Gifts from 2025 and Gratitude

The Mindful Seasonalist
7 days ago
3 min read

As we turn into a new month and the beginning of 365 new days of 2026, I've taken time to look back on the last 12 months. There were so many gifts from this outgoing year, but it was also a year that was filled with much destructive external energy and world division that I thought I might suffocate.

The best gifts were those where my heart and mind were one which truly is the only way I can now live. By this I mean that heart and mind were aligned with each other and not at war with themselves. Inner work has been of huge importance to me; acceptance of those things I cannot change, and instead working from the inside on my own awareness and presence from a position of love. As best possible, and I accept that it's a life long discipline, I've tried to banish the overthinking, the analysis of events outside of my control, the dwelling on 'what ifs' and 'whys', and instead remain present, enjoying each moment that comes my way for what it is. Just a moment in time elevated by my attention to it.

The snippets of lighter moments I’m sharing here became my route through darker external times when there were contradicting emotions and angst. Holding this tension of the opposites is no easy endeavour, but this is what Jung* called a vital space in which we achieve balance from conflicting forces. Out of holding, even embracing, this tension, comes creative energy and the potential for growth.

I’ve learned much from my visit to Sri Lanka last February. The more slow, considered way of life suited me perfectly; its gentle rhythums and its expansiveness

I have gained much also from my practice of yoga and meditation, and from recent years of practical philosophy teachings that have become my source of constant guidance. So, too, has been the build of my new garden space at Brinscall Hall, and my continuing creative work with home grown seasonal flowers which enabled my connection with many of you; arguably, the best gift of all.

I’ve never underestimated the power of Nature or green garden space to lift my heart, hold me centre, and keep me aligned to purpose. There is much healing to be found in green space, in fresh air and with hands in the soil. Sowing seeds feels like kissing the ground with a promise of something more hopeful, and I love that a simple act of placing a 2mm dried seed can go on to flourish into something magnificent in a matter of months. There is a little magic that happens here and it's incredibly powerful to connect with the future in the present moment. Planting hope is truly an investment in something much greater than we know..

I wanted to extend a thank you to all who have connected with me this year. I’ve loved meeting and flowering with you all. For some, its been our first time together, and for others I love that our gatherings have become a tradition, or at least a leaning in to a gentle, shared time together where mutual diaries permit.

As we step forward into a new month, I wish you much strength and softness for this incoming year. If it’s possible, aim to hold gently any tension you may feel from external events, keep it close by giving it some space but, balance its conflicting forces from an awareness within you, and step into this next month with a lighter heart and mind.

The joy of small things await us when we come from a position of an open heart and mind.