The sun did not shine. It was too wet to play. So we sat in the house all that cold, cold, damp day.

Then out popped the sun, so there was nowhere to hide. We all jumped on the tube and got off at Stride.

Fred was injured, but he inspired us with a talk. Circularity was the theme we took on our run or walk.

Round Regent’s Park we went, taking it all in our stride. And by day’s end, we were beaming with pride.

Thank you for coming out to Seed Run on a wet February evening! Great to see so many of you.

Fred Destin’s talk on circularity inspired me. For those who missed it, the central theme was that we are brought up to think of life as a series of linear hurdles, such as school, university, and then the first job.

Emphasising cycles rather than linear milestones encourages people to be more present. Instead of perpetually waiting for the “next stage” (graduation, promotion, retirement), a cyclical view sees each moment as part of a repeating natural flow—like seasons or phases of the moon—where each phase has inherent value.

In a circular model, perceived setbacks don’t necessarily derail a “forward trajectory” but are viewed as natural parts of a repeating process. This can cultivate resilience: every low point may be followed by renewal, much like winter moving inevitably into spring.

Many cyclical philosophies are intertwined with the cycles of nature—the sunrise and sunset, the changing seasons—which can foster a sense of belonging and harmony with the environment rather than detachment or conquest.

When life is not seen as a race to a single finish line, there’s room to honor emotional, spiritual, communal, and personal growth that might not fit a linear “success” narrative. This can lead to a more balanced sense of fulfillment.

I have included some more reading below for those who are interested.

The next Seed Run date will follow. It will be late March/early April. In the meantime, happy World Book Day next week, and see you in the Spring!

The Wisdom of Insecurity by Alan Watts
Anam Ċara by John O’Donohue
The Myth of the Eternal Return by Mircea Eliade
The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell