The landscapes that love us
Life from the maples: mindful journal prompts, gentle read recos, birdsong—and stories that take flight
Our bodies carry the landscapes we encounter, becoming a part of us. Years later I still conjure the experience of a Nevada sunset over a mauve-pink mountain. Or a sturgeon moon on Canada’s West Coast spotlighting sea foam on gleaming stones.
Nature attends to us with such care that we can't help but remember.
Leading up to summer solstice, the gifts of peonies, herbs, greens, strawberries, and all the birds and critters that come to visit me at the treehouse are too numerous for me to count. It's that full-sensory immersion that makes certain moments feel holy.
Then without my realizing, I recall a recent trip to Vancouver Island when I took a walk with my mum, sister and family dog, the path scented with honeysuckles and wild roses, and a pine siskin's zreeee song, like human breath between front teeth.
This week I find myself moving through the world with more attention to the gifts of my surroundings, and what I might reciprocate. These daily offerings—the peonies, the visiting birds, and memories of far-flung landscapes with those I love—help me feel held.
📚A gentle read
This week, I’m reading:
A Different Kind of Power by Jacinda Ardern
In this memoir by the former prime minister of New Zealand, she talks about her leadership style of kindness, empathy, and consensus-building instead of authority or force. Readers will find this refreshing and hopeful given today’s political climate.
One of the most powerful things you can be is kind.
📝 Mindful writing exercise
Each time I write to you, I offer a mindful journal prompt—a gentle invitation to pause, breathe, and check in with yourself through writing. These prompts are not about perfect sentences or deep reflection (unless you want them to be). Instead, they’re a self-care pause—a moment to meet yourself on the page with curiosity and kindness.
This week’s prompt:
Find a quiet space outdoors or near a window where you can see, hear, or sense the natural world. Take a few deep breaths, letting yourself settle into the present moment. Then, reflect and write in response to the following prompt: as you sit, notice the quality of sunlight; the smell of flowers, humid earth; the colour of the sky; birdsong... Allow yourself to receive these gifts fully.
What small act of care or reciprocity can you offer in return. Maybe it’s tending to a garden, planting flowers that attract birds or butterflies or picking a piece of litter up off the ground. Offer up your attentiveness and see what happens. Allow your writing to flow, while noticing the sensations, emotions, and ideas that arise. Witness the dance of giving and receiving between you and nature!
🥣 Food to nourish you
This is a perfect recipe to celebrate the start of summer!
Rhubarb-Mint Iced Tea
This refreshing drink combines the tartiness of rhubarb with cooling mint and sweet:
Ingredients
Chopped rhubarb stalks
Sugar or stevia (or maple syrup)
Black, green or caffeine-free tea
Fresh mint leaves
Lemon juice
Simmer chopped rhubarb stalks with water and sweetener to create a pink syrup. Combine with freshly brewed black or green tea Add fresh mint leaves and a splash of lemon juice. Pour over ice with additional fresh rhubarb stalks and mint sprigs as garnish.
Thank you for being here. Take what you need, leave the rest, and know that your words — even the messy, unfinished ones — matter.
Looking for more mindful journal prompts, creative self-care tools, and gentle community? You’ll find all that at lissamcowan.com.
Also, stop the proverbial presses!! I have a summer course special for those who are curious to try mindful writing. Check out my course Calm the Mind, Free the Pen.
Yours in Ink & Earth,
I think I will make the rhubarb mint iced tea right now! Yum!