Lately, I’ve been visiting Bempton bird cliffs frequently. For me, it is a place of immense beauty, vibrant with wildlife, and a perfect sanctuary for reflection and restoration.

I’ve spoken recently about being very busy. One project I was working on has now come to completion, and I’m giving myself extra time for rest and relaxation to fully restore my equilibrium. The wondrous beauty of Bempton has helped me name my current focus of self-care: Coming Back to Stillness.

On one recent visit, the day was extraordinary. The lightest of winds, no swell on the sea, an extremely low tide, and crystal-clear water below the cliffs took my breath away. In all my visits, I had never seen it like this. The depth of beauty in the stillness was simply awe-inspiring.

Later that same day, I spent time watching the gannet nest I’ve been monitoring. It’s in an isolated spot, and once again I was alone on the clifftop, in the presence of the beautiful female gannet just below me on her nest. Sitting with the warm sun on my back, a soft cool breeze caressing my face, and the sounds and sights of the sea and seabirds creating a gentle symphony, I felt completely immersed in the stillness and beauty of nature. Nothing brings me more joy than this.

After an hour, the female moved in such a way that made me gasp in delight. As she sat up to stretch, I could see between her webbed feet. She was incubating an egg! That quiet moment of witnessing life unfolding was profoundly moving.

This week’s self-kindness invitation is to seek out stillness for yourself. True self-kindness can be as simple as pausing to focus gently on your breathing, or taking a moment to dwell with something you enjoy. You may not have the blessing of sitting with a gannet, but you can still allow yourself the gift of stillness and presence in your own life.

Coming back to stillness nurtures equilibrium, restores energy, and deepens your connection with the present moment. Take even a few minutes today to pause, breathe, and simply be.