I am so glad that nowadays I walk with my feet firmly on the ground and eyes lifted to the sky.
Friday, 1 March 2013
A Sense of Wonder As I Wander
I am so glad that nowadays I walk with my feet firmly on the ground and eyes lifted to the sky.
Friday, 25 January 2013
Chilled!
Are you chilled in the chill?
Well, since I last blogged winter has hit with a vengeance! Spring seems a long way off!
I've become aware that I've been very tense when driving in the snow. It's good to be wary and drive safely, but I find my shoulders tensing because I'm gripping the wheel - and that's really not helping me drive better!
In the last few years I've become a lot more aware of my reactions and have become much better at dealing with them quicker - is it appropriate or am I snowballing my thoughts - I could end up in an avalanche of thoughts!
I now acknowledge my thoughts and my body's reaction to them and can deal with them before they start to spiral in the wrong direction. It's called the law of attraction, you attract what you focus on.
If like me you're sometimes a bit cynical, you might think that it's not as easy as just thinking positively. But it is. You just have to acknowledge your negativity and say "I choose to feel good today".
You have 17 seconds to change the direction of your thoughts, which is actually quite a long time! So instead of trying to stop your thoughts, acknowledge them, see what they are trying to do, and choose whether to do something about them. When I say say see what they are trying to do, there is always a reason for them, they are usually trying to keep you safe, protect you or stop you looking like an idiot. The problem is that most of the time they end up achieving what they're trying to prevent.
Start to ask what you really want. Ask others. Never be afraid to ask. I love the saying "If you ask a question you look a fool for five minutes, if you don't ask you look a fool forever". I usually find someone else wants to ask the same question but is too scared! Fear stops us doing so many things!
So, make sure you take notice, breathe, smile and do something different!
Well, since I last blogged winter has hit with a vengeance! Spring seems a long way off!
I've become aware that I've been very tense when driving in the snow. It's good to be wary and drive safely, but I find my shoulders tensing because I'm gripping the wheel - and that's really not helping me drive better!
In the last few years I've become a lot more aware of my reactions and have become much better at dealing with them quicker - is it appropriate or am I snowballing my thoughts - I could end up in an avalanche of thoughts!
I now acknowledge my thoughts and my body's reaction to them and can deal with them before they start to spiral in the wrong direction. It's called the law of attraction, you attract what you focus on.
If like me you're sometimes a bit cynical, you might think that it's not as easy as just thinking positively. But it is. You just have to acknowledge your negativity and say "I choose to feel good today".
You have 17 seconds to change the direction of your thoughts, which is actually quite a long time! So instead of trying to stop your thoughts, acknowledge them, see what they are trying to do, and choose whether to do something about them. When I say say see what they are trying to do, there is always a reason for them, they are usually trying to keep you safe, protect you or stop you looking like an idiot. The problem is that most of the time they end up achieving what they're trying to prevent.
Start to ask what you really want. Ask others. Never be afraid to ask. I love the saying "If you ask a question you look a fool for five minutes, if you don't ask you look a fool forever". I usually find someone else wants to ask the same question but is too scared! Fear stops us doing so many things!
So, make sure you take notice, breathe, smile and do something different!
Friday, 11 January 2013
January jewels!
Have you noticed some plants are blooming?
I go for a walk every day unless it's raining, and I love take notice of nature. I've noticed some shrubs in flower - daphnes, roses and a forsythia. And lots of new shoots coming up.
I love sensing spring in the air. It's turned colder but those shoots are always there!
I'm planning to go and see the snowdrops at Walsingham next month, they are stunning - a carpet of white blooms! And in May go to Blickling Great Wood to see thousands of bluebells. Last spring we went to Hoveton Hall at the peak of the daffodils - so cheery! And there's always something at High Ash Farm opposite the roman camp at Caistor St Edmund. There are huge teasels there now. There are thousands of sunflowers and other wildflowers in the summer. in 2011 it was like visiting France (not that I've been!) with all the sunflowers and a row of poplars in the distance. I've ordered 2 canvases of photos we took of the sunflowers and the bluebells at Blickling. These will go on my lounge wall and remind me what a beautiful county we live in.
Take time to find the beauty - it's there if you look!
I go for a walk every day unless it's raining, and I love take notice of nature. I've noticed some shrubs in flower - daphnes, roses and a forsythia. And lots of new shoots coming up.
I love sensing spring in the air. It's turned colder but those shoots are always there!
I'm planning to go and see the snowdrops at Walsingham next month, they are stunning - a carpet of white blooms! And in May go to Blickling Great Wood to see thousands of bluebells. Last spring we went to Hoveton Hall at the peak of the daffodils - so cheery! And there's always something at High Ash Farm opposite the roman camp at Caistor St Edmund. There are huge teasels there now. There are thousands of sunflowers and other wildflowers in the summer. in 2011 it was like visiting France (not that I've been!) with all the sunflowers and a row of poplars in the distance. I've ordered 2 canvases of photos we took of the sunflowers and the bluebells at Blickling. These will go on my lounge wall and remind me what a beautiful county we live in.
Take time to find the beauty - it's there if you look!
Thursday, 3 January 2013
Keep taking time out!
Christmas and the New Year is are a great time to relax, but it's all to easy to get caught up in a rush of activity - especially if you're trying to burn off all that food!
Make sure you take time every day to reflect, relax and be grateful for all you have. Remember, if you don't appreciate what you already have, why would you want more of it. This is especially true of money.
Did you know that apparently Monday 28th January will be the most depressing day of the year?According to Wikipedia, “the date is calculated by using many factors, including: weather conditions, debt level, time since Christmas, time since failing our new year’s resolutions, low motivational levels and feeling of a need to take action.”
