This will be reaching you just before the spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. The time of the year when the hours of light have increased sufficiently to be in equal balance with the hours of dark. Sunrise and sunset are roughly twelve hours apart. Not only is this returning of light very significant to the natural world, but also offers a poignant opportunity for inner reflection too.

From now on the days will be getting longer and warmer as we move onwards towards summer. Nature responds enthusiastically! Literally day by day we witness the emergence of new shoots, leaves, buds, blossoms... our flora is bursting back into life after its winter rest. And our fauna is concentrating on rearing young. The miracles of nature are perhaps never more vivid than at this time when spring bursts forth. Nature sings out its abundance.

And what of our inner world? We too can choose to reflect on balance and harmony and growth. On light and dark. Perhaps on metaphorically 'clearing away dead leaves' to make room for new growth.

I have a little story from this week. In Scarborough we have a 'Clock cafe', perched up on a hill with wonderful views of the coast. I rarely use it but several months ago I was feeling thirsty on one of my walks and called up there for a drink . When I came to pay for it, I realised it was cash only and all I had was a card. They were very kind and we agreed I'd call in another time. And then (I'm a bit embarrassed to admit) I'd either forget to have cash on me, or the cafe would be closed, or I'd simply forget completely. The 'debt' (less than £2!) remained a niggle in the back of my mind - and I felt uncomfortable that I hadn't kept to our agreement.

Clock cafe, Scarborough. March 2026. Barbara Payman.

At the weekend from the beach below, I noticed that the cafe was open again after its winter closure. And I had cash on me. I saw my opportunity to make closure. Some physical effort was involved as there are quite a few steps up to the cafe. And then there was a queue. But finally I got to the till and explained why I was there. The man behind me tapped me on the shoulder. He seemed astonished. 'That's unbelievable' he said. 'That's the honesty of the older generation'. 'Amazing'. I walked away feeling uplifted and at peace with myself.

South Bay, Scarborough. March 2026. Barbara Payman.

Of course in my story the money involved was trivial. But the human dynamic involved was not... a kind gesture and the trust that 'I would honour my word'. And how not doing so could feel dishonouring of 'the goodness in human nature.

This week's self-kindness invitation is to look at anything in your life, small or not so small, that might be waiting for you to address it, to transform its energy and 'bring it back to light'. And then you can choose whether or not now is the time to 'climb the steps'. I'd suggest spring equinox could be just the right time! Good luck.

Go well.

In warmth and kindness

Barbara