A Lockdown Cosseter
In the Loving Embrace of the Fire
Dear Reader
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Thank you,
Ann
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Greetings, my Sunny Optimist buddies,
A cosseter is a cosy, soft blanket that I had around me when, as a child, I would 'courie in' on my Mum's lap. As I thought about what would nurture our optimism, it felt like a warm embrace would be just the thing for today.
This remembering of being in my Mum's cuddle took me to a phase we have here in Scotland that 'the nights are fair drawin' in.' It heralds a time of wanting to snuggle up by the fire with the curtains closed and a nice cup of tea in my hands. Being with the fire led me to create the following meditation for you called 'In Loving Embrace of the Fire.' I give a two-minute introduction and offer five minutes with the fire to refresh and renew you. Please click here or on the photograph to open.
I do hope it nurtures you and please feel free to share this post with anyone who would benefit from the loving embrace of the fire.
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What does a cosy lockdown entail?
There are so many hard edges to lockdown right now. It is easy to experience resistance to feeling controlled by the lockdown rules. I can sense the cold blast of uncertainty as I imagine the impact of lockdown on your wellbeing. There is a worry that hovers in the background of my awareness. I recognise that if I let anxiety take me over is not good for the people I love or for me.
And so it came to me to be lovingly playful with you today about what the elements of a ‘cosy lockdown’ might be.
For me, it would include a ‘dunky’ biscuit with my cup of tea, warm socks, a good book, and a film for the day. Then I would need a regular time to reach out to my family and friends for ‘wee’ connections that let me know they are ok.
Time outside with nature is vital. A good hat, warm gloves, and comfy shoes would all be cosy pre-requisites.
Questions for you today
As you think about what you need to nurture and sustain you at this time, I offer you these questions:
What aspect of this time of year do you savour the most?
What would you have around for your cosy lockdown?
What does the loving embrace of the fire evoke in you?
As always, I would love to hear from you.
Ann
My attic room is a cosy place for me to sit in and listen to music and write stories and poems. For me it’s the best bit of my home and I spend a lot of time in it. I’m here at the moment. I can’t have a fire in it. Certainly not a real one but the video of the fire you send with all its warmth was very lovely and reassuring.
I do like all seasons for different reasons but Autumn certainly has a mystical quality which is quite unique to itself. I like the music about the Seasons too although I prefer the ballet by Glazunov to the concertos by Vivaldi.
Warm wishes and thankyou once again for the meditation video. Being still and being grateful and at peace here in a cosy attic makes for perfection.
Thankyou Ann
Richard :)
Ahhh, thank you Ann. The fire meditation was so delightful today. And I absolutely LOVE it when you include Scottish phrases and words to this newsletter. I savor every one as a treat! I'll be socially distanced cozying with 2 friends around a fire tonight and will be silently meditating while watching the flames. We won't have dunky biscuits, but there's gumbo on the menu for dinner and I've just made a pan of chocolate peppermint fudge for dessert. Warmth all around!! Big love to you and David.