“Tá am bocht ann” — it’s a terrible time. That’s what my mother said last weekend as she read and listened to the news, at home and abroad. And it’s a sentiment I think we all feel. It feels like everything is fraying at the seams — civility, respect, our humanity. And yet, outside the window, the trees are putting on the most amazing technicolour show with their dazzling leaves, and the storm season is up and running. October doesn’t stop for any of it. It just keeps quietly closing in.
A terrible time — and no time for wonder
Within our own lives, every day, every week, every month, every year, we have no time. We rush around trying to do, achieve, be everything to everyone, and all with the feeling that we don’t have enough time.
With that comes the inevitable truth — that we no longer have time for wonder, for awe.
Wonder is not “cool” or worth aspiring to. Or rather, being in a state of wonder leaves us vulnerable — that’s the modern view of wonder. Or perhaps it’s that the state of the world makes wonder feel further away, or futile.
When in truth, the moments of wonder we allow ourselves to feel are what connects us to each other, to the natural world and to ourselves — all in the present moment.
Preservation isn’t just for food. This time of year, it’s a practice — holding what’s good, releasing what’s spent, preparing the larder of yourself for winter.
The disenchantment that starves the world of wonder
I read a quote recently in the foreword of Manchán Magan’s last book, “Seeing what’s Hidden”. In it, Robert Macfarlane sums up the book saying:
“…the cognitive empire of rationalism and the extractive regime of capitalism have disenchanted the Earth, reducing it to mere stuff for the use of humans [and]… this disenchantment is starving the world of wonder and hope, and must be resisted.”
This is a massive concept to grapple with. And I’m not going to pretend I have an answer to it in a single newsletter.
One person can change their mark on the world
If I were to distill this into a simple one step, I would say this — one person cannot change massive problems by themselves. But one person can change their mark on the world.
One person can choose to be kinder, live lighter.
One person can choose to prioritise presence and connection over distraction, and choose to nourish simply and fully rather than continue to support a food system that does not prioritise our health.
One person can choose to quietly heal themselves through personal development so they no longer allow the difficulties they’ve experienced in life to continue to hold power over them.
That one person would be capable of experiencing the true wonder of life through the joyous little things. That one person would hold a peace within that would radiate out to all around them, like ripples, influencing others to find their own peace. And if that one person was joined by many people, making seemingly small changes in their lives leading to more peace, more steadfastness — that’s when the real magic happens.
Look for wonder in how you nourish yourself
I made a soup this week using my complex soup formula (!!!) — homemade stock + veg + lentils or barley. I used a mix of homemade chicken and veg stock (about 750ml), 1 leek, the last of my summer courgettes (about 2 normal sized), 1 small onion, a couple of handfuls of red lentils and a bit of cumin and coriander (about 1/2 tsp of each or to your taste), some salt and pepper, cooked up then blended.
Soup is very forgiving and doesn’t require exact amounts. Add less liquid initially to see how the consistency is, then add more if you want it thinner. Add other veg if you need to use things up.
I also found wonder this month in making my mince pie filling — a gorgeous scented mix of dried fruit, nuts, apples, butter, spices and whiskey! I will also find wonder when I eat those mince pies in December!!! It’s not too late to make a batch yourself. I use a Mary Berry recipe (click here for link) as a guide, though I rarely stick wholly to it. It doesn’t take long — once you get everything (apart from the booze) in the pot, you cook it up for about 10-15 minutes or until the butter is melted, then let it cool, add the booze of choice and put into sterilised jars. I have used mincemeat a year after making it and it’s fine but you do you! The benefit of making it now, is that it gives time for the flavour to develop. Store the jars in a cool, dark cupboard until December! Easy peasy and much better than the shop bought alternatives. They are also great gifts to bring on your Christmas cuartaíocht or bothántaíocht (visiting!!)
Look for wonder within yourself
Look for wonder in the environment around you — the stunning autumn leaves, the wild Atlantic sea, or a quiet moment in time with your loved ones creating art on your nails!!!
Look for wonder within yourself — the power you have within to change your emotional state, or bolster your ability to cope with the day, is not something anyone else can give you no matter how much you pay for it. You have everything you need within you. The trick is slowing down and practising presence — your nervous system will thank you!
Before I go
The earth is closing in, and so are we. We have a choice — a choice to mimic the natural world’s as we are meant to do, by holding what’s good, releasing what is spent or no longer needed, and stocking ourselves up for winter. Slowing down brings us presence, but it also helps us look forward without the panic.
This is the work we do together at Rooted Connection — a monthly online gathering with guided meditation and gentle guidance on living intentionally, according to your priorities and your joy. We sat with exactly this last night: what we’re holding, and what we’re ready to release. Our next gathering is Wednesday 25th November — you’re warmly welcome, and there’s nothing to prepare but yourself
Whilst it’s easy to get disillusioned by the craziness of the world around us, you can choose to connect to other anchors that are more real and more valuable to you. Start with one step and find wonder in your day.
Until next time,
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