I’m currently reading a beautiful book called Mindful Command by Sally-Anne Airey. Earlier this year, I had the incredible fortune of meeting Sally-Anne during a retreat in the Alps, and to my delight, she was the leader of my ‘buddy group’ for the week. She exudes a grounded, calm, and centered energy — exactly what I needed at that moment.
As I’ve shared before, the past year has been challenging for me, particularly in terms of health. By spring, I began emerging from the most difficult side effects of treatment and felt a deep craving for adventure. I embraced life, traveling to some stunning places and having wonderful experiences.
Lately, however, I’ve felt a bit low. Two summer colds triggered waves of health anxiety, but more than that, I’ve sensed that in my eagerness to fully immerse myself in the world, I had drifted away from my connection to myself.
In her book, Sally-Anne shares a passage that resonated with me:
“Eventually, many different things led me to realise that feeling lost was normal: we all feel lost at times. It was a horrible place to be emotionally, but there was a way through. First, I had to understand that my purpose wasn’t ‘out there,’ it was ‘in here.’ I needed to stop doing and start listening inside. The answers were already there, waiting for me to ask the right questions.”
A few days ago, in a moment of feeling lost and unsure, I sat quietly on my sofa and asked myself, “What am I not seeing here?” The response I received felt much like Sally-Anne’s wisdom: it was a call to turn inward again. Yes, the world is full of beauty, excitement, and adventure — all of which nourishes my spirit. But my first priority needs to be nurturing my inner landscape.
So, I’ve started journaling again, returned to my yoga mat, and made small, mindful adjustments to my diet. Most importantly, I’ve reminded myself to slow down. To honour the fact that I’ve been through a challenging time and that I still need to rest and repair.
In a society that often values speed and action, this approach might not be seen as a form of leadership. But in Mindful Command, Sally-Anne emphasises that connecting with our inner wisdom is essential. It’s the foundation of true leadership. Before we can act in alignment with our goals and values in the world, we must first listen to what we truly need inside.
So, I leave you with two gentle suggestions:
- Listen inward — you already know what you need.
- And if you’re curious, pick up Sally-Anne’s Mindful Command. It’s filled with deep, calming wisdom.
With love as always, Hannah and Team Bird
Photo by Kseniia Rastvorova on Unsplash