It's Mental Health Awareness week and one of the things I find helps my mental wellbeing is noticing nature. REALLY noticing. Even a few minutes can have a positive effect. Today, I decided to capture some of the things I noticed on my dog walk to share with you. [yes it's in portrait, sorry!]
I noticed...
The way the grass swayed in the breeze and how it felt as I ran my hands through it [not as soft as I'd imagined]
The brightness of the yellow buttercups in contrast with the grass
A peacock butterfly landing and creeping up close to see it's beautiful markings
The way leaves on the trees moved
The patterns that aeroplanes had left in the sky
The blue-ness of the sky
The different sounds of the birds chirping
The low hum of farm machinery
The smell of stinging nettels and hawthorn flowers
The delicate white flowers of cow-parsley and how it fills the lanes with an abundant spring bouquet
Are you a nature-noticer? What have you noticed today?
Last weekend (30th June/1st July), was the UK's national night and day of adventure known as Wild Night Out. This year I took part and here's what happened...
My Wild Night Out actually became a 'Wild Art-ternoon' and was close to home. I had planned to sleep out in my hammock, but as I couldn't get my dog to get into it, my partner was away and the place I chosen had a massive badger set - decided a wild afternoon would be my alternative!!
It was wonderful.
The main aim really was to *finally* put up the hammock I've had for over three years (possibly longer??) and never taken out of its jacket. I did a test run in the garden the night before, and discovered that no, the gazebo frame wouldn't actually hold the hammock with me in it!! ;-0 Doing that test helped me realise how easy setting up a hammock actually was. Actually going and put it up in the location I've had my eye on for a long time was hugely satisfying.
Spending a few hours relaxing in the hammock whilst watching my dog enjoy herself exploring, looking up and marveling at the different view and perspective being cocooned in a hammock gave me and having the freedom to play with whatever natural materials I could find to created some doodles (a feather) was lots of fun and a much needed tonic.
Due to my disability I do struggle getting in and out of small tents (I always get my left foot caught some how and usually end up tripping over the guy ropes!), so having spent just a few hours in a hammock and discovering how easy it is to set up by myself, get in and out of and how deliciously comfortable it is, I'm definitely going to be sleeping out in it this summer and having more hammocking adventures! [I've already got plenty of ideas].
It's surprising how being the recipient of a WNO mug gave me that extra bit of encouragement and impetus to do something that I'd been thinking about doing for years!
Thank you Wild Night Out!
Did you take part? Do you fancy a Wild Night/Afternoon/Morning yourself? Well, you can do it anytime - how about this weekend? Have a look at The Wild Night Out website for some inspiration.
Pre-Wild Afternoon trial. The slight look of terror on my face is due to the fact that, at that very moment,
we realised the gazebo couldn't hold the hammock with me in it!! ;-0 he he
A quick look through my emails and I discover that I actually bought the hammock in September 2014!!! Its a Scout Hammock from DD Hammocks, which I think is brilliant value and I'm def doing to sleeping out in it!
[This isn't affiliated - I bought the hammock myself][I won the WNO mug via an instagram competition]
The Glastonbury Labyrinth (one of a few in and around the area)
Is it really June? Seems more autumnal by the current weather situation, hope the rain isn't putting you off and you are still getting out and exploring - maybe taking part in the Wildlife Trusts 30 Days Wild challenge this month? The trusts are encouraging Random Acts of Wildness which I rather love! If you aren't already taking part - here's how you can : 30 Days Wild.
Next week I'll be at two events and thought you might be interested in coming along if you are in the area. Please do share with anyone you know who might also be interested. Thank you ;-)
Nature and Wellbeing Forum, Bristol
The first is at Bristol Watershed on Tuesday 13 June as part of The Bristol Festival of Nature. This is a free event and I'll be talking about Creativity, Adventure & Nature for Wellbeing. Organised by Dr Sam Walton of Bath Spa University as a part of her research into Cultures of Nature and Wellbeing. Dr Sam has written a piece about the talk I was a part of last month which you can read about here if you are interested.
These little explorations are short morning sessions where each month we will explore a different part of the local area creatively. This means that we’ll be engaging with our surroundings in a curious and mindful way though creative exercises, collecting clues as we go.
Aimed at being little sparks of inspiration to gain insights and get your imagination flowing, these short sessions will help you with any blocks or challenges you are facing right now. If you are feeling stuck creatively or have some decisions to make or just need some time out of your day-to-day life then these little adventures will be helpful for you.
These aren’t drawing classes, although there will be some doodling and pencils involved.
