We can't meet, but we can connect.

Our Spring Sunrise Swim is cancelled, but hope is not lost.

Weeks ago, the thought of having to cancel our next sea swim crossed our minds. But our concerns then were because of the storms. Nothing could have prepared us for what we are now living. The world seems like a very different place.

Yes, things are very different. Many of us have turned our kitchen tables into our office. We're no longer meeting in rooms together, but through online video calls. We're fortunate we can do this. Many people cannot continue working, and have little way of connecting.

One thing that remains unchanged, is the beauty outside our windows. And although we cannot risk gathering our community physically this coming Saturday for our Spring Sunrise Swim, we can connect with each other through connecting with nature, wherever we are. 

Join our alternative #NatureConnects gathering

Connect with nature wherever you are - take a photo and share it with us. We'd love to share your photos through our social media and in an email over the weekend. Some people, who are in more vulnerable situations right now, may not be able to get outside, so we can connect everyone with nature in this way.*

Some will choose to swim at sunrise or sunset, others will take to the mountains or their local park after breakfast, and others may simply step outside their door or open their window to take in the afternoon sunlight and a breath of fresh air.

*Please respect the social distancing advise of government and the HSE to avoid the further spread of COVID-19. We must all be responsible. Please do not gather in groups and stay local.

There is great power when we come together, and this doesn't have to be physical. Some spiritual groups meditate together at the same time across the world, with one shared intention. Let's take a leaf out of their book. This Saturday, let's collectively connect with nature and set our intention for the healing of our world. Let's also set our intentions to being able to meet physically as soon as it is safe to do so. We will swim at sunrise again!

There is so much fear right now. And rightly so. But we must stay strong, and focus our minds not on the problem and fear but on the beauty of life and the kindness of people around us who have stepped up to ensure the safety of others.

We must hold on to hope, and actively move in the direction of a safe and healthy future for all. We are all interconnected and interdependent - nature reminds us of this.

It is the belief that we are separate from nature that has resulted in the exploitation of it. It is the belief that we are different from each other that has resulted in the exploitation of people. Getting out into nature, being kind to others and expressing gratitude is what radical activism looks like.

Spending time in nature is also good for our physical and mental health - it's free medicine that we can all access at any time. Resilience is the secret ingredient to a powerful movement. And we find resilience, in nature.

We look forward to connecting with you all on Saturday, through your images, stories and well wishes. Please send on any creative, uplifting words you'd like to share with our community to info@foe.ie or tag us on social media @foeireland with the hashtag #NatureConnects