@down2forage: To live in this world you must be able to do three things: to love what is mortal; to hold it against your bones knowing your own life depends on it; and, when the time comes to let it go, to let it go. These words from Mary Oliver’s poem ‘In Blackwater Woods’ came to mind after the last tadpoles I’d been checking on each day for the past few months all died one morning. Generally, I try not to interfere too much, but last year I happened to arrive just in time and was able to save many from the very same puddle. It had almost completely dried up, leaving only a tiny patch of mud where the tadpoles had already begun to turn white. I moved them to the only small puddle in the forest that had managed to hold water. This year, I missed that moment. Although I topped up their puddle several times with river water, hoping it would be enough, eventually it disappeared altogether. I felt so guilty, knowing they had all died. I carried that feeling with me every day I passed that spot. Then, suddenly, it rained. Amongst the torrential downpour, a flash of light caught my eyes - and I came across the most beautiful giant moth I had ever seen. I stood there for a long time, completely spellbound, watching as its delicate wings grew heavier and heavier beneath the rain. Before long, it slipped from the leaf once…I held my breath. I was so relieved to see that it had managed to steady itself, but the rushing river seemed to have a force of it’s own. Then, each part of its’ beautiful wings released, and it was gone, carried away by the swollen river. It was both beautiful and painful, but I felt grateful to have been there - to witness such a moment, and a life, so brief and extraordinary, yet ordinary in every way. I am constantly filled with awe at the beauty and wonder of the natural world. What small changes have you witnessed recently? Music - @oliver_gudgeon #ruraljapan #japaneseculture #72microseasons #slowliving #slowlife

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Friday 07 August 2026 18:46:54 GMT