is often said that St Valentine’s Day (14th February) is the day on which birds choose a partner ready for the mating season.
Valentine’s Day brings glowing hearts
But singing is good for humans too. It helps reduce blood pressure, improve lung function, posture, and it boosts the immune system. Breathing deeply and filling the lungs with air opens our body and mind up to new possibilities. Try some deep breathing exercises and see just how much more wide awake, alert and aware you feel. Singing triggers chemical changes in the body and releases ‘happy hormones’ including dopamine and endorphins, which help reduce stress and create a sense of wellbeing.
Enjoy that sense of wellbeing…
You can sing alone – or with others. It can be huge fun joining a choir – it teaches you to listen to one another, it helps improve memory and you have the satisfaction of creating something beautiful. Any more benefits? Yes! Lasting friendships can be formed – with a common bond these can be sources of joy for many years. No wonder the birds sound so cheerful!
29th January 2025 sees the beginning of the new Chinese year – the Year of the Wood Snake. In Chinese culture the snake is seen as a symbol of wisdom, change and agility.
