I have become far too sedentary over the last two years, partly because on the days I work on Manchester I spend around four hours travelling, and partly because the days I work from home I get stuck to my desk.  So, when something landed in my inbox today suggesting I take on an exercise challenge for the charity Refugee Action, I was motivated enough to set myself the challenge to walk 250 miles in September - an average of a little over 8 miles a day  I am looking forward to making this happen - and have ideas for early starts on the days I work from home (as I did when doing a walking challenge in Glasgow during semi-lock-down) as well as getting in more walking the days I am in Manchester (when I currently average around 4 miles).

I am very fortunate, I get to choose whether or not to walk, where to walk, when to walk... other people have no choice but to walk, carrying their most precious possessions, fleeing danger or disaster and hoping that they will find someone, somewhere to take them in.

So, I have set myself the challenge to walk 250 miles and raise £250 during September.  Should you read this, and feel so inclined, you can sponsor me here.  And if you aren't able to sponsor, your kind thoughts are also valued.

Roughly every eight weeks, I meet with my Pastoral Supervisor to reflect on my practice using a broad scheme of 'soul, role and context'.  I travel by train, and, as the trains don't quite align to the meeting times, sometimes there's time for coffee in the cafe in the tiny shopping precinct.

This year, summer has been more than a smidgen bonkers for 'reasons' as the saying goes.  All is well with both roles but a lot of 'stuff' disrupted my plans for a chilled break.

As always, it was good to slow down for an hour, to unpick some of what's what and to realign or re-centre my mind, heart, soul for the weeks ahead. And today there was time for a skinny latte and a scone before catching the train homewards.

Hard to believe that, technically come Sunday, I have done two years in these new roles - but good to pause and think back at all that's been achieved in that time.