This mail will be reaching you on the day of the autumn equinox. A significant time to reflect on light and dark.

I am always fascinated by the ways light can transform a scene and by the interplay between light and dark. Recently we have had skies darkened by storm clouds, punctuated in moments by golden rays of sun breaking through. A dramatic contrast. Othertimes the sky has been blue with white clouds obscuring and revealing the sun in an endless lightshow, with clouds casting shadows to make dancing patterns on the sea. And of course the beauty of nature's palette at sunrise and sunset can be breathtaking.

Sun streaming into our homes can spotlight things in ways we do not usually see. It may reveal a beauty we often pass by without noticing. Sometimes, it feels as if we see and appreciate things for the first time.

At the equinox, the number of hours of daylight exactly balances the number of hours of darkness. In the Northern hemisphere we are beginning autumn, with less and less daylight each day, culminating in the shortest day at winter solstice. We see vegetation dying back, leaves falling from trees and Nature seemingly taking a rest. Preparing for a burst of new growth.

In the human psyche, and in our perception of the world, the theme of light and dark is poignant too. The human mind often looks through lenses darkened by past history, and can quickly jump to judgement and criticism, both of ourselves, others and the world at large. Our kindness and compassion seem to disappear.

We all perpetuate habitual patterns of thinking and behaviour often without any awareness of doing so. Some of these are unhelpful and unkind to ourselves and/or others. It seems deeper insight into these is hidden, until at the right time they become illuminated, our awareness opens and growth becomes possible.

This week's self kindness invitation to be open to aspects of our inner world that are 'unhelpful' being gently revealed to us in ways that facilitate and foster our growth. To invite more kindness and compassion.

Go well.

In warmth and kindness

Barbara