Hello, As we move into February, our attention in the Living Lightly rhythm turns toward care and warmth. Here in the north, the days are slowly lengthening, but the land — and many of us — are still moving gently. February isn’t a time for pushing forward. It’s a time for tending what’s already here, noticing what needs shelter, and offering warmth where it’s most needed: in our bodies, our homes, our relationships, and our thinking. The Living Lightly learning ecosystem Over the past few weeks, I’ve been quietly refining how the different strands of Living Lightly fit together, and this is now clearly laid out in the Skool space. Rather than a single course or linear pathway, Living Lightly is a learning ecosystem — with different entry points, shared principles, and space to move at your own pace. Books, audio, courses, reflections, community conversations, and mentorship all sit in relationship with one another, rather than in a hierarchy. There has been a slight delay in getting all of the books back onto Payhip, as I’m currently recording and editing audio versions alongside the written work. Over the coming weeks, they’ll gradually reappear there. Thank you for your patience — this slower pace is very much in keeping with the ethos of the work itself. Looking ahead: Spain and Jordan Later this month I’ll be travelling south, first to Spain and then on to Jordan. The route via southern Spain allows me to leave my elderly parents in the care of my sister, and it also offers a valuable opportunity to spend time at Campoverde, a Living Lightly laboratory in a Mediterranean climate. I’m looking forward to observing how land, water, plants, and people interact very differently there, and to letting those observations inform future learning. In Jordan, this year’s focus will be on social permaculture — exploring how resilience can be strengthened by recognising and connecting the resources, skills, and networks that already exist within the community. This work continues to be shaped by listening, relationship, and trust, rather than externally imposed solutions.

Over the last few days I’ve been moving through grief — not in a straight line, but in waves. I’ve been recording the audio for Permaculture Practice 2, which explores patterns and energy cycles, and I’ve been struck by how grounding it is to recognise this as a normal rhythm rather than something to resist or fix. Energy rises, falls, pauses, returns. The sea reminds me of that — waves arriving, breaking, retreating — each one different, none wrong. This is why I value pattern literacy so deeply. Not as theory, but as something that helps us live more gently with what is.

This month we’re noticing energy, and I’ve been reflecting a lot on my own — both emotional and physical. I was quite tired over Christmas and New Year. A full year behind me, a quiet pause, and a definite sense of needing rest rather than resolution. But this past week something shifted. Over in the classroom, I’ve just published the first part of what will become a modular permaculture design course, with optional certification. It’s something I’ve been working towards — in one form or another — for years. Reaching this point has brought a real lift in spirits, not just because something is finished, but because something meaningful has taken shape. Alongside that, I’m feeling buoyant about returning to Jerash Refugee Camp in Jordan next month. Preparing to work again with the women there reminds me why I do this work at all. For me, meaningful activity — and having a positive effect on the people and places around me — matters far more than accolades or income. I used to find New Year’s resolutions quite depressing. I rarely got past week one. These days I don’t make them at all. Instead, I reflect on what’s been, and gently contemplate what could be. That feels far more sustainable, and much more aligned with living lightly. If you’re noticing your own energy this week — where it’s low, where it’s quietly renewing — you’re very welcome to share. There’s no pressure to be productive here. Observation is enough.

This month, following our Small Shifts Wheel, we're noticing energy, so I'm curious - how are you feeling today? How are your personal energy levels? I'm feeling weary to be honest. Much as I love family time and celebrations, I find it all rather stressful and overwhelming. Too many social interactions sap my energy and I find myself having "bah humbug" moments. I find nature energising. I love being out in my garden at any time of year. If the weather is too awful (i can cope with 2 out of cold, wet or windy, but not all 3 together 🙃) I retreat to the barn and spend time with my goats. Guaranteed to make you feel loved! We've got fairly thick snow here today; quite unusual for us. My husband Mark is busy trying to get the car up the drive. It will need to be towed up by the tractor. The tractor won't start as the battery seems to have discharged all it's energy overnight. The lesson I'm taking from this is a gentle one. Nature is suggesting that I rest indoors. I don't NEED to go anywhere. I expended energy through the summer and autumn growing, processing and preserving food. My pantry is well stocked with dried and canned meats and vegetables; the chickens are just coming back in to lay and we have dehydrated eggs too. The sunshine is generating surplus energy; we have a clever little light that tells us when we have surplus so that's when I set the washing machine or dishwasher to go. My mind, my body and my spirit tell me to rest. Nature seems to be reinforcing that, so I'm going to listen. I'd love to hear your stories if you have the energy to share.

Dear friends, I want to begin by saying thank you. By being here at the beginning of Living Lightly Worldwide, you are helping to shape what this space becomes. Founding a community is not just about content — it is about trust, tone, and shared intention — and your presence matters more than you might realise. I’m very happy to let you know that the first course, A Beginner’s Guide to Living Lightly — on and off the land, in body, mind, and spirit, is now live in the Classroom. This course is offered as a gentle place to begin. There is no right pace, no expectation to complete anything, and no pressure to participate in any particular way. You are welcome to read, reflect, return, or simply let ideas settle. What matters most to me is not that we all agree, but that this space feels safe, respectful, and human. Although we may come from different countries, cultures, and belief systems, those divisions are largely human-made. Beneath them, we are all people — shaped by land, history, and circumstance — connected here only by geography and time zones, which is why this space exists online. If you feel comfortable, I would love to invite you to share in the comments: - something from the course that resonated - an experience from your own life or place - or a hope or desire you carry around living more lightly There is no need to explain yourself or perform insight. Listening is just as welcome as speaking. My hope is that, over time, this community grows into something that feels less like a platform and more like trusted family — a place where curiosity, care, and honesty are held gently. Thank you again for being here, and for helping this space come into being. With warmth, Cath 🌿