Hibernation

The weather has made a definite shift in the north west of England. We’ve had storms and sunshine in one day, and it seems impossible to know what to wear from one hour to the next.

This time of year always inspires me to return to poetry, one of my favourite comfort blankets. I’ve got a couple of trips coming up in mid-November, and between now and then, I’m ready to bunker down, practice extreme self care and to listen to my body. I’m also planning a relatively quiet festive period, although I still hope to see the people I love in Liverpool, London and Dublin. I wanted to share one of my favourite poems on the topic of rest and rebirth, by the late, great spiritual thinker and writer John O’Donohue.

To Bless the Space Between Us

This is the time to be slow,Lie low to the wallUntil the bitter weather passes.Try, as best you can, not to letThe wire brush of doubtScrape from your heartAll sense of yourselfAnd your hesitant light.If you remain generous,Time will come good;And you will find your feetAgain on fresh pastures of promise,Where the air will be kindAnd blushed with beginning.

Enjoy this time of rest, and remember the light will return to us soon.

P.S. I’m chatting to Northern Irish writer Susannah Dickey on 1 November about her latest book ISDAL in the beautiful West Kirby Bookshop. Tickets are here if you’d like to join us.