The Seal of Curiosity

Inspired by the seals of Bardsey Island, my Seal of Curiosity is now available as a hard enamel pin badge. :-D

This litte quirky Seal was inspired by one of the seals I drew on the Bardsey Island Manuscript that I created after my stay on the island. The Lifesaving ring around the seal, for me, represent Creativity, Adventure and Nature as these are the three core elements that I consistantly return to when looking after my mental health. I see Curiosity as a part of creativity and so this particular Seal is a gentle reminder of what supports my own wellbeing.

What are your wellbeing life savers?  What three things would the life saver represent to you?

Hard Enamel Badge Product Details:

They measure 25mm, made in the UK and come with a metal backing clip. 

Each seal comes with a numbered backing card and is wrapped in hand-stamped tissue paper [colour of tissue paper may vary]. 

They are £7 each plus postage & packing 

To buy your very own Seal of Curiosity click below selecting the right postage option: 

Seal of Curiosity

Seal Badge x 1 £7.00 GBP Seal Badge x 2 £14.00 GBP

Postage costs: 
£2.95 [UK]
£3.50 [Europe]
£4.50 [Rest of World]

I can't wait to see what adventures you take your Seal on [and what you call it! Mine is called Jenny ;-P] - please do share with me on social media and use #sealofcuriosity ;-)

The Bardsey Island Manuscript

One of the seals from a first draft I created that inspired this badge

All images copyright Morwhenna Woolcock

Are you a nature-noticer?

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?

[UK Islands Project] Come say Hi!

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. 

Tuesday 13 June. Watershed, Bristol 13.30 – 18.00

Free tickets available - booking essential

Secondly at the next Local Creative Adventure exploration (run and guided by me) in Avalon on Thursday 15 June! (It'll be sunny. Hopefully)

Local Creative Adventure - Avalon

Thursday 15 June. Avalon (aka Glastonbury), 10.00 - 12.00
£10 Tickets

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!)

Toodle Pip!

Morwhenna
xx

Cut Back to Re Grow

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?

Can doodling change YOUR life?

Yes, I think it can. 

Doodling isn't a dirty word or a waste of time as mounting research shows how beneficial it actually is for us. From helping us to relax and reduce stress to being more focused and retain more information by improving memory. Bet you weren't expecting that were you!?

I’d say that’s pretty darn cool and useful – wouldn't you? And even if you aren't a doodler –it’s never too late to start. 

I've been taking my doodles to the next level and using them specifically to gain insights into challenges I’m facing by using a technique I've created and developed which really gets right to my subconscious mind – totally bypassing my mind chatter. It's helped me on so many levels and I'd now like to share this with you. See it as a tool you can add to your well-being toolkit.

I also use it as a form of mediation as it really helps me to totally relax and to relieve pressure. 

I also find with my doodling technique a story unfolds. I've been using this particular doodling technique for a while now and I guess you could call it Intuitive Doodling.

Throughout September I am going to Doodle Daily. Would you like to join me? 

You can take part in two ways – follow along and doodle daily in your own way or if you would like a more in-depth experience and greater personal insights sign up for my daily doodle mini-exploration for £10.

WOW £10 that's very reasonable? How come? 

I want this to be as accessible to as many people as possible. As a tool you can add to your wellbeing toolkit.

By signing up I’ll share my personal technique with you and each day you’ll receive a daily prompt sent directly to your inbox. I will also be sharing my own daily doodle with you here on the blog. 

Please Note:

I’ll only run the more in-depth version if a minimum of 20 lovely folks sign up – so do share with your friends and anyone else you think could benefit from taking this mini doodleicious exploration!!!

There will also be a private facebook group for those signed up to the Mini Doodleicious Exploration, so you'll have a safe place to share your daily doodles as well as what you learn about yourself and insights as the month unfolds.  Sound good?

Starts 01 September and as the title suggests as these are doodles – they are meant to be done freely and can be as fast or as slow as you would like. 

Want to discover how doodling can help you?

YES I want to go on a mini doodleicious exploration! 

Sign up here!

THIS COURSE IS NOW RUNNING! Want to know when the next one is? Join my Playletter for updates!

Sign up to my weekly Playletter to get some cool free stuff* and an invitation to 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

Email Address*

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Here’s an interesting article about the power of doodling

Any questions? Just ask ;-)

Love and creative doodles

Morwhenna
Xx

I am SOOOOO EXCITED!!