April 2024

April is distinctively marked by the arrival of an Fainleog (the swallow). April is the first month filled with light. Time has sprung forward. We now have, at the time of writing - over 13 hours of light each day. In April people plant seeds for summer and autumn vegetables. The days are longer than the nights and growing longer each day. The sun, when it breaks through the rain, has more heat in it. Even the record breaking non-stop rain that we have endured for the last six months, is less depressing, coming in showers rather than spread over days. The birds will be nesting and laying eggs and hatching young over the course of the month. It is a great source of happiness to put out food in a place where you can watch them feed.

Our wellbeing and its connection to light, and the movement of the Sun is evident by the ancient stone structures that are aligned with the transition of the sun through the year. In a disconnected world due to modern day living and unnatural working hours, it is important to support that connection in both ourselves and in the next generation.

• Speak to children on how the sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
• Show them that if you stretch to point your right hand to the east, your back with naturally turn to the south and your chest will turn towards the north.
• Show them how the moon rises in the east and sets in the west.

Its beneficial to our mental health that we as adults know about the suns movements. Its keeps our sense of rhythm, wonder and wellbeing alive.

Workplace Wellbeing.

The pace of nature demonstrates to us how we need to focus on our growth,

1. Do less to get more done - Don’t spread yourself over too many projects – we often have to take on more responsibility than we can cope with in the real world. Pick the most important task at any given time. There is no such thing as “priorities” Priority is singular not plural. Create a reasonable pace for your spring projects. Tape a note for above your laptop that says “PACE”. And commit to one task at a time- If you commit to nothing, you get distracted by everything.

2. During difficult times, work can present what feels like a personal challenge. The trick is not to take it all too seriously. Our professionalism and wellbeing declines when we are caught up in a spin with anger and find ourselves getting too serious. Even when it feels personal don’t take it personally.

3. What seeds are you sowing this month? Step back to make sure your tasks are part of your strategy, the direction you want to go in. The seeds, the deeds and the thoughts you are creating are they aligned with what you want in life? Do you plant seeds of anger, and then hope for joy? The seeds we cast with our words today are what we reap tomorrow. We can’t expect kindness, if we don’t first sow its’ seeds.

It was reported in this week’s national newspapers (08/04/24) that we are importing approximately 83% of our fruit and vegetables. Perhaps try sowing at least one flower or vegetable seed this April. When you search the internet, there are a wide range of Irish companies selling certified native seeds. Organic seeds can

produce the strongest crop as they have survived naturally without pesticides. And Irish companies like giy.ie provide information on how to grow and cook our own food in order to lead healthier lives.

Each day pause to notice the seed grow as a mindfulness exercise.  Do it with kids to create an appreciation for nature.