Visiting elderly relatives
I learn from academic books and articles, but there are so many other sources of knowledge and wisdom. Nature is. I also learn a lot from elderly family members. My partner's father and his stepmother are wonderful humans. I am in awe of their life paths and life philosophy. I am inspired by their practices and how they relate with the world.
I always walk to visit them, even though there are more efficient ways to get to their place. I don't choose the shortest path, but rather the one where I can meet non-humans such as trees and animals on my way.
With me, I brought a cotton pouch that serves as a wallet, a large woollen scarf (to protect me from the rain), water bottle, and a small gift for Her. They live with everything they need, so food feels like an appropriate small gift. I love receiving food as a gift. An apple from a fellow human's garden, a piece of home-baked bread. I packaged the jam I got for Her in a pouch made from organic cotton. My hope is that she will either use the cotton pouch in her everyday life or will use it to wrap a gift for someone else.
When I was about to leave, they gave me a piece of home-made cake as a gift. They wrapped it carefully in foil and a plastic bag. I don't buy plastic bags, but I do keep the ones that come into my life to use them for something. For example, when it rains, I wrap my laptop in a plastic bag.