20.10.2023
Over the past two days North Berwick and the wider coast of East Lothian has been battered by Storm Babet. Trees laden with leaves have lost their branches, and sand, which has long since seen a sandcastle, is scattered over Melbourne Road, while gigantic waves crash against harbour walls.
Wee Dug was very reluctant to go out this morning, but took an even bigger huff with her rain attire, which I duly removed, because she was literally dragging her heels. I was kept dry and cosy in my oversized swim coat and welly boots. It was exhilarating if not unsteady underfoot, but I know we are lucky because there are places in Scotland whose homes and roads have been subject to serious flooding, sadly, with tragic consequences.
Last night I co-facilitated EASE online with a local volunteer, Frances. This is the first time I have co-facilitated and I have been immensely impressed by the responses from our group on discussion forums and when we meet for feedback. I am naturally quite confident speaking to a group, on my own terms, but when there is a format and schedule, I worry that I might miss something. Frances is super organised and has been an excellent mentor for me as I get to grips not only with the course schedule, but the myriad technical challenges Zoom affords.
If you have been thinking about participating in EASE, have a look here at what is involved and you can put your name down for an online course.
SPPC, the overarching arm of Good Life Good death Good Grief, has developed a face to face version of EASE which I will be supporting to deliver in November. The face to face course will have the same content, but because it is being delivered in local communities, there are greater opportunities for participants to put what they have learned back into their communities. As EASE continues to roll out, a groundswell of compassionate communities is building, easing the pressure on family and medical services while neighbours, friends and family members gain confidence to support those who are at end of life.
One of the discussions last night centred around preparing for the end of life - which we all have to do at some point, and the easiest way to start is by having conversations with family members or close friends and gently, systematically, decluttering that which is not loved or used.
There are a number of TV programmes and books with tips and hints to help get organised, save money and free up space including Marie Kondo, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, and Sort Your Life Out. The latter is one of my favourite ‘easy watch’ programmes because I can empathise with why people have inadvertently held on to memories or hopes and dreams through personal objects. Maybe they have lost a loved one, or suffered an injury and held onto life as it was.
To Absent Friends runs from the 1st - 7th November and there are many ways in which you can remember and celebrate your lost loved ones. It doesn’t have to be public, you can choose your own moment, light a candle, pause and hold your loved one close in your heart. In North Berwick there are a few events organised by North Berwick Coastal Community Connections including a Labyrinth Walk, Music, writing and a gathering.
As the years have passed I still feel connected to my sister, Emma, who died on 2nd October 2014 and whenever I talk about her it is with love, admiration and humour. Sometimes I ‘take her with me’ by wearing a silver bangle she had: a small memento but deeply personal.
During a coaching session this week, I witnessed a catching light moment when my client said: ‘I can’t believe that just talking to you has made me focus on how I can move the department forward. I can see that I was getting caught up in a culture which wasn’t delivering on its promises. Wow, thank you, these sessions are life changing’.
Coaching does make a difference. I give you time to articulate what is on your mind in a confidential space; I ask insightful questions and provide intuitive feedback so that you can experience your catching light moment !
Get in touch - I have tailored packages to suit your needs. There is no upfront fee, a discovery discussion is free and puts you under no obligation whatsoever.I will not lock you into any more sessions than you actually need, and you can let me know what is a realistic budget for you.
I’m really looking forward to hearing from you and will celebrate your catching light moment when your obstacles start to go.
All you have to do is email charli@catchinglightwellness.co.uk and we will arrange a free discovery discussion.
You can also find me here: www.catchinglightwellness.co.uk; LinkedIn @CharliPrime, Instagram @catching_light_wellness.
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