November Mists

You can’t take it with you

‘Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,

Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,

Silence the pianos and with muffled drum

Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come’.

- Funeral Blues by W.H.Auden

November in Ireland is when we remember those who have gone on from life before us; nowadays we might say, as they do in other traditions, a time to remember the ancestors.

Not so long ago, churches would be full of folk remembering their loved ones and praying for them. Many other cultures also remember, in their own traditional ways, those who’s gene’s, gifts and talents we carry in our own bodies and habits. We would not be who we are but for all those gifts received from our parents and grandparents all the way back to the beginning of time. And those of us who are Celebrants find that many young couples on the day of their wedding like to include a moment of remembrance for deceased loved ones during their ceremony.

In the darker days of November, before the buzz and excitement of the Christmas party season, somehow, we fall naturally into remembering. In our minds eye, we see again the uncle cleaning and preparing the family grave to honour those buried there and for the family who may visit on what was known as ‘Holy Soul’s Month’, or old friends who had a picnic on the family grave on the anniversary of his/her death. We see presenters on UK channels wearing the red poppy for Remembrance Sunday.

For all of us who live busy, noisy, over-stimulated lives, tuning into the ancient rhythms of this eleventh month in our culture and our earth, could help bring us back into balance, could bring the stress needle back into the blue. By quietening ourselves down, turning off the small or big screen and staring instead into the fire as dusk falls reality might shift to something more peaceful, more beautiful. We might feel gratitude for the life we enjoy, courtesy our foremothers and fathers. By remembering that we too shall pass, real priorities may emerge – family, friends who may need our love, care and attention. Neighbours who may need a hand or just someone to talk to for a few minutes.

When we look back at our lives we often say/think/hear ‘where have all those years gone’, ‘how did they slip by so quickly’ This time of year is perfect for pausing, looking back, reevaluating, and making decisions on how to move forward, so when our time comes, we can leave knowing we’ve done the best we could do. ‘Stuff’ and ‘Status’ are really not important – people are.

‘and if by chance I think on thee dear friend, all losses are restored and sorrows end’ - Shakespeare

Photo - New York public library

We each have a relationship with our planet

Our connection to the Earth transcends surface appearances; it's a profound integration of our existence with the very essence of our planet. As Thich Nhat Hanh the Vietnamese Thiền Buddhist monk, peace activist, prolific author, poet and teacher, eloquently expressed, that this realisation engenders a deep love for our world, erasing the illusion of separation.

The Earth encompasses us at all times, not merely as the ground beneath our feet but as the source of the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the breathtaking beauty that surrounds us.

We aren't just inhabitants; we are the Earth itself, carrying its legacy within us. This awareness transforms our relationship with our planet, urging us to tread gently and care for it with newfound reverence.

Recognizing this unity reveals the Earth as a living entity, pulsating in harmony with us. We become a vibrant manifestation of this beautiful planet, and our survival is irrevocably linked to its well-being. It’s more important than ever that we act with respect to our planet with our daily actions.

Love blossoms when we bridge the perceived gap between ourselves and the Earth, compelling us to care for our home as we would for a beloved.

Embracing this interconnectedness, we embrace our role as stewards of the Earth, critical for its survival and, ultimately, our own.

This shift in our Earthly relationship isn't merely a choice; it's a necessity, a call to honour the interconnectedness.

What will you do to make a difference?

Some of the ideas which our members have found to be supportive and helpful at this time are listed below;

Positive and affirmative messages are always beneficial.
It is important to support those in our wider communities with kindness and good advice as they move through transitions in their lives - transitions to new states of being, to letting go, to moving forward in their lives.
Positive blogs are shared on our website.
In the headlines at the moment is the topic of ever increasing costs and global warming. There is always an encouragement for participation in earth friendly activities such as recycling – reusing shopping bags, composting waste, sorting household refuse, gardening - planting seeds, using non-chemical products, tending gardens with Mother Nature’s diary in mind. Leaving the car at home whenever possible, using a bicycle or simply walking. Making small changes make such a big difference.
Most of all, we do our very best in our own lives to 'walk the walk' of our own private spiritual practice, by taking care of ourselves, supporting each other and those around us and loving Our Spiritual Earth.

Gatherings and events

Please see our Gathering and Events page HERE, for more details on regular and upcoming special days in our calendar.