I’ve been working on some emotional posts recently and the accumulative effect of this has been mood-swings – euphoric one minute, dismal the next.
The best tonic for me when this happens is the beauty of the natural world. Getting out in the fresh air, feeling the wind in my hair and the sun on my skin, losing my thoughts in the incessant crashing of the waves on the beach; these remind me of the bigger picture and make my niggling concerns seem insignificant. It also takes me back to my early childhood, when I spent most of my time outdoors, avoiding the inexplicable events in our household. It’s where I feel “at home”.
The week started with a windchill temperature of minus twenty, but yesterday afternoon we enjoyed sixteen degree sunshine as we busied ourselves building, drawing and laughing in the sand.
All around us there were signs of spring – from the verdant green of new grass shoots pushing up through the brown carpet of last years growth, to the melodic birdcalls passing back and forth between tree and telegraph pole occupants!
S, of course, got her feet wet throwing rocks within the first ten minutes and J confided she needed to pee, but after relief of the Behind-The-Bush variety we ended up staying a good couple of hours. And we hadn’t anticipated having to backtrack three-quarters of the way after realising minutes from home, that S had jettisoned her gloves in a fit of piqué some time ago.
Following the glove Search & Rescue operation we made it home, scattering liberal amounts of sand as we removed shoes, starving hungry and in high spirits! I can always rely on Nature to bring me back to living in the moment – that’s where the true beauty lies.
CLICK ON ANY OF THE IMAGES TO OPEN THE GALLERY…
Linking up for You’re Beautiful. Follow on Twitter under #yourebeautiful
I can so relate to this post re. “Losing our cares at the beach” I can stand for ages just looking out to sea leaving me with a feeling of peace.
There is something spiritual about nature which you either experience or not.
Absolutely! I always feel as though I’m where I’m supposed to be when I go there. In fact I made a mental note this time to speak to K about settling by the water eventually.
I can very much relate to you and your struggles. I have an extreme mood disorder that leads me all over the place. In my attempt to break the silence, I recently started a photography blog/community for people living with, or affected by, mental illness. It’s an online gallery that will hopefully lead to real gallery shows. Perhaps we can contribute to each others’ projects. Come by some time and see if you want to join and/or submit. We would welcome your talent. http://brokenlightcollective.wordpress.com
Feel well,
D. and the Broken Light Collective
Thanks for the link – what a great site. I love the idea and will be scouring my pics for something to contribute… I will be adding you to my Breaking the Code of Silence series. I’m glad you’ve discovered the relief self-expression can bring. I did when I started blogging.
Something about the eternal pull of the moon on the tide that lulls you, calms you, and revitalizes you. Helps put everything back into perspective
Stunning photos of the children! I completely relate to the need to be in nature to “clear my mind” and feel whole again! As always, I enjoy reading your blog posts. You have a very special gift!
Thanks Monica xxx