Mindful Gail August 2026 Newsletter
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Welcome to my Newsletter
Hello Everyone, welcome to my August Newsletter.
This has been such an extraordinary time with the weather. The dry, hot summer days that produce amazing sunrises and sunsets, scorched grass, such early, plump blackberries, the best butterfly and moth populations for years, but also the droughts, wild fires and much of Nature suffering. Our own abilities to be in the heat have been strongly challenged and yet, we must adapt, this probably will be the normal pattern.
Mindfulness is all about being with the changing moments, making peace with what is rather than what was or will be. Finding a pathway that accommodates this changing life pathway is what mindfulness is all about.
Our suffering so often stems not from what is happening now, but from ruminating on past events or worrying about what’s to come. The past is made of memories, and the future is a plan yet to unfold, while real life happens in the present, usually unobserved. By intentionally shifting our attention to the now moment, we can cultivate a sense of ease and tranquillity. We can't change the past or control the future, but we can choose to notice and be in our next thought, breath, and action. True peace, joy, and contentment are found when fully embracing the present, seeing and feeling where the authentic pathway lies, even the uncomfortable bits!
Native American Proverb
‘Don’t let yesterday take up too much time of today’.
Reflections for this month that is so ‘full’ of summer.
What makes you feel alive in August? What kind of joy feels exciting and part of all your body and being? What does August give you?
Some pointers to ponder with this month:
Am I actually doing what makes me feel alive?
Can I let myself receive and not just push on?
Am I cultivating my safe place and making sure I check in with it?
What ways can I use or be to nourish myself ?
Give yourself the generosity of August’s Summer abundance to support your wellbeing.
"You can’t give life more time. So give the time you have more life"
Reflections of my last event;
NHS Silent Retreat Day in Hellens Manor.
Summer filled the day with quiet, nourishing stillness as we shared different mindful meditations and practices. We spent time absorbing Natures presence all around us and found solace in the rhythm of being present with whatever arose. No need to rush or be anything in particular, just feel the rhythm of the day unfold in gentle awareness.
Feedback:
‘Chance to stop’
‘Notice where my comfort zone is’
‘Space to pause,’
‘reflect, connect’
‘Restorative, calm, connected.’
‘Permission to slow down’
‘calming, reset time’
‘time for me in a beautiful setting’.
‘lovely gardens, place and delicious food’.
Up coming Events:
Saturday 1st November 2026
Aymestrey Parish Hall
10:00am to 4:00pm
Let the magic of being creative with willow for Christmas come alive for you in this SPECIAL One Day Retreat. With Mindfulness Teacher Gail Calthrop @mindfulgail, creating the space of focussed, meditative attention, and guided by the expert tutoring of Ruth Denison, @black.barns.baskets, the willow, with its quiet and resilient strength, will bend and flow to create stunning Christmas decorations.
Sunday 8th November 2026
Helen Manor
9.45 am - 4.30 pm
Resting into Autumns’ Quiet Presence
Venue: Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, Ledbury, HR8 2LY
Cost: £85 to include a light lunch and drinks.
Early Bird Booking; £75 [closes OCTOBER 1st]
This day will be a silent retreat, with the mindful invitation to become present in a contemplative and kindly approach, helping nourish and refresh our sense of wellbeing.
FREE On-line Monthly Meditation:
16th September 7.30pm-8pm. This is open to everyone to join.
You can email me on gail.calthrop@gmail.com or fill in the form below and I will send you the Zoom link.
Future dates:
14th October
18th November
16th December
Monthly Mindful Evenings
2 hours at the Aqua Dolce Studios, Hampton Bishop, Hereford £20
Take the time to regularly encourage and grow your wellbeing in my 2 Hour Monthly evening sessions, sharing this quiet and restorative space with mindful activities and meditations. Next session: 28th August , 6.30-8.30pm
Future sessions:
Friday September 25th 6:30-8:30pm £20pp
Friday October 23rd 6:30-8:30pm £20pp
Friday November 27th 6:30-8:30pm £20pp
If you have any questions, want to more about any of my mindful offers, let me know.
Wishing you a wonderful rest of August.
Kindest everythings,
Gail
YOU TUBE
I have now added some new videos, please check them out!
I also recorded a few meditation videos during Covid and put them onto a YouTube channel. Their content can be helpful now as it was then, so have a look if you would like to follow guided practices. Follow the link HERE!
What I Offer...
Get in touch
Mindfulness crept into my life about 12 years ago after I completed a Mindfulness Based Reduction for Stress Course [MBSR], offered by my workplace, a Hospice. The teachings touched a need in me to want to experience life in a calmer and more enjoyable way; to find ways to be present helpfully to the way my life was unfolding rather than engage in battling with the automatic behaviours with repeating conflicting thoughts and emotions, with all the attendant emotional and physical fallouts.
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