Thankful for Nature
As I drove to work this morning, I began the second day of working away from home. This means a very different beginning to my day and I noticed nerves and a sense of trepidation. There was also some excitement around working in a different space and how I would feel working there. Transitions can be challenging and being in the midst of one and with my mixed feelings brings up so many memories from past experiences of moving and settling in somewhere new. As ever, I am so thankful for nature and my relationship with it. I am also aware of a different connection that I am feeling with Barnes where I have both lived and worked for the past 15 years; I am now returning solely for work – or so I thought. I realise I am appreciating all of the green spaces and the river and its movement and vibrant life through a different lens, and this was brought to life so vividly this morning as I shared my walk by video with some Bhutanese children who, for a number of reasons, have been orphaned. Through a dear friend of ours who volunteers at the monastery where they live, we are able to give support to them and this has brought us all in so many different ways a huge amount of joy.
“I realise I am appreciating all of the green spaces and the river and its movement and vibrant life through a different lens.”
Rachel Podger
Their faces and sounds of utter surprise and awe at the buildings and views along and on the river were a delight to behold. They had never seen anything like it before and this shared experience brought me to life as I connected with their wonder. Tiger felt the playful energy and managed to find a tennis ball, she too wanted to play and connect with the excitement. This experience emphasised loss and what it means – a letting go in order to move on and enjoy the moment, with all of its gifts. I feel so blessed to have the privilege to be at this point of my life with so much to be alive for and to be able to share this and be of service to these small children, especially at this time of change, feels deeply moving and heart-warming.