Making A Stand - October 27

In today's 5 Minutes In Nature, Liz realises the power of making a stand for things that matter. A recent project on World War One has touched her deeply and she recognises the importance of finding another way other than war. What are you inspired to make a stand for in the world?

Transcript

Hello and welcome to Five Minutes in Nature with me Liz Scott on an evening just by the trees at the top of my lane. Wonderful tall fir trees with the sun coming down through them as the evening shadows lengthen out across the grass. It is beautiful here in the village listening to the children playing all around me and I'm feeling a bit poignant today. Today I was helping out, Volunteering with a project that was happening in the community. We were creating a video that was commemorating those that died in World War One, The names on the war memorial in Ivy Bridge, Which is my local community. And it was poignant because I've seen this war memorial so many times, But never really thought about the young men who died. And they died so young, It was quite heartbreaking when I started to fully comprehend their short lives. And it's really got me reflective about war in general. As I was reading out the names and I was finding the places, The homes where they used to live and finding some of the commemorations in the cemeteries where their bodies were never found, But they were commemorated on the gravestones of their parents. I realized the futility, The heartbreak of war. It's so easy for me, When I've walked past that war memorial in Ivy Bridge so many times, Just to kind of see it as, You know, Something to commemorate the wars. But it doesn't really come alive. But when I started to realise the youngsters, Some were signing up aged 16 and then died two years later, They would have died so young. I found it hard to comprehend. What a waste of life war is. So today's reflection feels quite poignant. I realise that I want to give these children, The children you can probably hear playing around me, I want to make sure I make a stand in the world for love, That these children never have to be conscripted to fight in a war. I want to make a stand for love in the world, To show that there is another way, There is a peaceful way of communities coming together and living together. I want to make a stand for a way of cooperation, Of being with people, Of having differing views, But knowing that together we can find a way. I want to make a stand for the environment, For the insects, For the animals, For the bees, For the butterflies, For the plants, For the flowers, For the trees, For the earth. I want to make a stand and show that I am standing in solidarity with what I want in the world rather than feeling helpless for what I don't want. So today's reflection is this, Is to reflect on where you are, On things that feel important to you and how you might make a stand for them. The other thing for me that I see so strongly is that the voice of women, Of older women in particular, Is something that can be a contribution to the world. I want to encourage women, Older women, To find their voice, Find expression, And to find a way of communicating and sharing and creating and being creative in the world in a way that truly expresses their soul and heart's desire. I want this to be in the world and I want to make a stand for it and I'm just curious what really stirs you and your heart. What is it that is worth making a stand for in your life? What do you want to share and contribute in the world? Let me know your reflections on what is important to you, What stirs inside you, What makes your heart sing, How you might move beyond helplessness and, Oh, I'm too small and I can't make a difference, Into making a stand for something, However small. Feels important for you. Let me know what that is and don't forget we stand together. We can support each other. We are not lone voices. Together we stand strong. Let me know what you feel is important to make a stand for and let's support one another. Don't forget of course I'll be back again tomorrow with another five minutes in nature.

Reviews

Oh this is such a sad reflection Liz, especially with all that’s going on in the world and Rememberance Day coming up.

But, as you say, we are not powerless and we can be a part of the change we want to see. Here in America it is voting! This is probably the most consequential vote since I’ve lived here. I vote for kindness not cruelty, reverence for nature and its creatures, equality, stability and opportunity, respect for fellow humans. Above all love and peace.

Please think of us next week as what happens here affects the whole world.

Thank you Liz 🙏💗☺️

The older I get, the more I feel I make more conscious decisions. When I was younger, things were dictated more by convenience and cost whereas now I choose whether to use/purchase something based on how ethically it's been produced. Examples include packaging, recyclability, organic and ethically produced food, how often or far I drive for something that could be bought more locally albeit at a higher price point. I try and support smaller, local businesses where possible. I'm a great advocate for secondhand or pre loved items and for mending clothes rather than buy new all the time. Just small things, but ones that feel important for me.

To make a stand. Doesn't have to be a declarative stand it can be through your actions. One example is supporting organic farming buying your produce at local markets.

For me sharing the love in this world is through my morning reflections and awakening currents.

slow down breathe
⠀
beneath the noise
your intuition
is quietly waiting
⠀
listen softly
⠀
let love
guide your way today

Thank you Liz for making a stand and showing up here everyday. ✌️❤️