Contribution by Richard

A native spider orchid (caladenia phaeoclavia), found in the bushland around my house earlier this season.

Indigenous plants can sometimes flower in this space, but a spider orchid hasn’t been seen before (or at least, not in the last few years).

After hiding dormant through seasons of hot dry weather, from harsh and rocky ground this fragile plant emerged, flowering for two weeks before disappearing.

This is a small reminder of how nature is resilient and fragile at the same time. The careful balance is easy to damage or completely destroy. Yet from this, it somehow recovers and re-grows on its own, if we give it the right conditions and breathing space.

Restoring balance to ourselves, we can begin the work of restoring balance to the earth
There is no difference between concern for ourselves and our own well-being
There is no difference between healing the planet and healing ourselves
Thich Nhat Hanh