Dear Connected Ones,

Every year, I take a group of women on a beautiful walk through Epping Forest and every year, this ancient oak tree holds us with its quiet power and gentle magic. This time was no different. Beneath its golden autumn leaves, we connected and met each other with such loving kindness.

During our circle, I shared something I learned while visiting the Buddhist Centre in London last weekend.

Buddhist meditation has three elements:

“Coming back to the body and to the present moment—with kindness.”

I invited the women to embrace this. I’ve learned that so much of our suffering comes from ruminating on the past or worrying about what hasn’t happened yet. Most of our days are spent in one of these places, when truly: it is only the present that matters.

The truth is, we never know what’s coming.

Right now, I’m writing this for you, and beyond that, I don’t know what’s next.

We can make plans, yes, but life has its own mysterious rhythm.
It unfolds exactly as it’s meant to.

Just like last Sunday, when I gathered with 13 beautiful women beneath that oak tree, something magical happened.

I don’t think I’ve ever experienced a moment quite like it in all my time running this community.

Every day, I’m grateful for those who show up here with open hearts, non-judgmental compassion, and beautiful vulnerability. It’s these moments of presence, laughter, tears, and truth that remind me why this community exists.

For those who couldn’t make it, I hope you’ll join us next time.
Next month, we’ll gather for something creative at V&A East in Stratford—a day of drawing, creativity, and connection.

🎟️ Tickets are now live on Eventbrite.

As we move into the week ahead, I invite you to embrace the unknown.
We all live in it, every single day. Many of us resist it, but when we befriend the unknown, everything begins to soften.

I’m still taking things slowly. For the first time, I’m saying “no” where I might have said “yes,” trusting that what’s meant for me will never miss me.

I invite you to do the same.
✨ Trust the unknown.
✨ Dare to say no.
✨ Dare to say yes.
✨ Listen to your intuition.

We’re nearing the end of the year, but there’s still more shedding to do. I can feel it, collectively.

This year of the snake is about release. Allow it. Surrender.

Let’s take it one breath at a time, coming back to the body, the present with kindness through every moment life throws our way.

Let’s just focus taking life moment by moment instead of long strides.
Let’s be in the unknown that is life itself.

You might just find peace in realizing that we all live in the same uncertainty, but it’s how we perceive it that shapes our reality.

I am sending you so much love to whatever you might be navigating. x

With heart,
Essi x