Thoughts and friends on an autumnal stroll

With Samhain approaching, it was nourishing to be alone in the golden sunlight among the trees, reflecting on my accomplishments this year and what has naturally come to an end. Surrounded by the breath-taking landscape of ancient trees, I couldn't help but feel inspired for future endeavours.The blue sky shining through the golden leaves and the gentle, warm breeze on my face filled me with optimism as I let my senses absorb my surroundings. The sweet scent of pine, the sound of singing robins, the softness of the moss, the sight of leaves drifting to the forest floor, and the uplifting taste of warm coffee from my flask all contributed to this beautiful experience.

I sat and sipped where the squirrels squabbled and scampered, then I noticed a buzzard majestically land in a tree from my forest seat. I watched it preen as it set the woodland birds into a cacophony of panic. But it posed no threat. It was doing what I was doing - sitting, observing this joyous moment in the trees. I had sat long enough for the sun to move through the trees, now causing me to squint as my buzzard friend had become just a silhouette in the autumn glow. I got up to continue my walk, and the buzzard took off too, with more grace and ease than me with my aging knees!

These mild, golden days of autumn are such a rare treasure, which made me mindful of every step. But turning a corner, standing there in the middle of the path, was a handsome fallow buck. We exchanged glances for a moment, and he stood long enough for me to observe every fold and mark on his winter coat before he strolled silently into the wood and disappeared like magic!

Finding myself back in my thoughts of focus and fall-away nature had given me the clarity I needed to embrace change and growth once more. I asked Mother Gaia for a sign that the coming changes of focus will be my true and right path, and she responded as always.

On this late October woodland walk, two emperor dragonflies danced past me on the warm autumnal breeze. The symbol of transformation, new beginnings, and adaptability. Signs are everywhere if you simply ask.