On the very first day of meteorological autumn, as it is now called, I saw a cranefly – or daddy long legs – bumbling along the back wall of my house, up and down and across. Always a sign that autumn is on its way, and a sighting I’ll record on a page in myContinue reading “Sketching Nature”
Tag Archives: mindfulness
Nature’s Soundscape
Hearing sounds of the natural world can become everyday and something I take for granted. Wind rustling through tree leaves, a blackbird singing, bees buzzing, water trickling over stones. There are apps now to identify pretty well any natural sound. In some ways they make us listen out more, then learn what’s in our midst.Continue reading “Nature’s Soundscape”
Overlooked
Outside my window as I write this is a small patch of grass – maybe 2 metres by 1 – where I have let the grass grow longer to see what else might appear. There’s some dove’s foot cranesbill with its little purple flowers, there are some daisies and dandelions, and a few Timothy andContinue reading “Overlooked”
Space For Solitude
When I hear the word “solitude”, I picture a quiet room with sunlight streaming through the windows and with a chair, and table covered with art materials and a notebook and pen. Everyone’s ideal of a place to spend some time in solitude will be different – but each one will be a space whereContinue reading “Space For Solitude”
Forest Of Flowers
Recently I saw a photo of wild flowers blooming in the middle of a busy city, part of the Forest Of Flowers initiative. I remembered the photo in part because I like the name: Forest Of Flowers. It conjures up a mental image of flowers growing in profusion, carpeting the ground, an expanse of colourContinue reading “Forest Of Flowers”
Nature On My Mind
When you think about nature helping mental health, what picture comes to your mind? Would it be time spent in a garden, or time photographing or drawing something in nature? A walk on a sunny day, looking out for wild flowers and trees? Or perhaps enjoying sport outdoors, like cricket or windsurfing? Back in 2016Continue reading “Nature On My Mind”
Time For Art
Making space for art in your daily life has to be one of the most positive, creative and practical small things you can do to change your routine. When something is known to have so beneficial an impact on wellbeing, it makes sense to weave it in to your day to day living. And toContinue reading “Time For Art”
Into The Woods
What first comes into your mind when you hear or see the word “tree”? Is it tree bark, gnarled or shiny or covered with ivy? Is it autumn leaves tinting now all different colours? Is it a walk in a wood or a city tree on a crowded street, or a childhood memory of doingContinue reading “Into The Woods”
Sound Of Silence
Do you know the Paul Simon song The Sound Of Silence? That might feel like a contradictory title for a song! Music for wellbeing is now recognised to be very positive. Do you agree? And how do you feel silence compares when it comes to boosting mood, or calming you? Of course most of ourContinue reading “Sound Of Silence”
Learning From Experience
This week marks a milestone for me: 3 years since I set up Medley, my online arts for wellbeing initiative. That time feels like it has flown. I am so happy to have stumbled upon working in arts for wellbeing, and so enjoy all that I do with it. As someone new to the sectorContinue reading “Learning From Experience”
Medley 