My workshop today is in an office along the same river catchment as the one I live on, so my commute takes me deep into the Frome valley.
I know kingfishers nest here but I almost never spot them.
Luckily, I’ve found a hack. Look for someone with a massive telephoto lens. Stand nearby. Follow their gaze.
Today’s kingfisher was much closer than I expected, right on the near bank of the river.
A recurring theme in my posts over the last couple of weeks has been this idea of ecological participation.
Not just reducing harm. Not just “less bad”. But actively playing a part in enhancing the living systems we are part of.
That feels like a leap. And it is. And I think the first step is to start noticing differently.
Seeing that we are surrounded by life. Remembering that it’s there. Recognising that it’s the container for all that we do. I see it as a pathway on the mindset shift from separation to interdependence.
Because when we notice, we start to care. And when we care, we start to make different decisions.
Even as I write this, it’s easy to take the life that surrounds us for granted.
I’m fortunate to have a river like this running through my corner of the city.
And still, most days, I cycle past without really seeing it.
Maybe I’m not very good at spotting kingfishers.
So for now I will start with spotting kingfisher spotters.