This will be reaching you on the first of April. Evidence of Nature's transition into spring are all around us.

I love this time of year. I've seen my first frolicking lambs. It's as if everything is poised for growth. Nature seems “busy'. I like to track the leaves and blossoms appearing on different trees and bushes, some now in full swing while others bide their time.

I too have felt busy this week. My walks in nature have been all-important as time to slow down and recharge. One late afternoon's walk was on the local cliffs to my favourite 'Cornelian Bay'. The gorse was in full flower and the yellow bushes looked so vibrant after the dullness of winter. And blackthorn bushes with their delicate white flowers lined sections of the path. Beautiful.

When I reached the bay, I stood for a while to savour the wonderful views. And then suddenly I saw a weasel emerge from the grassy bank and run up and down the path in front of me! Fantastic to see. It had not long disappeared from sight when another little creature suddenly appeared, and was also darting up and down the path at great speed. I was absolutely thrilled. It was my first ever sighting of a field vole and very cute indeed. How blessed I felt. Apparently weasels can dart around when hunting to confuse their prey and I wondered if the field vole had had a lucky escape.

On my walks, I've been aware of how easily the mind can wander off on its own walk. I'm smiling now because at times this week I've experienced my mind darting around - perhaps much like the weasel and vole! Its sobering to think that we can be out walking in Nature and actually not take in anything of the beauty around us because the mind is so lost in thought.

Cornelian Bay, Scarborough. March 2026. Barbara Payman

Blackthorn blossom. March 2026. Barbara Payman.

This week's self-kindness invitation is to notice times when your mind gets lost in thought and practice gently inviting yourself back into the 'here and now'. Perhaps start by noticing your breathing. I hope you can enjoy many mindful and wonderful moments.

Go well.

In warmth and kindness

Barbara