How much do you care?

I sat down to write a New Years post about intention setting. But I just read the news, and as I scrolled past devastating floods and fires and fighting and a world in chaos, it seemed like such a privileged thing to do; making plans for the year ahead, like we have control of it.

What if, at the top of any list we make, is simply the intention to care more? About ourselves, in the deepest, truest sense. About the circle of family and friends around us. To care about our fellow humans, all over the world, who are living through unimaginable grief and distress. To care about the effects of our actions on the planet - which means thinking about our purchases, our waste, our habits, our expectations.

Perhaps this thinking has also been spurned by an upcoming adventure - an 8 day whitewater rafting trip on the Franklin River in Tasmania. This is a Wilderness World Heritage Area that almost wasn't. In 1982 and 1983, people - thousands of people - cared enough to blockade and demonstrate against a proposed dam, and demand change at a federal level. It is an incredible example of the power that people have when they pull together and say 'This is not right, you cannot destroy this precious place.'

Peter Dombrovski's famous Morning Mist - Franklin River

Sometimes we are the squeaky hinge, instigating change. Sometimes we are the rock, holding steady and solid so that someone in need can lean against us. Sometimes we have nothing left for anyone but ourselves. I don't think there is any right or wrong way to care, as long as we do.

The dictionary defines caring as the process of protecting someone or something and providing what that person or thing needs. What do the people around you need? What do you need? It is hard to give from an empty tank, physically, emotionally and spiritually. If you feel like you are in need of some caring, I have a retreat coming up in May. This isn't a promo - it is a reminder that I care. I do what I do because I believe deeply in the healing powers of community, laughter and friendship. I have learned how valuable it is to be seen and heard and accepted just as we are in each moment. By building our own resilience and self belief, we are better able to serve and care for others.

Thankyou for all the insight and wisdom you bring to each class. I learn so much from listening to your stories, and seeing all the different ways people can be. Wishing you a fresh and inspired start to 2024. Please take care of yourself and those around you, and I am very much looking forward to seeing you when classes resume on 29 January.

Thankyou for being lovely ❤️

Much love,

Amanda xx

May 2024 Retreat - single

May 2024 Retreat - Twin share