Week No 33 | 19/08/2021

Preparing for what's to come

The ability to go inwards and reflect is an essential life skill that should be encouraged in children and nurtured life long. For too many it's almost become a lost art as life today persistently draws one's focus outside of oneself, but also into the future and away from the now. Reflection, self and otherwise, brings one back to the present moment and turns the focus inwards to pause, sort, consider, consult and allow for responses rather than reaction. It also allows one to weigh up options, hear the small still voice within, stand, metaphorically, in another's shoes and with enlightened consideration, reframe experiences. All of this naturally leads to more autonomy, the power to exercise one's own choices, more empathy and more compassion, which helps make for a more peaceful, authentic and sovereign life. Imagine the change in the world as more of us step into our sovereignty and remain there?

The tone of our newsletter this week is both celebratory (there is enormous potential for great change in the world) and pensively reflective (acknowledging the need to acquire more 'navigation tools' for turbulent times).

Our first article shares our recent summer lunch with three special guests — Dr Ro, Kate Cook and Jools Enticknap — who graciously shared their wisdom, life experience, life hacks and personal perspective for navigating our current circumstances. It was truly a feast with purpose and I hope you find the information helpfully reflective. The recipe book will be freely available for download later today (Friday 20th Aug), so I hope too, that you'll relish the recipes and nurture and nourish those in your close community.

Next, we share Rob Verkerk's musings from the mountains (and the beaches) in mainland Greece where he's been taking a break and finding lots of time for reflection. His 'postcard' from Greece is in both audio and written formats, illustrated with his own photos and local artwork by his cousin. Ever the scientist, you'll find factual depth underpinning his reflections on the state of the world that support the need for unity, not segregation and division.

As always, our curated news is definitely worth a read - is the US Constitution's First Amendment under threat? Monsanto continues its losing streak; covid legal actions gain momentum; nurses in Ireland form a new organisation in order to speak out, and much more.

Next week you will be back in the expert hands of our leader, as Rob returns from his break, and I head off on mine to reflect, ruminate and relax.

In health, naturally present

Meleni Aldridge

Executive coordinator

August Acceleration: Food, consciousness and community

19/08/2021

Please join Meleni and Melissa with special guests for this 'feast with purpose'