Bridget Butler
The Faster One Goes

It had been weeks since I sat in nature. With the new job and the onslaught of holidays, I couldn’t recall the last time I went out and sat on the land and visited with the birds. No matter, I have my routine. I have places I’ve built deep connections with that I’ve returned to over and over again.

But, it wasn’t that simple even with the routine. As I walked out to the Sister Rocks along Lake Carmi, the never-ending conveyor belt in my mind of job tasks, family needs, meetings, and balls dropped all creaked to a slow roll but never stopped. I greeted the Sister Rocks and the trees, apologized for my long absence, and started to unpack my slow birding kit: folding stool, a fleecy blanket, hot tea, and my bins. I pulled out my notebook and colored pencils just in case I was inspired to write or draw.

The Faster One Goes

spirituality

Growth & Gratitude

Growth & Gratitude

Here we are, coming full circle once again. We’re entering a quiet time of year that can be cozy and full of reflection. Last month, I shared with you all some thinking around kith and kin; our connection to the landscape and other beings - especially birds! I continue to hold these relational thoughts as I look back on this year and look forward into the next. My slow birding practice has grown and evolved so much over the past year and I’m grateful to each of you who have shared this year with me either through a course or a workshop or even a simple correspondence through email. This last month of the calendar year, I’m holding some time to reflect, to celebrate, and to express gratitude. And as I do that, I’m finding a very clear path for my work in 2023.

Maybe this is a time of reflection for you too! I’m practicing this in a few ways, I have some questions I’m asking myself and then a few actions to remind me of where I’ve been that will help me dig a little deeper into my reflection.