Welcome to our December newsletter
Conscious Conversations
Whether we celebrate Christmas or not, this time of year is often a time of increased connection with friends, family and our community. Many of us find ourselves reunited with people we haven’t seen for a while, taking part in community events, connecting socially with people we work with and having extended conversations around the Christmas dinner table.
Yet do we ever pause to consider the quality of the conversations we are having and what might be the impact if we did? As we look back on past years we may find that what we remember most wasn’t the material gifts we exchanged with one another but the conversations we had and the atmosphere that was created by the interactions between one another.
Giving the Gift of Gratitude
Research shows that the act of showing gratitude ‘the quality of being thankful and a readiness to show appreciation’ can reduce stress, increase happiness and improve relationships. It not only benefits whoever is showing gratitude it also has a powerful effect on the receiver and helps foster a positive environment for the benefit of others. Where might we voice our gratitude, offer a compliment or give words of appreciation?
Whilst the giving of material gifts at Christmas is a long-held tradition, one we are all likely to honour for our loved ones, as a society we have also fallen into practices that ultimately lose the sentiment intended. For example how many Secret Santas have we agonised over, spending more than we can afford and often ending up with a gift that we give away at the next charity or worse still in the bin? How about instead we exchange a compliment or just enjoy the gift of connection and good company?
Let’s Talk about the Environment
Maybe the 12 Swaps of Christmas could prompt conversations …
Whilst starting a controversial conversation may divide the crowd and not what you want to create a harmonious atmosphere over Christmas, many powerful environmental conversations take place around the dinner table. Maybe you can share some of the things you are currently doing or plan to do in 2024 for a greener future or maybe you have an inspirational programme you can recommend to others.
What one conversation could you have with loved ones that might inspire change and action?
Nature as a De-Stressor
For many people, Christmas also comes with various stresses and strains. And when we are stressed it can be easy to forget our great intentions and find ourselves losing patience, raising our voices or reacting with harsh words. But there is a powerful antidote - the simple act of spending time in nature which has a magical way of calming down our nervous system and helping to resource ourselves and improve our capacity to cope. Whilst your day may already be busy and overwhelming if you consciously take time out for a walk in your favourite spot, watch the birds in your garden or watch the sunrise you may find yourself better resourced for the rest of the day.
Midwinter
On the solstice, everything falters for a few short hours. This is the pivot of the year, the pausing, when earth’s rotation seems to stop, when mind, spirit and body hesitate, until, from a blaze of darkness, a tangible shift occurs and we all begin to move forward again. (from Windswept book by Annie Worsley)
It does seem to have been a wet and dark autumn, despite the recent hard frosts, clear moonlight night skies and bright days, giving a much-welcomed blue sky respite. December marks the winter solstice, a turning point in the year’s natural and ecological cycles. And for us as part of nature, a shift in our spirits with longer and brighter days ahead
The sun also rises the story’s begun
The moon also rises licked clean by the sun
The sun also rises with tales to be told
The moon also rises trading silver for gold
Lyrics from the Sun Also Rises, Robert Macfarlane and Johnny Flynn
For those interested we are organising a mindful walk and visit to our local Bleasdale (timber) Circle for sunrise on the 21st December. A much more social time than in mid summer sunrise!!
What we’ve been up to..
On our monthly ‘Active Sunday’ in November, 16 of us had a wonderful time planting over 125 trees plus daffodil bulbs on the rec in Longridge. We hope that with the range of trees including rowan, birch, hawthorn, dogwood, silver birch and dog rose we will improve the biodiversity of this area and enhance the site for all to enjoy.
Longridge Does Christmas
What a cold but cheery evening for Longridge Does Christmas. A big thank you to those who stopped by, donated for pre-loved decorations and pleadge support for our local environment. And a special thanks to the YMCA charity shop for loan of the Chrismas tree - and for live music from Glyn.
Coming up…
In January we will be launching our winter nature photography competition, an opportunity for everyone of all ages to connect with the wonders of nature and share their best shots. Look out for details in our next newsletter, on our Whats App Group and on our Facebook Page.
And of course our Saturday Socials on the 2nd Saturday of the month (Next is December 9th at Little Town Diary) and our Active Sundays on the last sunday of the month (next will be in January 2024). See you there.
As we sign off for 2023 we would like to wish all of our subscribers and readers a very happy and peaceful festive season and look forward to connecting with you in 2024.
Supporting LEG
For time and other reasons, we are aware that not all can join our activities, so we have made it easier to support us with a donation. Simply use the QR code below and you will be taken to our Stripe page where you can donate. All gratefully received, no matter how small.
Thank You.
Keeping in Touch
A reminder that you can …