After a period of burnout, a woman from Clevedon, near Bristol, found solace in an unlikely place: under an oak tree behind her flat. For a year, starting on the winter solstice of 2023, she meditated under the same tree every day, documenting her journey through notes and poems.
The first few months were challenging, with heavy rain and strong winds. She sat on a sheepskin square, sometimes with a hot-water bottle, and questioned her commitment. But spring brought hope as daffodils bloomed, followed by forget-me-nots and a riot of colour. She marvelled at the transience of life, noting how the daffodils were gone after two weeks, having taken 50 weeks to grow.
By summer, she felt a profound connection to nature, noticing micro-changes like the arrival of crickets and swifts. Her meditation deepened, and she once opened her eyes to find a deer in front of her. Her mental and physical health improved; backache disappeared, and she rediscovered a sense of playfulness and happiness not felt since childhood.
She learned patience and trust in natural timing, letting go of the need to control. On the final day, the winter solstice of 2024, she sang her thanks to the tree with her guitar. The challenge complete, she felt renewed resilience and relief at being able to travel again. She still visits the tree most days, though she admits to skipping rainy ones.
