We are continuing to have mainly overcast days here in north Yorkshire. But one day this week I woke to a brighter sky. And I felt an urge to go to my beloved bird cliffs.

I found myself getting ready far more quickly than on previous mornings. I had an appointment to keep later in the morning so this was needing to be a brief trip. I tossed over the idea of waiting until the afternoon, and going for longer. But the urge for the morning trip was strong. And so off I went.

En route I had to stop twice... once at a level crossing for a train, and once for petrol. It would have been easy to feel impatient but instead I found myself thinking about the idea of the Universe's 'right timing'.

When I arrived at Bempton I bumped into a wildlife friend on my way to the cliffs. We exchanged a warm hello and I apologised that I was on a quick visit and 'didn't have time to stay and chat' that morning. It's hard to describe what followed. It was an exquisite morning with hazy sun and lively waves thundering up against the cliffs. We're starting to get a few gannets returning after their winter absence and it was wonderful to see them again. But within minutes of my reaching the viewpoint I saw a splash in the sea below. My heart started racing. Yes! It was dolphins! I was blown away by my perfect timing.

For the next forty minutes I was treated to a dolphin spectacular. In twos and threes, they just kept coming. It was a huge pod of possibly nearly fifty. I was thrilled beyond description. With their sleek grey bodies gliding through the water, and often in synchrony, these wondrous creatures just exude playfulness and the joy of living. At one moment when I was particularly reflecting on their wonderful energies, three breached fully in front of me, jumping vertically up out of the water. It was heavenly. There were about five of us watching. Towards the end of the pod passing, I heard a man's voice mentioning they'd just seen 'a special matriarch'. I scanned around with my binoculars. Yes! It was our beloved 'Runny Paint’, with her distinctive white band across her dorsal fin. I have to confess that I had tears of joy running down my face at seeing her... feeling totally blessed.

This week's self-kindness invitation is to give attention to any 'intuitive urges' you may have... perhaps a thought to go somewhere, or look at a particular book, or follow up something you hear in conversation that catches your attention. And then see what happens. Looking out for what inspires us is profoundly nourishing. Good luck!

Go well.

In warmth and kindness

Barbara