I'm going to start sharing short recordings of living lightly in practice, following the seasonal monthly rhythms of my Small Shifts guide. I'm just learning how to use the technology, so you'll have to excuse my bobbing head and the typo. Feedback and constructive criticism gratefully received.

As we come to the end of March, I’ve been paying close attention to what’s emerging in different parts of the garden. The rhubarb has offered a clear lesson. Plants growing in a more sheltered position, with protection from the maritime winds and access to afternoon sun, are already well established and ready for harvesting. In contrast, those in more exposed areas—despite receiving morning sun—are only just beginning to emerge, held back by cold winds and harsher conditions. Same plant. Same garden. Very different outcomes. A simple but powerful reminder of the influence of aspect and microclimate niche. This is where attention becomes intention. Rather than accepting the difference, I’m acting on it—dividing some of the stronger, south-facing plants and relocating them into more protected spots. The aim: to work with these conditions and support a larger, earlier harvest. Small observation → informed decision → practical action. Pause point (ORLA): What differences are you noticing in your own space right now? Where might a small shift in placement, protection, or timing lead to a significantly different outcome?

Today is the equinox — a point of balance, where day and night are (more or less) equal wherever you are in the world. In the northern hemisphere, spring is well underway: lambs, goat kids, blossom, and the first flush of edible shoots. In the southern hemisphere, the energy shifts the other way — slowing, settling, drawing inward. Wherever you are, this is a useful moment to pause and observe. If the sun is shining — or when it next appears — take a few minutes around midday to notice: • Where does the light fall? • What remains in shadow? • How has this changed since winter or summer? These small observations carry real weight. They influence what you can grow, where you place plants or trees, and how effectively you can generate and store energy — whether through sunlight, soil, or systems you design. Over time, returning to these moments — equinox and solstice — builds a deeper understanding of place. Small shifts in awareness → small steps in action → long-term resilience. This is at the heart of Permaculture Practice 2: How We See — learning to notice what is already happening, before deciding what to do next. What are you noticing where you are today?

A lovely memory from one of our learning center

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