Dawn Chorus at Bestwood Park

I am finding joy in this shutdown connecting with nature and my practice. Spending time in my garden and engaging with the Buddhist Centre online daily meditations I feel connected to the greater Sangha. I’m fortunate to live close to Bestwood Country park and it has become a way to get my daily exercise when no one is around. I love waking up early just before dawn and experiencing the quiet of the woods before the cacophony of birdsong drowns out the hum of the city. I know these woods intimately and at this time of year it’s possible to walk round and hear the various inhabitants belting out their calls of territory. Some areas of the wood are the domain of song thrushes, some where the black caps hang out and on wide open areas the song of the sky larks are to be heard as they sing their hearts out high in the blue dawn sky. It’s magic on my doorstep. Here is some joyful magic from this mornings walk, enjoy.

Sandy Bywater

“The breezes at dawn have secrets to tell you
Don't go back to sleep!
You must ask for what you really want.
Don't go back to sleep!
People are going back and forth 
across the doorsill where the two worlds touch,
The door is round and open
Don't go back to sleep!”

Rumi