Changing Perceptions on Sight Loss in Style
Greetings Readers!
I hope you are all staying home and staying safe.
I’ve never written so many blog posts in the space of such a short amount of time. But, this situation being in lockdown is really giving me a strong need to write and record my experiences as a way of aiding my mental health. But I also strongly believe this will be a way that I can look back in times to come and learn from my words.
This is such a surreal time for us all in so many ways and all our lives have changed immensely. I’ll be honest with you, there have been days where my mental health has wavered. But, one thing I’ve really been finding comfort in during this time in lockdown is nature.
It sounds weird to say the great outdoors is giving me comfort, considering so much time is now spent indoors. But, you’d be surprised how much comfort you can take from spending time in your garden or on a short walk to a local park.
I know each person’s circumstances are different and that rules apply differently from country to country. Living in the UK we are able to go out for one form of daily exercise with our dogs or with people in our household. Provided that we all keep to strict social distancing rules. Not all people are lucky enough to have access to an outdoor space. But if you are lucky enough to be able to go outside or access an outdoor space, make use of it.
Nature is one of the natural healers of this world and never underestimate its unbelievable power over the mind. It can be a way of marking the passage of time, feeding the imagination and blowing away the proverbial cobwebs.
These are a few ways nature has been aiding my mental health in lockdown…
Growing Seeds
Growing seeds can be a great way to keep to a routine and mark the passage of time. Recently I acquired a small greenhouse from eBay. They are pretty easy to assemble and don’t take up too much space. I planted a variety of seeds in seed trays such as herbs, vegetables and flowers. It gives me a sense of routine. Every morning and every evening I go out in the garden and tend to my seeds and mark their progress. Routine is so important at the moment and having plants to tend to can be a great way to ensure you keep to one.
Going for a Walk
As I said, I know this may not be an option for everyone. But if you are able to go for a walk at your local park or green space now more than ever its such a lovely experience. Because of the fact that we are spending less time out in cars and on public transport. Nature is really starting to emerge into our communities. Of course in light of what’s happening its a small comfort. But, in these dark times we must all try and find small consolations where we can.
The other day I went for a walk with my mum and my guide dog and I saw so many foxes playing in completely quiet streets. I wake up to every morning to the sound of birdsong every morning and living on a busy road thats something I’m not used to. You’d think I was living in the countryside by my soundscape!
Yesterday I went for a walk to my local park, where I enjoyed seeing trees blooming with cherry blossoms.
I take comfort in the daily blessings nature brings, right now we need to take each day as it comes. Seeing nature thriving, enjoying flowers in bloom and the warm Spring sunshine have all been helping me to remain positive.
Watching Nature Cams
Recently I found some fantastic online live cameras of animals, one great provider of this is Monterey Bay Live Cams. They have a variety of live cams that are available at different times of the day where you can view animals like Penguins, Sea Otters and Sharks. It’s a lovely way of being able to spot wildlife live as it happens if you aren’t able to get out to see any yourself.
Bringing Flowers and Flower Cuttings Into the Home
Spring is a wonderful time to enjoy nature’s gifts. My garden is blooming with Spring blooms and many green spaces around me have offerings in equal measure. If you go on a daily walk, take a bag and some scissors and see what wildflowers or foliage you can find. Arrange them in a jar when you get home or press them to preserve them. There are so many wonderful things you can do with what nature provides and nature is free.
Capturing Nature
At the moment I’ve really been enjoying capturing nature around me. I take photos on my camera, I press flowers and I draw using my iPad. Your garden can offer so many curiosities if you take some time to look. From my garden I’ve been able to find flowers, birds, bees and butterflies. It’s such a therapeutic process to sit and spend time documenting your findings. I’ve really been enjoying glancing through botanical journals and observing how diarists of the past document nature.
It gives me a creative outlet, something to do with all this extra time; which for me is very conducive to my mental health.
Nature is such an inspiring place to be in and now we all have the time we can all use the inspiration it provides.
That concludes another blog post spent in lockdown. I really hope you found it helpful or comforting.
What are you doing with your time spent in lockdown? Be sure to subscribe to my blog to keep up to date with future posts.
Stay safe, stay well and stay positive!
