Gabriella Aluna

18/11/2024

Join the team of St Michael's Hospice, Death Cafe......for an afternoon of tea, coffee, cake and conversation.

A offers a relaxed space where anyone can raise any issue or question around dying, death and loss. The aim is to have a supportive, kind, open and honest conversation around this sometimes difficult topic.

The café is not led and is not a therapeutic group. Members of St Michael's Wellbeing team will be there, if needed, to steer the conversation. Come along and see where the conversation takes you.

Doors open at 2pm on Saturday 23rd November at St Michael's Hospice. Call 01424 445177 for more information.

👉 https://orlo.uk/IA4bl

22/04/2023

Over the years, there have been wonderful retreats, workshops and courses that I have had the privilege to be on; some were more memorable than others.

After my hubby and I were asked to hold friend's funerals and passing over ceremonies; we had the fortunate opportunity to be with this amazing bunch of people on the O.B.O.D.'s celebrant's retreat in the Autumn of 2014.

It was right on the cusp of a dear family member's palliative care...................

I was held so well there, lovingly without rescuing, with openness yet without judgment. A deep knowing of those around me, those who had walked the path of death and bereavement. The dance on the path of the North. I cherish the comradery of those we walked alongside within those precious unfolding days. The tutors were second to none, in my opinion.

It came in at the perfect time.

At the end of the course, we gave feedback.........................there was a call for a Celebrancy Course, from many people. I led the call by the end of the sharing circle........................it was as if I were speaking for the whole group, the words rolled from my lips...................and so did the tears.

The call was heard and a lot of work later..............................River Jones stepped into the role, to co-create a course, and many more to follow...............

Here they are, the participants on this life-changing retreat........

I thank each and everyone of them, from my heart ♥

21/04/2023

Where Does the Dance Begin, Where Does It End?

Don’t call this world adorable, or useful, that’s not it.
It’s frisky, and a theatre for more than fair winds.
The eyelash of lightning is neither good nor evil.
The struck tree burns like a pillar of gold.

But the blue rain sinks, straight to the white
feet of the trees
whose mouths open.
Doesn’t the wind, turning in circles, invent the dance?
Haven’t the flowers moved, slowly, across Asia, then Europe,
until at last, now, they shine
in your own yard?

Don’t call this world an explanation, or even an education.

When the Sufi poet whirled, was he looking
outward, to the mountains so solidly there
in a white-capped ring, or was he looking

to the centre of everything: the seed, the egg, the idea
that was also there,
beautiful as a thumb
curved and touching the finger, tenderly,
little love-ring,

as he whirled,
oh jug of breath,
in the garden of dust?

Photographer - Paula Jefford Grech, dance movement therapist

21/04/2023

The following poem, touches on teachings by some Indigenous peoples. The Seneca tradition would speak of: 'The Stone People' and that we are all related...................

Watering The Stones

Every summer I gather a few stones
from the beach and keep them in a glass bowl.
Now and again I cover them with water,
and they drink. There’s no question about this;
I put tinfoil over the bowl, tightly,
yet the water disappears. This doesn’t mean
we ever have a conversation, or that
they have the kind of feelings we do,
yet it might mean something. Whatever
the stones are, they don’t lie in the water
and do nothing.

Some of my friends refuse to believe
it happens, even though they’ve seen it.
But a few others—I’ve seen them walking down
the beach holding a few stones,
and they look at them rather more closely now.
Once in a while, I swear, I’ve even heard
one or two of them saying “Hello.”
Which, I think, does no harm to anyone
or anything, does it?

Mary Oliver with photograph by Georgina Piper

02/02/2023

Imbolc/Candlemass 1st and 2nd of February, till sundown. Honouring Bridget/Bride/Brighton, both Goddess and Saint. On 1st February, Ireland had it's first feast day/bank holiday in her honour.

Hearth Keeper's Prayer:

Brigid of the Mantle, encompass us,
Lady of the Lambs, protect us,
Keeper of the Hearth, kindle us.
Beneath your mantle, gather us,
And restore us to memory.

Mothers of our mother, Foremothers strong.
Guide our hands in yours,
Remind us how to kindle the hearth.
To keep it bright, to preserve the flame.
Your hands upon ours, Our hands within yours,
To kindle the light, Both day and night.

The Mantle of Brigid about us,
The Memory of Brigid within us,
The Protection of Brigid keeping us
From harm, from ignorance, from heartlessness.

This day and night,
From dawn till dark,
From dark till dawn.

~Trad.

Photograph: Gabriella Aluna

24/12/2022

I love the team behind this venue, they have done everything possible within their power to create beautiful days for their couple's weddings; as many of them had such dreadful times during the lockdowns.....
I wish the Pilgrims Rest Team the very best Christmas possible and a much deserved break! Rest well......see you in the New Year!

Hoping to tie the knot sooner rather than later? Planning an impromptu wedding can be daunting, however The Pilgrims Rest team are passionate in ensuring your day is not only enjoyable but as stress free as possible. With this in mind we have designed the venue to need little decoration or attention allowing you to simply arrive on your wedding day with your nearest and dearest ready to say "I do!"

The fully furnished rooms, seasonal decor, included fire wood and candles along with our list of 'tried and tested' suppliers all work together to help make an impromptu wedding not only achievable but aspirational.

Venue:
photography:

18/12/2022

We love finding fun ways to incorporate nature into our home and decor. While it may be cold outside, now is a great time to get out into nature, collect some fun items, and get crafty! Today, Meghan Garriott, Illinois mom of three, is here with 20 nature-inspired holiday ornaments that you can make with your kids. These DIY ornaments are all made with items found in (and just outside) your home! Not only are they the perfect (non-breakable) addition to your tree, but they also make adorable gifts for friends, family, teachers, and neighbors.

https://runwildmychild.com/nature-ornaments/

12/12/2022

This information has been copied from a post:
WARM ROOM VOLUNTEERS

Hastings Quakers are organising a 'Warm Room' at the Friends Meeting House, 5 South Street, Hastings every Saturday afternoon from 2.30 to 6.00pm starting 17 December.

They would much appreciate a few more volunteers to help with this.

Please contact Ian Bunch
0796 096 2796
iab123@aol.com

Photo: One of my own, to grab attention:)

26/11/2022

Thank you to everyone who came down to the Holistic Market today and for coming to seek me out. It was wonderful to hug you, chat with you and for those who had time, to have a mini treatment. Welcoming old friends and new.........

It was a great place to connect with wonderful holistic practitioners, crafters and the most wonderful vegan baker! Yes, good food was also consumed.

Thank you to Louise, for organising the fayre and supporting all the vendors and therapists.

I worked with an amazing reflexologist, Sammy from Gentle-steps Complementary Therapies who I am happy to recommend, she was an absolute support and my treatment from her was...............wonderful!

26/11/2022

This is Sammy from Gentle Steps Complementary Therapies, offering reflexology here today