Rebooting the senses

Just when the beautiful English balmy evenings finally present themselves, the summer break is over and the kids have dragged themselves out of bed and back at school. With my two boys now in sixth form, I'm reflecting on all those years of preparing for a new term. Suddenly here we are talking about what next, what happens after school, and attempting to map next steps in a big and complex world.

Its tough for our young people. There is huge opportunity, but there is also much that is daunting. Faced with a complex web of personal, professional, and global issues can make the transition from school to independent life seem like a monumental task. And here I am, in my role as a parent to support their transition, which at times feels an overwhelming responsibility.

Rebooting the senses

For now though, I am also reflecting on turning 50, in Kenya, bringing together threads of my history and personal story. The frenetic pace of the previous months ground to a halt, to a slowing of pace that allowed my senses to come alive. To have clarity, and creative thought, and most importantly to just be.

Our time was spent with family friends in a remote spot in the north of Kenya, on a farm and propelled into a very different day to day life. Each of us relished the lack of mobile data and wifi access, to have no option but to just be. I was shocked at how the boys also relished this, in their own words "to not have to be connected" which in itself is deeply concerning, a reflection on the reality of our hurried and ever-connected lives.

This was none the more obvious than being on "top of the world" at the summit of Mount Ololokwe, an isolated flat-topped mountain in Samburu County in northern Kenya. At an elevation of approximately 2,000 meters it is a rewarding climb with panoramic views of the surrounding plains. We camped under the stars on the mountain top, with a full day of exploring this incredible microclimate of flora and fauna, and wildlife (including elephants)! It was better than any Netflix movie, just looking, absorbing, sensing.

A return for August and I was true to my word, a more reflective and slower pace - taking a gamble on income, and focusing on recalibration and care. This has involved a lot of time outdoors, and time in the water to bring calm and wellbeing as an absolute priority.

Bath 5k Map is live

I returned from holiday to boxes of maps and ready to launch The Bath 5k Map. It has been a labour of love, over a long time. A creative and complex journey which at times has, and does stretch my skills and capacity - but it is here, and a soft launch over August it is ready to now guide people to explore the Bath countryside.

A huge thank-you to all the Crowdfunder supporters, and I am so grateful for the support of Mr B’s Emporium bookshop in Bath who immediately took stock.

I also hope to run community walks, and partner with like-minded well-being initiatives across the city. We have had two Walk & Wild Swim groups over the summer and it has been so refreshing and wonderful to guide people through the countryside. We have a charity awareness walk planned for Tuesday 10 October, World Mental Health Day - so watch for more details if you are based locally!

Check out my launch blog, and if you're local, why not purchase a map and support our charity partners ??!

What's coming up

A full week focused particularly on End Digital Poverty - I will be in a few places and spaces including our next Tech for Good South-West session to address digital poverty in Bath, and build on achievements at the Bath Digital Festival. I'll also be sharing perspectives at Engine Shed Bristol on whether tech is addressing society's greatest challenges - reflecting on our tech for good community here in Bristol and Bath.

Until next time

Annie x