I often write to you of creatures of the coast, particularly of course gannets and dolphins. But you may live miles from the sea, and possibly find the scenes hard to relate to. So today's piece is written in a garden, about a plant that caught my imagination.

Here is what I wrote one day last week.

'I am sitting in a garden on a sunny day. I am in the shade with a soft breeze blowing from time to time. I am fascinated by the movement of a grass nearby. I think it is called feather grass. It's growing in a clump about eighteen inches high. At its base it is a rich grass green colour while the top half is a contrasting straw colour. And the structure of the spikes is exquisite... very delicate soft feathery plumes which in the sunlight take on silvery sparkles. Beautiful. But it is the movement that really captivates me. In the breeze the grasses dance! Swaying one way and then the other as if in a delicately choreographed  ballet, then returning to near  stillness... until the next gust. Sometimes it is as if a few strands separate and go their own way before returning to the main body to again move in synchrony. Sometimes it looks like an orchestra and conductor, first one part responding and then another. It really looks alive. It has such grace.'

I really enjoyed this time dwelling in the garden. In my eye, the feather grass wonderfully blended a robustness at its base with a gentle responsiveness in its delicate fronds. Watching the interplay of the grass, the wind and the sun was so intriguing. And it felt very calming. Savouring something in the 'here and now' helps the mind rest and relax.

As it swayed in the breeze, the feather grass could literally be described as 'going with the flow'! Perhaps you have used this expression to describe times when you felt there was a particular fluency in your day and you moved through with a sense of steadiness and ease. As if gently carried on 'a wind'. I like to start each day with naming my wish to be aligned with this 'wind' (which I might call 'higher wisdom') as much as I can.

This week's self kindness invitation is to reflect on times of 'feeling in the flow' and on things that may help you to return to it, e.g. by pausing and taking a breath. Sometimes we find ease and flow by letting go of trying to have things happen in a certain way. This can be a great self-kindness. Good luck.

Go well.

In warmth and kindness

Barbara