No experience is necessary. Just an open mind and a willingness to try new things. To explore!
I’m keen to have small groups (8 places only) so that you really get the most from these Little Creative Adventures. Booking is essential.
All materials will be provided, although you might wish to bring your own notebook, camera (cameraphone is fine) and something to sit on.
Hope to see you at one of these events if you can make it (of course I know some of you live way too far away for these particular events - Hope to meet you at some point though!)
Gosh, what an exciting few weeks here at Creative Adventurers HQ (i.e my small studio) to share with you. If we are connected on social media then you'll already know all about the fact that my article has been published in Psychologies Magazine and that I've been hanging out with real live Puffins on Skomer! (I *think* I met Zoltan - my adoptive Puffin...)
What I hadn't really shared in much detail is just how much writing this article and having it published in this particular magazine means to me. You see, when I was going through my severe depression/breakdown 6 years ago, I was in a very dark place, right at the pit of the black hole. I used to read Psychologies Magazine a lot. It helped.
At first I wasn't always actively carrying out the exercises that I'd read about....Until I discovered I had more control over my mental wellbeing than I realised (appreciate this isn't the case for everyone) and that I could in fact build a ladder to get out of the hole I'd fallen into (with help and support). Small steps forwards (with many backwards - akin to snakes and ladders actually!!) lots of explorations later and I'm here, writing this to you.
Going from someone who wasn't able to make decisions, crying at pretty much anything and completely shutting down physically and mentally to being able to walk into a shop and pick up a copy of Psychologies magazine to see that I've contributed to it is a really, really a big deal. And to think I nearly didn't send off my pitch in the first place...
This also means I've completed no.35 of my 40/40 project! Hurrah!
Your turn - Tell me about a time you've achieved something (or maybe you are in the middle of it now) that makes you feel proud of yourself? I'd love to hear from you x
Morwhenna xx
ps. The article is in the July issue of Psychologies Magazine.
pps. The Island for June is....Avalon! Details on how to sponsor a postcard from this most magical (and yes, mythical) Isle here
This June I’ll be returning to the magical Lundy Island to run another Creative Adventure and this is your invitation to join me. After the success of last years I honestly did hesitate slightly in running it again as I knew it would be a different experience. Those pesky ‘What ifs’ were getting in the way (I’m not immune to these, it’s how you deal with them that makes all the difference) I stopped and I asked myself ONE question ‘how would I feel at the end of 2016 if I hadn’t run it? There was my answer. YES Of COURSE I‘d love to do it again and take four ladies with me! How can I not? Will one of those ladies be you? Note: Chaps I’m sorry. As the Lighthouse is on a shared room basis this trip is a ladies only affair. If you’d be interested in future trips – please let me know so I can consider different places to stay. How does spending two nights in a lighthouse on a small island off the coast of Devon, exploring, creating, laughing, being inspired, having time to yourself with no distractions and adventuring with like minded people sound to you? You may also glimpse some Puffins… As you may know I have a love of Famous Five books (and Nancy Drew) so think of this as a Famous Five style Adventure (can’t promise any mad professors mind!) If by this point you are jumping about and clapping your hands then you’ll know this is right for you. If a part of you is quietly saying YES – oh I’d LOVE to do this ….but…I’m not creative enough….It’s a bit out of my comfort zone…I’m not sure I’d like sharing a room…stop for a moment and listen to the Yes. Does that little spark need listening to this time? You’ll know. You don’t need any drawing skills or previous artistic experience. This trip isn’t about learning to draw. We’ll of course be doing fun creative explorations – like doodling (if you’ve done any of my courses you’ll have a feel for how I work already) it’stotally about experimenting, exploring, enjoying the environment (it's very different to the mainland) and the company of like-minded people in a small friendly and supported group. Having time to figure some stuff out in a creative way! What’s included?
Two nights accommodation in a shared room in the Old Lighthouse Upper (glorious sea views)
Return Boat ticket on board the MS Oldneburg (sailing will either be from Ilfracombe or Bideford – I’ll know nearer the time)
Art materials, paper and anything else required for our creative adventures
6 Creative Adventures spread out over the three days (some as a group some individual)
Two 45 mins private coaching sessions* with me. (valued at £100)
Food. Whilst at the self-catering accommodation will be supplied, prepared and joyfully cooked by me. It will be local, fresh & organic (where possible) and meat free (note: Option to eat at the fabulous local Tavern will be at your own cost)
Tea, coffee, fruit juices and some celebratory bubbles....!
Fun!
Time to stretch yourself – mentally and if you wish physically. The island is surprisingly big when you walk around it.
