ABOUT
The world is a tumultuous place, but it is also a place of incredible natural wonder.
We must never lose sight of the awe-inspiring beauty that exists here on Earth.
You probably already know that spending time outside feels good. But it isn’t always easy to prioritise, and it isn’t always easy to feel mindful in our modern world.
T H E S E C R E T A L M A N A C is here to offer guidance. Each edition is full of activities designed to help us get in the right headspace to connect with the Earth, and connect with ourselves.
Beyond the walls of our homes, there are countelss ecosystems waiting to be discovered. Life grows up through the cracks in all sorts of urban environments, and with the right mindset, there’s always lots to do and see.
The natural world can help us remember to be, to breathe, and to play amidst our busy lives. If you want to spend more time watching the sunset, enjoying the breeze, or breathing with the trees, then you’re in the right place.
And remember, you don’t have to be a reclusive monk or an eccentric new-age type to get on board. Mindfulness is not an exclusive and grand spiritual practice. It is a simple, open, and wise relationship with the present moment. Even a brief moment spent appreciating the beauty of a sunset can feel profound and connect us to a deep sense of peace.
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THE SECRET ALMANAC
BEGINNINGS
The Secret Almanac is self-published and created by me, Hannah Demerise! Like many of us, I was a wild, free, outdoorsy kid. We travelled around a lot for my Dad’s work and I was blessed to see many corners of our Earth at a very young age. My Dad, like me, has lived a life outdoors as an environmental engineer. And my Mama, although afraid of creepy crawlies, appreciated my spirit and my curiosity. She always encouraged me to explore, and she never batted an eyelid when I collected frogs in the bathtub!
Wherever we went, I always gravitated towards the rich natural world and my childhood brimmed with outdoor adventure: Collecting giant snails during the rainy season in Mali, West Africa, bareback horse riding in the Spanish countryside, and building beachside forts in Far North Queensland.
These days, I live in a pretty suburban environment. This means I have to prioritise spending time outside more than ever before. This is why I created the Secret Almanac.
The Secret Almanac is a starting place for anyone who wants to spend more time outside, or anyone who wants to feel more connected to the natural environment (including me!). So let’s do this together. Let’s start a conversation. Let’s see what happens when we spend a little bit more time outside.
Here I am at four years old, enjoing some time with big trees and flowers. To this day, this remains one of my favourite pastimes.