At The Lodge

Today is the final day for submissions to Poetry of the Heart, and I simply want to say thank you. I have been truly overwhelmed by the incredible response to this project, with over 60 contributors, including several published authors, choosing to share their voices and their hearts.

It means so much that so many people have recognised the vision and purpose behind this book. I am so excited to move into the next phase and begin bringing it to life. My hope is that Poetry of the Heart will become a beautiful and meaningful collection for those involved in spiritual direction and supervision, while also making a difference through all proceeds being donated to charity.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to making this dream a reality. I can’t wait to share this journey with you all.
𝒥𝑒𝓃𝓃𝓎 𝐸𝓊𝓈𝓉𝒶𝒸𝑒

🌍 𝔸 ℝ𝕖𝕔𝕚𝕡𝕣𝕠𝕔𝕒𝕝 ℝ𝕖𝕝𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤𝕙𝕚𝕡 𝕎𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔼𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕙 🌍

𝑅𝑒𝒻𝓁𝑒𝒸𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃…….

On this Earth Day, I find myself reflecting deeply on our relationship with the planet we call home. Each year, this day always reminds us of the shared responsibility we hold in the global fight against climate change and the damage we have caused to our planet.

Earth Day brings together people from across the world, leaders, scientists, activists, and communities to acknowledge urgent environmental issues and renew our commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable development.

As I reflect today, I can’t help thinking about the teachings of medieval mystic Hildegard of Bingen and know that her input at that time offers surprising resonance.

Her visionary approach to creation and “greening” (or viriditas) embodied principles of balance, renewal, and respect for the Earth that could guide our efforts today in many ways.

Hildegard, was a 12th-century Benedictine abbess, she was a woman of many gifts and qualities one of them being an early eco theologian who viewed the Earth as a vibrant, living entity. She described the concept of viriditas as the “greening power” of God, a life force that flows through all living things and brings vitality and balance.

Hildegard believed that this divine energy connects humanity, nature, and the cosmos, encouraging growth, renewal, and healing.

In Celtic times we called this driving energy Neart.

Hildegard warned that human greed could damage this natural harmony, and she called for a reciprocal relationship with the Earth, a concept that’s definitely aligned with today’s understanding of environmental sustainability and ecological interdependence.

On this Earth Day, where the theme is “Our Power Our Planet” Hildegard’s ideas of viriditas can inspire a renewed focus on the spiritual and moral dimensions of the crisis our earth is in.

As we reflect today and take action, we might also benefit from her belief in humankind’s responsibility to act as stewards of creation. This means not just technological fixes but a fundamental shift in values, recognising that true sustainability must come from a place of reverence and humility toward the Earth.

The challenge before us is not only to mitigate environmental damage and prevent future disasters but to cultivate a new green vision for the world, one that resonates with Hildegard’s call to restore balance and nurture the life-giving power of nature for generations to come.

We need to, as Hildegard stated 9 centuries ago, cultivate a nation that encompasses a reciprocal relationship with the Earth.

💚 Have a beautiful & blessed Earth Day 💚