Autumn Magic...

Autumn is always a time of great change...a time of reflection and a time of release. A time of letting go and trusting...a time to go within and nurture the body, mind and soul.

As nature around us releases its leaves and seeds, I am reminded that for us to grow, we need to be prepared to release the old and let go for new life to flourish. In order for the cycle of life to continue, the trees around us release acorns, conkers, chestnuts and in that very act of releasing, they plant new seeds and the promise of new growth and new life fills the air.

So why is it, as humans, we fight the cycles and rhythms of change that continually move through our lives? Why do we fight the body's urge to move in new directions? Why do we hold on to aspects of our lives that no longer serve us or bring us joy? Why do we fight the very cycles of change that keep us feeling alive and awake in life? Why do we ignore the body's urge to rest and recharge?

To let go is to trust...to trust that as we let go of one thing, another will appear to fill its place and that the new will be better than that we have released...To trust is to believe.
Trusting...Believing...Releasing

So I invite you to take a walk in nature and breathe in the Autumn air. Listen to nature in all its wisdom. Observe the changing colours, collect some fallen leaves, roast some chestnuts and think about all you are ready to release in your life, to invite in the new.

Make time to meditate, to listen to your body and hear the messages of your soul. Ask yourself 'What does it mean to be alive?' and create space in your life for the answers...

Sarah Spiral

Blog Action Day...Pesticide Action

On Blog Action Day participants around the world unite to write about one issue...THE ENVIRONMENT. The Spiral Tree has chosen a topic relevant to all...

What is the real cost of clothing?

Pesticides used in conventional cotton production kill an estimated 20,000 farmers a year, and drive 100,000 others to suicide (*Figures from the World Health Organisation*).

This isn’t something happening on the other side of the world that has nothing to do with us. This is the cotton that is used to make the clothes we buy without thinking on the High Street. Making a few conscious consumer choices you can help reduce the real cost of clothing...

In 2001 Safia Minney launched the fair trade clothing company People Tree...and I have been accompanying its development with admiration ever since.

People Tree's aim is to use fashion as a tool to help the world's most marginalised people. They work closely with producers and designers to ensure that, not only are all their clothes beautifully crafted, but as many jobs are created as possible so people in developing countries can work their way out of poverty.

People Tree strive to protect the environment that its partners live in – doing everything as ecologically as possible, buying Fair Trade, organic cotton, using Fair Trade weavers, tailors, embroiderers...In fact every part of the process through the whole supply chain is under scrutiny to ensure it meets Fair Trade standards and is ecologically sound. That is why People Tree are recognised the pioneers of Fair Trade fashion.

For further information on People Tree and cotton farming click here.

Choice is a powerful weapon...use yours to make a difference.

Sarah