Today's mail describes another of my outdoor adventures, and the awesome beauty of nature.

Last week was a busy week and I had not been to Bempton to check out the gannet chick for quite a few days. Late one afternoon I decided to fit in a quick visit. The forecast wasn't great but I wrapped up well and was very glad to be back. I spent a lovely hour sitting by the nest, watching Chick (no parents there) and even had some dolphins passing too. So peaceful and nourishing.

It was very windy on the clifftop. The sun kept breaking through an otherwise stormy dramatic sky. A greyness over the sea was gradually getting closer and closer. When I felt a few drops of rain I decided it was time to leave. But I got caught in an absolute downpour! I found myself walking into the strong wind, with the lashing rain feeling like hail. The half hour walk back to the car looked like it was going to be a bit miserable! But I consoled myself knowing I had a dry change of clothes in the car and the discomfort would be short-lived. And I was happy to have had time with Chick.

After about ten minutes I noticed a rainbow appearing. And shortly after I reached one of the gannet viewpoints just as the rain began to ease. I decided to pause there. Behind me the sun reappeared and was setting. And then, before my eyes, the most magnificent full rainbow appeared over the sea. Stunning. The backdrop of a stormy sunset sky gave an ethereal feel to the whole scene. It was made even more magical by the magnificent white bodies of gannets flying 'under the rainbow'. I was entranced.

No-one else was around. It felt absolutely worth having got soaked for. I reflected on the idea that without rain there can be no rainbow...

This week's self-kindness invitation is to reflect on any 'silver linings' in your own week. Perhaps you have encountered some difficulty but then realised something positive came out of the situation. Reorienting your thinking in this way can be a lovely act of self-kindness.

Go well.

In warmth and kindness

Barbara