First of all, I want to start this latest instalment with an apology for its late arrival – things at Hunningham Hill have been very hectic as Nicole and I continue to work on the farm here.
Nicole and I?
Yes, it is I – Robin, and I am deputising for Nicole on this blog for this week.
She was wondering how what with work, teenagers, poorly chickens, wilful dogs, fencing, and everything else, how she was going to possibly fit in writing another blog – so whilst listening to the wild weather outside, I suggested that I put out a few words.
“Go on then” Nicole challenged me in response, and so I have accepted her challenge and thus I am writing to you now.
Decluttering and Deciding What Really Matters
This last two weeks have been that of change and renewal, of clearing out old items we do not need and bringing in ones which we do. The process goes something like this:
Nicole’s Granny’s favourite teapot – keep.
A broken maroon ring binder file marked with the initials “N.L.F” and “National Record of Achievement ” on half rubbed off gold letters?
Heading for the skip.
Related Ramble: Blog Post 11 - Your Reset is Unique to You
An Old Oak Coffer and the Value of What We Keep
One interesting item we did bring in was a 17th Century coffer to put in the sitting room for blankets, cushions and board games to go in. Looking at the dark aged oak made me realise how we are just the custodians of items like these – they were here long before us, and will hopefully be here long after.
The coffer has survived centuries of changing styles, families, storms and winters, serving simply to hold what is valuable to whoever owned it, and in a similar way we look at the land and farm here at Hunningham.
We do not truly own the soil or the oak beams holding the roof up – we are merely the ones right now responsible for them, until such a time comes where we pass it all over to whoever comes next.
Decluttering teaches us that we do not need to possess everything to appreciate it. In fact, sorting through our belongings makes it clear how little we actually need to be content – Bringing the coffer into the sitting room after a massive clear-out felt symbolic. It stands as a testament to durability over disposable consumerism.
Being a good custodian means realising that we are responsible for fewer, better things – preserving those things which have value rather than drowning in those things which do not.
In all this, I am reminded that true wellness is about longevity and resilience, not temporary fixes. In the world of holistic health, we often talk about treating ourselves with kindness, but perhaps the better word is custodianship.
We are the caretakers of these physical vessels and conscious minds for a brief lifetime. When we declutter our external spaces, we actively reduce the sensory overload on our nervous systems. It allows us to slow down, listen to the wild weather outside, and reconnect our physical bodies to the natural rhythms of the Earth we live on.
In essence, we are trying to make our minds a bit more like the coffer.
Making Space for Your Own Wellbeing
Because at its heart, for 400 years, the coffer has existed for one simple purpose; to keep things safely inside. It was built robustly, oaken walled, and heavy, specifically designed to protect its contents from the external elements, dust and time.
Our own bodies and minds are meant to function as that exact type of protective chest. They are the primary vessels we use to contain our energy, our peace, and our experiences. But if we allow those personal vessels to get packed to the brim with old junk, useless worries and modern emotional clutter, we run out of space.
There is simply no room left for the warm blankets and cushions of life – the things which actually keep us insulated and bring comfort when the weather turns wild.
As the rain continues to beat down on Hunningham Hill tonight, the metaphor feels complete. We clear out the skip-worthy rubbish not to have an empty room, but to ensure our inner coffer is holding only what is genuinely worth preserving.
So, the weather isn’t really letting up – the poorly hen needs another check, and Hengist, Sorrel and Clover (our Silver Campine Cockerel and two Wyandotte pullets) in the brooder box have knocked over their water bowl again. Ruth, Melvin and Asha all want their supper.
Related Ramble 12: Blog Post - When the Roots Start to Settle
I reckon I might have actually passed Nicole’s blogging challenge with this one, but I’ll let her, (and you!) be the judge of that.
Take care of your own spaces this week, look after your inner coffers, and make sure you’re only holding on to the things which keep you warm.
Until next time (signing off for now)
