So much in this post Jackie, thank you for both the beauty of your walk and the reflections along the way. Certainly can identify with the conflicting emotions of going into ‘wilderness’ which is traditionally owned land which too often the traditional owners have been exiled from. Sad reading of changes on Waiheke island beaches, it’s been a while since I have been there. A favourite place. Being older we carry so many layers of memories of our world changing. Love the way you recognising our living world in all of life
Thank you Sally, yes it's both a burden and a privilege to have memories of the way things have changed, even in our lifetimes. It fuels the rage and quiet rebellion which is a good thing! I feel the mycelium of connections on substack have the potential to make a difference. Here's to the shared endeavor ❤️🌳
Gorgeous, as always, and I felt like I was walking with you in the tall gum trees! (I'm not sure I've ever even seen a gum tree, so that was extra special!) I so appreciate how you honor the complexity of our joy and grief, but infuse your readers with the reminder that we are the Earth and she is us. In all of our complexity. Love your blog, Jackie. I savor what you write and your images bring me such joy.❤ ❤ ❤
Yes gum trees are pretty special. I'm appreciating their diversity more and more as we spend more time in Australia. This country also gives me heart with their election result... it feels like a vote for connection rather than separation. I love your comment "we are the Earth and she is us". Holding hands across the seas 🙏❤️🌳
Such a lovely piece, Jackie, so much of what you wrote resonates deeply. I haven’t yet explored the Tassie wilderness, but your words and images are inspiring me to return. I was in Hobart earlier this year and haven’t slept so well in ages. It’s so peaceful and wild down there. And I say that as someone who already lives in the bush (albeit with a nearby gang of Sulphur-Crested Cockies, so a little less tranquil at times!).
Solastalgia is very real. I agree that being in nature doesn’t always restore us, it can stir grief, and discomfort. Sometimes it feels like we expect too much from nature, as if it owes us miraculous healing. That said, nature is like the best kind of therapist: steady, non-judgemental, and kind. The more we nurture that relationship, the more it holds us and allows us to feel the depths of awe and despair, and crucially, it doesn't offer any unsolicited advice like our well intended humans!
Lovely to hear your conversation with the tree. And your reflections on healing... For sure if we are to find healing it is in returning to a relationship with the more than human world I think... And to allow space for the grief and heartbreak that opens us up to 💚
So much in this post Jackie, thank you for both the beauty of your walk and the reflections along the way. Certainly can identify with the conflicting emotions of going into ‘wilderness’ which is traditionally owned land which too often the traditional owners have been exiled from. Sad reading of changes on Waiheke island beaches, it’s been a while since I have been there. A favourite place. Being older we carry so many layers of memories of our world changing. Love the way you recognising our living world in all of life
Thank you Sally, yes it's both a burden and a privilege to have memories of the way things have changed, even in our lifetimes. It fuels the rage and quiet rebellion which is a good thing! I feel the mycelium of connections on substack have the potential to make a difference. Here's to the shared endeavor ❤️🌳
Gorgeous, as always, and I felt like I was walking with you in the tall gum trees! (I'm not sure I've ever even seen a gum tree, so that was extra special!) I so appreciate how you honor the complexity of our joy and grief, but infuse your readers with the reminder that we are the Earth and she is us. In all of our complexity. Love your blog, Jackie. I savor what you write and your images bring me such joy.❤ ❤ ❤
Yes gum trees are pretty special. I'm appreciating their diversity more and more as we spend more time in Australia. This country also gives me heart with their election result... it feels like a vote for connection rather than separation. I love your comment "we are the Earth and she is us". Holding hands across the seas 🙏❤️🌳
Such a lovely piece, Jackie, so much of what you wrote resonates deeply. I haven’t yet explored the Tassie wilderness, but your words and images are inspiring me to return. I was in Hobart earlier this year and haven’t slept so well in ages. It’s so peaceful and wild down there. And I say that as someone who already lives in the bush (albeit with a nearby gang of Sulphur-Crested Cockies, so a little less tranquil at times!).
Solastalgia is very real. I agree that being in nature doesn’t always restore us, it can stir grief, and discomfort. Sometimes it feels like we expect too much from nature, as if it owes us miraculous healing. That said, nature is like the best kind of therapist: steady, non-judgemental, and kind. The more we nurture that relationship, the more it holds us and allows us to feel the depths of awe and despair, and crucially, it doesn't offer any unsolicited advice like our well intended humans!
Lovely to hear your conversation with the tree. And your reflections on healing... For sure if we are to find healing it is in returning to a relationship with the more than human world I think... And to allow space for the grief and heartbreak that opens us up to 💚
❤️