Greetings! 

I am lucky enough to be working from The States at the moment and spent the week-end with some dear friends in New Jersey.  

On Saturday, we visited the New Jersey Shore at Cape May, a beautiful Victorian seaside resort not far from Philadelphia.   After a great, out of season walk on the beach in the sunshine, we were standing by the Ocean and spotted a flock of what must have been several hundred small birds flying in formation on the edge of the water.

It was phenomenal to watch as the birds moved in perfect unison, twisting and turning this way and that and catching the light as they turned in a joyous 'dance'.   We must have watched them for 20 minutes or so and were captivated by them.   It was as if they were putting on a display especially for us.

Watching this flock of birds was a true delight and something really quite special and extraordinary.   One couldn't help being uplifted by it and we gasped and laughed as we watched them.

The point of sharing the story is to remind you that one of the easiest, cheapest and most effective forms of relaxation is to be with nature and just observe. 

When was the last time you just stood for a few minutes and enjoyed nature?   When did you last take a walk in the park, on a beach, by a river or over the moors and just really noticed what is there and how beautiful it is?  

One of the disadvantages for we city dwellers these days is that we are detached from nature somewhat and yet there's no better calmer of nerves and no better way to appreciate what we have.

As soon and as often as you can, get to the nearest green or natural space and just observe for 10 minutes or so.   Look at what you see as if you were doing so for the first time.   Notice the sounds, the colours, the movement and see what effect it has on you.   It's the best and quickest stress relief ever - and it's free and right under our noses! 

Have a lovely week.

With love

Annie x