Joy is an act of rebellion! (Part 1)
A short read about a long view
NB I’m still working out how to do all this but big thanks to Sara Tasker for encouraging me to just go for it……
Life has been stressful recently with a work project that went pear-shaped, health issues, incompetent plumbers and dodgy decorators. (The latter could be a post in itself!) It’s all come at once, as it often does. So it was a welcome relief to head south down the motorway from our home in the Lake District. Our destination was a magical cabin with the Cotswold Way on our doorstep. It was the perfect space to reconnect with myself, and with nature.
Whether it’s a few minutes in the garden or a yomp up the fells, getting outdoors ALWAYS helps me to destress. The first thing I did when we arrived at ‘The Workshop’ (the owner used to make horse blankets here) was to explore the footpath leading from our doorstep. And of course I took our old rescue dog, Honey. (Collie/whippet cross and no she isn’t honey-coloured Dad, but she’s very sweet!) She has started to struggle with arthritis so we are limited to shorter, slower walks with her, which is fine by me……
Taking time to look closely at the wildflowers in the fields, smell the blossom in hedgerows, follow the butterflies and stop to admire the view brings me great joy. The footpath led gently up to the top of an escarpment with views towards the Cotswolds on one side and the Welsh hills on the other. Benches had been placed in perfect positions for contemplating the view.
But do you know how good spending time looking at ‘big vistas’ is for you?
These long views can make us feel part of something bigger than ourselves and offer a sense of expansiveness, stimulating wider thinking. Broadening your visual field has been shown to promote a sense of calm and clarity. So if you’re ever struggling to come up with ideas and solutions I recommend that you find a bench with a view and take yourself up there, or take someone with you to talk things through.
Slowing down and stopping to admire the view worked for me. The challenges I’d left behind at home became less significant in the context of the broader landscape, whilst allowing myself to find freedom and joy felt like a small act of rebellion against the things that had been dragging me down.
Thank you for reading my first post 🤗 In part two I go joy spotting and get up close to nature 🌿 Hope you’ll join me 😊
Lovely, Karen! Well done on your first post.
Beautiful Karen 💛 Emily xx