I am going through such a phase of reading books and watching documentaries about animal, birds, insects and plants. I find so much peace and comfort in the simplicity and yet complexity of nature. Mostly I like factual information but I read anthropomorphic stories too. There is a gentleness and soul-soothing aspect to this that I just crave.
I wondered why? I suppose such information reading is non threatening, not like the complexity of people. It’s non demanding and I like learning new things. I especially enjoy the David Attenborough programmes. By the way, he is not only a national treasure but a widower, from what I can see on Google. He inspires on so many levels. He has continued his amazingly productive life in his strong quiet humble way. Yet he must have felt and still feels as we feel. In fact I read his words, that after loss, no matter how many doors you open in your home, there is nobody there. He knows loss.
Yet it is more than that. I feel my mind cannot cope with anything else just now. Being alone with my books, my garden and my dog and cats is revitalising. They demand nothing, with them is simplicity.
Does anyone else feel like this? What do you read or watch about nature that makes you feel better? I welcome any ideas for reading.
Hello Rachel
Thankyou for writing such an inspiring post about how nature makes you feel.
Being as one with nature has helped me so much but I go out into the countryside or walk in the woodland. I listen to the bird songs and always on the lookout for the wildlife and growth around me. Birds have their own coded messages to each other. There is so much to see and feel when walking. My husband was a painter and told me to always look for the colours in the countryside, which I do now. I go to the seafront and just stare out to sea and it is very invigorating. Whether it’s a calm sea or a lively one, whether its clear or misty it has a magic of it’s own.
I am also a keen gardener and grow my own veg so everything to do with nature is of interest. It can be cruel and frustrating but equally it can be fascinating and nature is always a mystery.
You will never go far wrong if you let nature help you. Not only interesting but therapeutic.
Well done
I do agree however I have a smallholding and my few acres are just a little out of control. Nature is wonderful but she does need tidying from time to time. My beautiful wife was able to spot so many jobs I needed to do.
I had no interest in gardening etc before as that was one of hubby’s many “jobs”.
I feed the birds daily, enjoy watching them busying around, have put up hanging baskets & have surprised myself in how much I’m enjoying it and often visit the garden centre.
Charlie Dymock doesn’t need to worry - I’m not after her job!
Simple pleasures.
Hello Nigel
How I envy you your few acres. We had two large allotment plots when my husband died and he asked me to keep them going. I have and it is hard work at times but it has given me something to focus on. When I am working on my husbands plot I like to think I am helping him and hope he is watching and pleased with my efforts. It has proven very therapeutic.
So no excuse get out there Nigel and make your dear wife proud.
Pat
I agree totally, that being surrounded by nature, helps heal the mind and provides solace for this devastating sorrow we’re all going through here.
I’m lucky to live in the country where we have a few acres of land, fruit trees, mainly olives (I M in Italy), and I’m trying my best to honor my husband, trying to keep the land clean and tidy, obviously I can’t do it all myself and need to call our friend/handyman for major grass cutting, chopping wood for our log fires/stove, in time for winter, and other jobs which require a tractor. I find that only when I’m out and about on our property, I get a ‘breather’ from this pain that just increases every day, this torment and disbelief, listening to the birds and those crickets who never stop ‘chirping’ in the summer. I find that strenuous jobs outside are good for letting it all out, like digging, pulling up stubborn weeds, pruning tough branches, chopping up wood, and above all harvesting.
I’m very proud of the tomatoes I’ve managed to grow, first time completely on my own.Only thanks to my beloved husband, he taught me all there is to know about crop growing.
The other day, I just stood staring at two wasps having a feast on one of my pear trees, as if I’d never seen it before… Strange, I’ve become more sensitive to these natural phenomenon now, things I wouldn’t have given a second look to, usually.
I’d like to post a photo but I’m not sure about how I should do it. I’ll have a read and give it a try.
Take care everyone
Well done you.
I also work hard on our allotments. Growing and picking. I have made some chutney today and it is stored with all the other jars of jam and chutney. Goodness knows who’s going to eat it all though.
I know what you mean about getting a breather from our pain and most of all I want to make sure I look after the place my husband loved to be. So I work hard to keep it all productive and tidy. And if a Robin perches nearby and watches me working, it is a bonus as I am sure it is my husband checking up on me.
Thanks, @Pattidot, isn’t it a great satisfaction when you can make homemade specialities from our own produce? Your chutney must be delicious, I usually make cherry jam but this year wasn’t a good one for cherries. You’re right about the robin, your soulmate is definitely watching over you, I always talk to my husband while I do jobs he would have done or that I would have helped him to do, asking him what he thinks, telling him I won’t let him down.
Hi, Now you have made me smile as I do exactly the same as you. I am always chattering away to him when I am working. I ask him if the lines are straight and to his liking as her was so fussy about this sort of thing and I can imagine him correcting me for not getting things level. Sometimes I have a moan at him when I am struggling and need some help.
This keeps them close to us and I feel he is never far away.
Hi Rachel yes I am doing the same I’ve been reading an autobiography and another book and being in nature helps amongst the trees as well as doing some art I find being around people really hard at the moment or going to appointments seems to be a big challenge
I can relate so much to what you wrote, I also find yoga and swimming helps with my mental health and stops my mind going into overdrive, it gives me the chance for just a little while to forget the pain I’m going through and focus on my well being, I’ve only been widowed for two months so its still very raw for me,
I totally see where you’re coming from I lost my wonderful Dad 6 years ago after a short illness he was mom’s main carer so when he passed I took on the role of mom’s carer she passed away on 13th January 2022 after being diagnosed with lung cancer on the 29th December 2021 I had just 2 weeks after the devastating diagnosis to spend with her! I feel so lost I spent all day every day with her for 6 years and more! I feel like I can’t live in the real world anymore I crave being outdoors in the middle of nowhere with just the beauty of nature to look at! I think it’s just to escape reality! I really can’t see how I fit in now in the real world I don’t know my place!
To lose your child is terrible, I am sorry for your loss. No parent should have to outlive their child.
I find since losing my husband that I have a great need for solitude. To be quiet with your own thoughts, away from the mindless clamour and noise especially of those who do not understand, that is unendurable. Just rarely the company of a quiet friend, their listening ear, is so nice.
Most often the gentle undemanding company of my dog is best of all.