I recorded this two days ago when there was the wonder of Winter Snow on the ground. Here is a picture and a rhythmic summary both created (full transparency) by Gemini (Google’s AI), that has also helped me tidy up the transcript, though all of it from my words, that I assure you are not AI generated!
The Grace of the Frost
The year has set its roots, and finally, the white arrives— a thin, lace smattering of snow upon the English wood. The bridge is slick, the hill is glass, a cold reminder of the ancient rhythm: that winter was born for rest, for the long sleep, the quiet mend, before the green fire of the spring.
It is different now, and my heart feels the change, yet still, I walk. I walk with gratitude for those who listen, for the “sporadic” beauty of a life shared, and for the teachers who light the path when the air grows thin.
May this year offer you its hidden gifts. Be mindful. Be kind. And when your footing slips on the ice, simply forgive yourself, and begin again.
And here’s the tidied-up transcript of the recording:
Greetings from my walk in the woods this Tuesday morning in January 2026. A new year has firmly established itself, and here in this part of the Southeast of England, we finally have snow and ice. I’m currently in the wood with a beautiful, light smattering of snow over the ground.
It won’t last long—there wasn’t much to begin with—but it is a stark reminder of how the seasons are meant to be. There is a reason behind the way the seasons fall and how all living beings on Earth came into existence. Winter is intended to be a season of rest, hibernation, and recuperation before Spring brings its own different energy, followed by Summer and Autumn.
It doesn’t really feel like that anymore, certainly not here, and that makes me sad. As I carefully navigate this icy hill and cross a slippery wooden bridge, I’m struck by how much things have changed.
Looking Ahead
With the new year and this brief touch of winter, I want to wish you all well. Thank you for following, listening, and reading. My posts may be a bit sporadic—I’m doing what I can, when I can—and I am truly grateful you are there.
I know a few recent posts regarding my course were a bit more formal. I’m returning now to my usual “poems and ponderings,” but I wanted to use that space to give the course a nudge because I truly believe in it. I know what it has given me, and I want those gifts to be available to others, too.
Gratitude and Blessings
I also want to mention Sez Kristiansen. I follow her, and many of you do as well. If you don’t, I really encourage you to. Sez has given me such a gift through her approach to life; I won’t try to define it, I’ll simply say: Thank you, Sez, for what you offer and how you live.
Blessings for 2026. Whatever happens, I hope you find some blessing in the year. Take care, be mindful, and be as consciously loving and kind as you can. And when it all goes wrong? Forgive yourself. That is certainly what I’m going to try to do.
Blessings to you all.