Being on Lundy gives you the opportunity to change the lens of how you are looking at your life. Use it as a time for a Life Audit, as a time for fresh inspiration, as a time to pause and consider which direction you want to take next. How often do you give yourself this kind of time, freedom and support to do just that? Plus of course it'll be Fun with a capital F!! Did I mention there'd be Ginger Beer?
*Coaching Sessions - One will be whist we are on the island and one as a follow up within 6 months of the trip. Dates: June 21-23 2016 How much for this Creative Adventure? The total cost for this Creative Adventure is £395 As there are only four places available a £100 deposit will secure your place. Payment is by bank transfer – so if you’d like to secure your place today please let me know and I’ll send you the booking details. If you are thinking YES but have some questions – please drop me a line! I’m already excited and looking forward to Lundy and this year’s Creative Adventure! Toot Toot! Love & Exploration Morwhenna x Here are some photos from last year’s trip and if you’d like to read about that adventure please go here – Five Go To Lundy.
Here’s what the 2015 'Puffineers*' had to say about the Adventure:
"Morwhenna inspires with brilliant adventurers and gives opportunities to really question yourself in a fun, safe group of supportive fellow artists & puffineers! Had the best fun."
Rhian Wyn Harrison, Illustrator
***
"A delightful combination of holiday, inspiration, freedom and creative fun with a lasting impact of new directions and happy memories. I would do it again tomorrow!"
Alison Stephenson, Costumier
***
"I came needing space to rediscover me – needing to re-connect with my first love, photography. Needing to get some clarity on my work as an artist and on balancing aspects of my life and integrating them. And thanks to The Creative Adventurer and the magic of Lundy, I have!"
Lisa Tregenza, Textile Artist
***
"Windy, Wild, Friendly, Sheep. Had some lovely Creative Adventurers in our brief time here. Hoping to spy some puffins today and adventure some more!"
Justina Hart, Novelist & Poet
*Puffineer
- a person who goes looking for puffins and creative adventures on Lundy Island.
Please note – I can’t guarantee we’ll arrive by helicopter this time! Sorry!
What happens when you go somewhere and have great expectations
about what it’s going to be like? What happens if those expectations aren’t
met?
This happened to me last week.
One of the places on my wish list during Doorstep Adventures
August was Folly Farm; one of the 37 nature reserves owned and looked after by
Avon Wildlife trust. I’d driven past the sign many times and had been reading
about it in their member’s magazine. I loved
the fact that it was bought with the help of a mystery donor who appeared ‘out
of the blue’ at ‘just the right moment’ to enable the trust to buy it in 1986.
It was a magical place I’d decided.
I’d gone primarily to visit the Well-being garden. I really
liked the concept behind it as a place of learning and sharing the benefits of gardening and growing to improve mind, body and spirit. Way before I visited I had started to create an
image in my mind of what this well-being garden looked like.
In my mind’s eye I’d envisaged the layout of the garden. The sweep of colours, the beauty, the delicious and heady smells, the textures, the artworks, the sense of peace
I was anticipating….. ohhh it was going to be so amazing!
It was nothing like I’d imagined.
I was disappointed.
I’d built up a picture, an expectation.
From my 'Expectation Eye View' when I actually saw it, it appeared in a bit of a mess and the space didn’t
seem to be utilised as I thought it should
have been and what I’d expected. I was critical. It was a shame there wasn’t
someone there to talk about the great work they do there. Again, I think I’d expected there to be someone there working in the garden. It didn’t
seem to match the rest of the place..in
my opinion in that moment. Perhaps their vision for the well being garden is what I’d envisaged
and they just aren’t there yet?
Perhaps it’s not anything about the overall look of the
garden but about what it feels like when you immerse yourself in it and work in
it rather than just looking at it?
At this point I knew I had a choice. A) Continue to feel
disgruntled it hadn’t lived up to my expectation and go home feeling annoyed or
B) change my mind and Re Frame the situation by ‘dropping’ the expectation and
continue exploring.
I chose option B
If I’d held on to my initial disappointment I would have
left straight away. Had I done that I wouldn’t have discovered the hidden joys in
the garden such as the pigs, the bounty of chillies, the bright marigolds, exploring
then further to the beautifully designed light filled centre and meeting a
lovely lady who’d married there four years previously. I found the fire pit area
with the views looking out across to Chew Valley Lake. Had I not chosen option
B I’d have missed these gems. The more I
explored the better it got.
