March 2026

Our letter observes that while, as children, we seem to have an innate ability to be present 'in the now', this is something we start to lose as adults as we switch to a doing rather than being mode - something we are encouraged to do, but that means we run the danger of never quite enjoying or experiencing what is happening in front of us. We go on to discuss ways we can re-access and benefit from being fully present.

The original print is a sepia-toned intaglio and we have art postcards featuring the work of Pierre Bonnard and Gwen John, both arguably masters of the art of being present.

Also enclosed is a hauntingly well observed poem by Sarah Doudney, who was only 15 at the time she wrote it.

One of the questions in the Invitation to Ponder asks "If you weren't so focussed on the end result, how might you choose to spend your time each day?"