Self care in photography, drawing, walking, taking it easy
Self care starts with a tiny step
Reclaiming our lives after traumatic events comes in many ways. Sometimes in small, daily activities nor non activities giving ourself permission to be idle. Sometimes simply being and noticing is everything we can do. And this is OK. Other times, being active and mindful works for us. And this is OK too.
I find that documenting the process helps me create an internal map, reclaiming more pieces of the puzzle which is my life. If this is something you would be interested to get involved, go ahead. Start documenting your daily moments that count.
MONDAY - September harvest
September is one of my favourite months! In my part of the world it is the time when you can harvest berries, a time to make tinctures, jams, preserves. During my walk today I cane across hawthorn, rose-hips, blackberries! Is foraging something you like to get involved in?
TUESDAY - soap making and embracing slow pace living even if only for a few hours
Healing the soul comes in many ways. Sometimes the simple act of … making something with your own hands is that micro step helping you reclaim parts of yourself. It is also great for the health and soul.
WEDNESDAY - I am done with STEPS
Am I the only one who feels as if the Apps are trying to take over our lives? I have decided to delete Steps from my phone. I am done with my constant checking to see how many steps I have made today, feeling miserable or happy because of a number. I want to go back to a time when I was walking without trying to reach a goal imposed by other people! 10.000 steps a day or else! Who said that really! I want to walk for the joy of walking .. 10 min or 30 or an hour or more and do it with self love and appreciation! Am I the only one who feels like this?
THURSDAY - Just received 3 of my latest blank journals
Passion - Writing by hand in a journal is something very dear to my heart. There is nothing like the hand touching the paper, the sound of the pen on and the connection one builds with a journal. At least this is my opinion. I love white pages, no lines as I love the freedom of an empty space and this is how my imagination gets going. Sometimes I write, sometimes I doodle and draw. Finding blank journals is not easy in my part of the world so I am publishing my own! These three have just been delivered -lots of hours of creative bliss in front of me. Do you like journals?
FRIDAY - when I am feeling blue, I draw
Sometimes we feel invisible, without a voice, powerless. This is when, doing something that makes us feel good is key. The muse always brings with her a message of support!
SATURDAY - Foraging all over again and enjoying the moment
Foraging on a sunny day. Wherever you are you can find something that nature offers you free. In my case, today it was rosehip day. It is time to reclaim our ancestor’s knowledge and remember how to take care of our wellbeing.
SUNDAY - It is all about walking in nature and foraging
Walking clears the mind. Most of the time when I walk, I only look in front of me, sometimes left, right and this is about it. How many times are you paying attention to the sky or the top of the trees? I will answer .. hardly ever … today, I did.
Recently - read a few years ago - I came across the idea of foraging. I am now hooked and so grateful for what nature gives us .. for free. I just came back from a walk and “met” a beautiful Bramley apple tree full of gorgeous apples. I picked the ones on the ground with gratitude. This is one of the things I love about England! Is this something you are enjoying as well? I wonder what are you picking from the wild! Reclaiming our lives can simply start with an increased awareness of what we have around us.
YES!!! To all of this!
I've been trying to take notice of things I hadn't normally taken notice of. I've been writing down if it's sunny or cloudy or rainy, if there was fog. If I saw any hawks that day or butterflies or dragonflies.
My watch came preset at 5k steps. I changed it to 3k as it was the lowest I could go. I would get mad at myself for not even making the 3k, until I read an article at some point that said the number doesn't matter but that you are moving does.
I've slipped away from my photography because the summer was so hot and with POTS I can't handle the heat. Then I let perfectionism take over on the days I could go out, so it's been months since I've picked up my camera.
Procrastination, perfectionism, imposter syndrome has managed to keep me from making art too.
I've always wanted to learn foraging and making tinctures and salves and the like.
Thank you for this post, you've given me things to think about.