Expectations can work for or against you. Setting clear expectations
can ease the mind and reduce worry/stress, that’s a big fat positive. On the
flip side though as I’ve been talking about here, they can actually get in the
way and taint your experience.
Expectations can make you go blind. Blind to the
magic that’s right there under your nose for you to see if your mind weren’t so
busy huffing and puffing about how things are NOT what you’d expected!!
Are you letting expectations cloud your vision and your experiences?
Take a notebook and pencil and have a think about times when
this has happened and how this has impacted on you emotionally and in turn
affected your thoughts and behaviours. Jot down those that come to mind and
consider how different the experience could have been if you’d let go of
expectations. Consider that for a moment and notice what that feels like.
How NOT to be blinded by expectations!
Start now. This can apply to any situation as expectations
are always there, just waiting to jump in! Be prepared. If you KNOW you have a tendency
to think like this take a few moments to centre yourself and get used to noticing
when those expectations start showing up. And do just that - notice them then
let them go (takes practice!) Ask yourself – is that expectation thought
helpful? If not then thank it for
showing up and let it go, knowing you’ll have a richer experience as a result.
LAUGH!
I usually have to laugh at myself when I notice I’m doing
this. It happens all the time and sometimes it can take me a while to notice –
which is exactly what happened with Folly Farm. I was so wrapped up in the
excitement of going on the adventure that the expectations had been piling up without
me really noticing – until I got there that was and fell right over it! Tripped
me up good and proper.
Reframe the situation
If you’re already in a situation that has presented you with
disappointment – try reframing. First think – Ah! I know what’s happening – I was
expecting X but I got Y. Then look for the reframe in this so what’s the
benefit of getting Y? Shift your focus from the negative to the positive. You
can do this by just one thought and that can make a huge difference.
Funny thing – when I went to Folly Farm I thought I’d be
sharing with you about, well Folly Farm. Writing about managing expectations –
well I’d not expected that!! Ha!
PS - Its usually free to visit a Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve. You don't have to be a member. Is there one near you?
And here's a film I put together of the visit, as you can see and hear, the more I explore the more I find and the better it gets. ;-)
All around where I live I’m seeing hedges cut right back, almost to their roots. Some looks so severely cut back that I fear they may never grow back again. But wait. What’s that? A tiny shoot is starting to grow on what looks like a dead twig. The Hedge is coming back to life.
It’s in a different shape to how it looked before. More compact, less gangling and out of control. Noticing this got me thinking about what things I need to cut back or let go of in order to re-grow. Re-grow as a stronger version of myself. Discarding the bits that no longer sustain or nourish me. Just like those long twigs or branches that have done their thing and have since died back. Actually leaving them there without cutting back can have a detrimental effect on that plant or tree. As it keeps putting so much energy out to all the different branches they can end up being weaker than if those are removed so it can focus on growing in a more strong and focused way. (hmm sounds like me having too many projects on the go – my energy is scattered! Has very much felt like that this month so far to be honest.) Today is the Spring Equinox and there will be an eclipse and a Super moon. All things which when converge make for a powerful time to consider the things you committed to at the beginning of the year, what you want to recommit to now – and what you want to cut back and let go of. This applies to thoughts and beliefs that no longer help you just as it does to physical things. So why not consider the Cut back hedge today and step into spring ready for those new shoots to emerge?
Nature is a sign post to me and when I am in need of some help with a challenge I’ll often take myself off for a walk to search for clues. I’ll notice what I notice and see what that brings to mind. Just as the hedge reminded me of cutting back to re grow. Answers are all around us if we take the time to look. On the 04 April the next Connect to Nature: Connect to Self online coached course starts. Maybe today is the day you decide to commit to this creative adventure and see how nature can be a sign post for you too?
Today I'd like to share with you one of my all time favourite TED talks. I never tire of watching this - and if you've seen this before - I'd invite you to watch it again and see what you notice this time. Personally each time I watch it - I'll either learn something new or it will inspire me in some way. (It usually makes me cry too. ;-)
It acts as a beautiful and powerful reminder of the wonder all around us, and to be grateful for this.
So take a few moments today and see what you see where you are.
ENJOY! Do you have a fav talk? Pls share it below and tell me how it inspires you xx Love Morwhenna The Creative Adventurer xx
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Sign up to my weekly Playletter to get some cool free stuff* and an invitationto join my Creative Adventurers Playground! Oh YEAH!
You'll get a copy of the *Dream Car Visualisation Podcast and a bonus email with a Facing your Fears video! Cool eh? All I need from you is your beautiful name & email address! It will all be emailed to you within the hour. Enjoy! *required
