I hope you’ve been enjoying the magnificent Autumn colours, and Nature’s beautiful choreography as leaves gently fall from the trees to the earth below. What a feast for the senses. And then there is the childlike pleasure of scrunching through carpets of fallen leaves. Wonderful.

Autumn also signifies a quieting. Nature shows us how to transition gracefully and let go gently. It can be a time to slow down.

One of my trips this past week took me to one of my favourite spots, Ravenscar, a place of wildness I love. The land feels timeless. It was wonderful to dwell in its quietness. I stopped many times simply to stand and savour its beauty. No one was around. I felt extremely grateful to Nature and the Universe for the myriad of blessings it bestows. At one spot, I paused and quietly gave voice to this gratitude.

Moments later, way down below, I became aware of movement in the calm sea. Dolphins! And just as I gasped in amazement at the synchronicity, one leapt enormously into the air. It took my breath away and drew tears of awe and gratitude.

This week’s self-kindness invitation is to offer yourself opportunities to dwell with beauty, and to give yourself time to feel the fullness of your gratitude. Beauty is everywhere, in so many forms. Choose whatever resonates with you. Feeling gratitude nourishes a sense of well-being and is a vital aspect of self-kindness. Enjoy.