Vitamin Sea and Autumn Cosiness
Reciprocity between me and the sea and some warming autumn drinks.
A couple of weeks ago, I attended a talk by Helen Scales who has written the book 'What the Wild Sea Can Be.' A knowledgeable marine biologist and engaging speaker, this talk was packed with information on marine species from emperor penguins to krill and kelp.
Although she included some hope, it still very much fed into my eco-anxiety. Is there reason to be hopeful? That's why she wrote the book. However, with three major issues facing oceans: pollution, over-fishing and climate change, it is, of course a very worrying time.
I was planning to ask what she felt was the most important thing individuals could do for the seas but this was, thankfully, part of the discussion. Helen's first response was to enjoy and be curious about the ocean. This, I think, is crucial. Connection is key. She then said to pick one thing, try not to do it all. Which was a relief to hear on one hand but worrying on the other. Does this create complacency? There is so much to do, it feels like we need to do it all! However, that way of looking at it can really cause overwhelm!
When you've picked the one area you are going to focus on then also talk about it, share with family and friends and be seen doing it. So, with that in mind: What's the one thing you are doing for our seas?
Not far from where the talk took place is the stunning Otter estuary. I headed there last week after I'd heard of osprey sightings.
What I saw were swans and egrets, oyster catchers and cormorants. Butterflies flew past and bees buzzed, alongside a constant sound of bird life, but no ospreys. It was still a breath taking walk.
Getting bogged down with household drudgery, illnesses, exhaustion and overwhelm recently, I'm so glad I left it all behind for an hour and, instead, immersed myself in this beauty.
The problem is, it's all still there waiting once I return home. Though I'm grateful for the respite.
How's it going with you? Have you been able to find time to get a bit of nature nourishment recently?
On Wednesday, it was International Coffee Day. 7 million single-use coffee cups are used per day in the UK or you could do what I do, choose to reuse.
This cup has been going strong for over 10 years and, I estimate, has been used for takeaway coffee around 520 times!
What's your favourite coffee?
It feels like autumn has finally got it's grip, here in East Devon, and summer has slipped away. On Friday, we walked by the river and returned in the rain to sit in a dimly lit lounge listening to the patter of rain drops on the window. There's something very cosy about returning from an autumn walk, with golden leaves underfoot, to a steaming mug of tea and something sweet to eat with it. My being seems to have adjusted to the seasonal change when just a week, or so, ago it was resisting.
Each season is so beautiful in it's own right.
What do you like about autumn?
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