Usually I am close up, low down, camera in hand, noticing the little things, whether flora or fauna (I’m still perfecting my creeping up on butterflies skill for this season).
But, in the last couple of days, I’ve found myself sitting with a different experience. The bigger picture, the wide open spaces, the distant horizon. This is not my usual view, obviously its there and I look at it, but as you’ll know if you follow my art and photography in Instagram, I am usually about the details. Maybe it’s because I haven’t yet managed to paint a landscape I’m happy with!
It started on the beach, I didn’t go in because I’d overdone it the day before. I usually look for seaglass and shells. But then, the breeze tickled my hand, the only bit sticking out of my dryrobe, it made me stop and notice the feel of it. It made me fully experience all my senses. I looked out at the horizon, one of reasons blue space is so good for us. It’s gentle, constant, yet ever changing, all encompassing. I stopped and just breathed. I noticed the distinct algae aroma, hmm, maybe not pleasant, but brings you into the moment and gives plenty of post swim chat!
For once, I didn’t take endless photos, I didn’t go home with a pocket of shells and seaglass. But I still felt better than when I’d arrived, just for being, seeing, feeling, hearing and smelling.
I did the same walking Bridget, instead of macro photos of cow parsley flowers, I looked beyond. To be honest, looking at a field full of flowers, breathing in so many aromas, seeing so much green, is a lot better than any photo I could take.
We wandered slowly (we always do, it’s why she’s the perfect dog for me to look after) and I looked up. I noticed the layers of the new leaves on the the horse chesnuts, I looked for the birds that I could hear but had little chance of seeing. Instead of chasing butterflies to photograph them I just watched their looping, fluttering flight, occasionally a territorial battle with a rogue enemy.
I think this change of perspective has been because my brain is feeling very overwhelmed at the moment, in addition to my usual cognitive symptoms. It didn’t have the processing power to find the little things. My eyes just needed to be gentle, to sit and rest on the wide expanse of blue and green space. And, well, in the moment, it worked. I’m going to need lots of rest to get me back fully functioning, but nature will always be there to help.
Noticing nature 