For the past week my early morning walk has been slightly delayed, with Wee Dug getting frustrated as I continuously stop to pick and eat juicy blackberries. There is an abundance and plenty for the birds too, because this summer has been kind to us berry lovers - the raspberries from my garden were also huge and delicious.
There is a steep bank beside the path where we walk and I have noticed that brave foragers are slowly making their way further down the hill to reach the, as yet, unharvested bushes. I can see fat bulging blackberries which are often the sweetest, from the safety of the path. I know my limitations and will only pick the mostly accessible berries. Having said that, regular Pilates over the past 25 years means my squatting ability is ideal for reaching those luscious berries almost out of reach!
During my trip to the New Forest in July, I noticed that blackberries were already in plentiful supply on the hedgerows, and I ate what I could. However, I have always considered bramble picking as an early autumn activity, having grown up in Scotland, where the ‘harvest’ tends to be 4-6 weeks behind southern England in terms of plant growth.
Foraging Fortnight takes place from the 3rd - 18th September with events, workshops and activities across Scotland. I haven’t fully decided what I will attend yet, because the choice is vast, including walks, dinners, cocktail making and fermenting demonstrations, but I am keen to learn, get creative and join fellow wild food enthusiasts in a celebration of Nature’s larder.
This Wednesday I joined a group of lovely people, and recognised a few familiar faces at North Berwick’s Gospel Choir. I was so inspired by the choir’s performance at Fringe By The Sea, and while I know mine isn’t the strongest voice - I’m a competent alto - but with support and encouragement from family and friends, I have signed up. I felt refreshed and rejuvenated afterwards, and I'm already anticipating the colder, dark evenings, singing familiar songs, sharing stories and bonding with like minded people.
Sometimes joining a new group, or signing up for workshops and activities can seem daunting at first, but be assured that everyone was a ‘newbie’ at one point, probably looking and feeling shy and nervous, before being warmly welcomed.
New coaching opportunities are being presented to me, as I had hoped, with the new term beginning and I am looking forward to welcoming new clients to my intuitive, thoughtful, inspiring and meaningful coaching sessions. I can claim those words because clients have told me so:
Providing a Safe Environment. Did Charli generate a sense of safety and confidentiality?
Yes absolutely. Charli had previously shared the ethical code she adheres to but she was also skilled in creating a safe, supportive, non-judgemental, confidential environment where it felt safe to share.
Yes and she was very clear on this.
Did your sessions encourage insight and learning for you? Were you able to work towards your intended outcomes?
My session was highly insightful. Charli very quickly allowed me to realise that the issue I attended the meeting with, was not the issue I needed help in addressing. She managed to question me so well, that this was a quick discovery and this allowed me to then think through solutions that were viable for me.
Yes. It was so helpful having the time to think, reflect, respond to prompts and then have the feedback from each session. Charli also importantly provided a safe, confidential space to talk through my issues.
Developing Relationships. Did Charli explain how the sessions would develop, and did you get a sense that there was a commitment on Charli's part to develop a professional working relationship?
Charli was so committed to our relationship as Coach and Coachee and she made this clear from the start. I felt like she truly cared about the issue I had and that she wanted to really help me to work out how best to move the situation forward. She did this without pressure or judgement which was so welcomed.
Yes I definitely got a sense that Charli was committed to our working relationship. I felt very listened to. She was very honest during the sessions and with her feedback afterwards. I was able to view my thinking processes in a more logical way. This felt very liberating.
If your thoughts are turning to Autumn, and with it new learning, visit a local library or Facebook page to ascertain what is available in your local community, and if you need an extra boost in confidence to get started, please get in touch. Our first Discovery Discussion is free and you will not be held to contract until you are ready.
I adhere to EMCC Global Code of Ethics and am an accredited coach. I look forward to hearing from you - all contact details on my website:
Have a wonderful week.
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