Coffee with Claire is coming to you this week from Long Island in Tamatea, Dusky Sound. I’m here with some amazing friends, Shauna and Maria from Pure Salt, helping to re-bait traps across a bunch of islands in this beautiful part of Fiordland.
Today I’m on Long Island, and as I walk through the bush, I can’t help but reflect on how incredible I feel when I’m surrounded by nature.
There’s something deeply grounding about it. When you’re out here checking traps, finding your way, and navigating uneven ground, you have no choice but to be fully present.
And being present is something that doesn’t always come naturally when life is busy and noisy. But in the bush, it just happens.
The Power of a Deep Breath
I’ve found myself stopping often, just to take big, deep breaths. It sounds so simple, but there’s something special about that clean, forest air.
I like to think of it as “bush oxygen” — it feels like it clears everything out and fills me up again. Every breath feels like a reset, a reminder to slow down, be here, and take it all in.
Seeds, Growth, and Patience
Another thing that struck me as I walked today was how many seedlings there are in this forest. There are huge trees here — rimu, totara, and even a few miro, which are not so common further north.
But what’s even more amazing is how much new life is coming through. Tiny seedlings everywhere.
That’s what happens when a forest is protected. The birds start spreading seeds, the ground is left undisturbed, and suddenly you have a thriving, growing ecosystem again.
And it reminded me that growth — whether in nature or in life — takes time.
You have to keep protecting it. Keep giving it space. Keep showing up for it.
Because the small things, the quiet things, the things that take time to nurture, are often the ones that grow into something truly extraordinary.
Morning Reflections and Seeds for the Week
So today, as sunlight filters through the trees, I’m reflecting on three simple things.
Breathe deeply. Protect what matters. And give things the time they need to grow.
I don’t have a coffee with me right now, but I’ll be having one when I get back to the boat later.
If you’re reading this with your morning coffee in hand, take a moment to breathe it in and think about what seeds you’re planting this week ☕🌱