Last Monday was World Opera Day, so I’m writing here about opera – another in my occasional series of posts highlighting particular music genres and how they might boost wellbeing in different ways. I’ve already considered musicals, ballet, folk and jazz – now it’s opera’s turn. Opera is high drama. Costumes, sets and lighting allContinue reading “Off The Scale”
Author Archives: medleyisobel
Opening Up Nature
The other day I came across a magazine feature about beetle research, inviting citizen scientists to record the beetles they see. Insect sightings and citizen science might seem unlikely themes for a wellbeing blog. But it struck me that taking part in research like this is another, different way of connecting with nature, with allContinue reading “Opening Up Nature”
Art On A Journey
On October 19th, a young Syrian refugee will cross the Channel and step ashore in Kent towards the end of a long journey. But this coming ashore will be different to so many others. This young “girl” is actually a puppet called Little Amal, and her journey is a way of highlighting what life isContinue reading “Art On A Journey”
At The Keys
As Piano Month draws to a close, I’ve been thinking what might be distinct about the piano as an instrument, and why it holds such an important place in many people’s musical memory & imaginations. Piano music conjures up so many different moods. It can be joyful, triumphant, fun, playful, lively, wistful, dreamy or contemplative.Continue reading “At The Keys”
Taking Part
Autumn is here again, and so too is the National Day of Arts in Care Homes (24 September) – an opportunity to highlight this important sector. This last crazy 18 months, the media has turned its attention to care homes more than it has for many years. There’s been empathy with residents unable to goContinue reading “Taking Part”
Looking Back, Looking Ahead
A year since I first set up Medley to share art, music and nature for wellbeing, I thought I would look back over the last twelve months – and ahead to what might come next. Integral to Medley is combining three different ways to boost wellbeing, that is, music, nature and art. Balancing the threeContinue reading “Looking Back, Looking Ahead”
Immerse Yourself
With International Forest Bathing Day falling on 12 September, I thought I would explore this intriguing idea, which for many people has become a way to improve wellbeing. The expression “forest bathing” is memorable and striking, but could also be confusing. Not only is there no need to get wet, but you don’t even haveContinue reading “Immerse Yourself”
Another View
Creativity and a feeling of community are central to Medley’s goals, so it’s no wonder that recently hearing of a project called Creative Communities: New Perspectives sparked my imagination. I decided to learn more about one of the lead organizations, Look Again. Mindful photography is the focus of Look Again’s work and growing impact. FoundedContinue reading “Another View”
Sea And Shore
Nature is so diverse that saying “nature improves wellbeing” could be too vague. Maybe all nature has one common impact in that it is different, “other”, so it opens up new ways of looking at life and reconnects us with the elements. But in many ways one impact will be totally distinct from another. TimeContinue reading “Sea And Shore”
Going With The Flow
As overthinking has worsened during pandemic and lockdowns, so this may have contributed to more people experiencing OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). Art therapy can be helpful for people who have OCD – there’s great scope for creativity to play a part here. Integral to OCD are what are known as intrusive thoughts. These might alsoContinue reading “Going With The Flow”
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