There’s something magical about darker nights. Here in the north of England, we’re occasionally treated to the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis-a stunning natural display that often feels like a gift from the universe. While many sightings are subtle or only visible through cameras, catching even a glimpse with the naked eye is unforgettable.

Recently, I woke at 2:00 a.m., unusually alert, and the aurora came to mind. The local astro-photographers had reported promising activity, but they’d traveled elsewhere to catch it. Still, I felt a pull to look outside. A patchy night sky, gaps in the clouds… and a sudden impulse: dress warmly, head out, and see what I could see.

I drove to a quiet spot on the seafront, away from street lights, facing north. After a few minutes for my eyes to adjust, I was rewarded: patches of deep pink danced across the sky, columns of light shimmering subtly. Moving closer to the cliffs and the tide’s low rock pools, I watched as the Aurora’s colors reflected in the water-a moment that felt almost sacred. Eventually, clouds thickened and the colors faded, but the awe and gratitude remained.

Photography wasn’t the goal, and my equipment is basic, yet I managed to capture a few images. The experience itself-the stillness, the vast sky, the solitude by the sea-was what truly nourished me.

This week, Kind Mind Academy invites you to a small act of self-kindness: notice one of Nature’s wonders. It doesn’t have to be the Northern Lights in the middle of the night. Perhaps it’s the morning sunlight on leaves, the sound of waves, or the gentle movement of clouds. Allow yourself to dwell with your senses, tune in to your feelings, and embrace the childlike awe that these moments can spark.

Nature’s magic is all around us, always available, and taking the time to experience it is a profound way to nurture yourself.