A lot of people suffer from depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder which is heightened at this time of year, so be kind to yourself, and get out in the mild air - it's stopped raining!
I think we all have the power to take action and change whatever is no longer serving us. Lots of people make New Year's Resolutions, but you need to make sure they are achievable and have a date on them. I've also noticed that lots of people say they don't bother. I think it's great to have goals and something to work towards, the focus should be on moving towards not away from, although make sure you learn from your mistakes - although I try to view everything as a lesson not a mistake! (This is easier said than done!!)
Make this year all about balance of quiet time and action, making sure it's positive action.
2013 will be lucky!
Make sure you take time every day to reflect, relax and be grateful for all you have. Remember, if you don't appreciate what you already have, why would you want more of it. This is especially true of money.
Did you know that apparently Monday 28th January will be the most depressing day of the year?According to Wikipedia, “the date is calculated by using many factors, including: weather conditions, debt level, time since Christmas, time since failing our new year’s resolutions, low motivational levels and feeling of a need to take action.”
A lot of people suffer from depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder which is heightened at this time of year, so be kind to yourself, and get out in the mild air - it's stopped raining!
I think we all have the power to take action and change whatever is no longer serving us. Lots of people make New Year's Resolutions, but you need to make sure they are achievable and have a date on them. I've also noticed that lots of people say they don't bother. I think it's great to have goals and something to work towards, the focus should be on moving towards not away from, although make sure you learn from your mistakes - although I try to view everything as a lesson not a mistake! (This is easier said than done!!)
Make this year all about balance of quiet time and action, making sure it's positive action.
2013 will be lucky!
Saturday, 15 December 2012
Chill Spaces Public Screening!
 |
| Norwich Mind Associates at the first public screening of the Chill Spaces films |
The Chill Spaces film makers were invited to the Norwich Mind Associates Christmas party last Wednesday evening, for the first public screening of their films. Sitting in the beautiful surroundings of the Anteros Arts Centre (Magdalen Street), the films were very positively received by the Associates. People seemed to really 'get' what the message we are trying to convey, about wellness and preventative mental health starting with small, everyday actions.
The other thing which was really gratifying for us, was the almost mesmeric effect of the films which a number of folk mentioned to us afterwards. Indeed, Richard, one of our film-makers, emailed me the following day, and said,
"... the films really did 'speak for themselves'. There was little more to be said."
Plenty more to come from this one. Watch this space... but make sure you Take Notice in between times
~ Colin ~
The Ten Chill Spaces Films
Click here to access films
'Chill Spaces' is a collection of short films, shot in and around Norwich city centre in spring 2012. Although they were made in a specific place, they are not merely for the use and benefit of local people. We want to encourage you to place value on 'chill time' and find your own chill spaces wherever you happen to be.
Wellness and prevention... Supported by BBC Voices, the films were made by volunteers from a range of backgrounds, in an initiative by the social enterprise, 'People Shaped Solutions'. It is a free online resource for folk who want to look after their mental health in daily situations. It is, therefore, about maintaining mental wellness and preventing crisis.
Invest in being present in the moment...
In creating this resource, we want to encourage you to slow down and take notice of the wonder of the world around you. In virtually any environment, if you look, you will find places and/or perspectives that can help you to relax and be in the moment. Our films offer quiet inspiration we hope – encouraging you to explore, interact and engage with your environment and discover your own chill spaces.
Stopping and slowing down and taking time for yourself may seem like a small thing - or even, to some, a 'waste of time'. However, all the evidence suggests that this small step is a valuable investment in our increasingly high-paced and pressured daily lives. 'Banking' some time for yourself adds 'credit' to your 'bank account of the mind', and will pay dividends during those taxing times that, periodically, test us all.
The Five Ways to Wellbeing... Although the 'Chill Spaces' films focus on taking notice of the world around us, this is just one of five healthy habits that evidence suggests contribute to good mental health. Known collectively as, 'The Five Ways to Wellbeing' (an evidence-based set of actions developed by 'The New Economic Foundation), this involves making small changes in your daily life -- namely:
1. Connect: meeting and interacting with other people
2. Take notice: slowing down, savouring the moment, noticing the world around you
3. Be active: discovering a physical activity that suits your level of mobility and fitness
4. Keep learning: exploring and widening your interests throughout the course of your life
5. Give: giving -- your time, a smile etc -- to others and contributes positively to the wider community
(click HERE for further information about the Five Ways)
I use the Five Ways in my daily life and it has definitely contributed to my 'bounce back ability' during a year when my resilience has been tested by six close personal bereavements.
Please share this resource with others...
Finally, without the work and support of the wonderful BBC Voices team (paid staff and volunteers!) these films would have remained a lightbulb without their 'moment'. Thanks to everyone involved with making this resource, together with those wonderful people who 'get' what we're doing and are actively promoting our preventative mental health message. I would also encourage you to take time to view the films for yourselves and then share them with your friends, family and colleagues.
~ Colin Howey ~
Film Makers Testimony...
"It was a fascinating experience to take part in People Shaped Solutions' Chill Spaces project. After an excellent short workshop at BBC Voices, we were each equipped with a video camera and set loose to record a spot in the city where we found a sense of calm. That challenge really helped me look at the city differently and appreciate all over again the beauty that surrounds us. From the majestic skyline to the swaying of leaves and branches in the breeze, everything took on a new and re-energised appearance. It made me look at things differently and in doing so, to delight and marvel at them anew. The project opened my eyes and reminded me always to be open and aware of my surroundings."
~ Mike O'Driscoll ~
"Having worked in the field of mental health for over 20 years I can fully appreciate the value of setting time aside for personal reflection and meditation in a calm and relaxing environment of ones own choice. Whether this should be a park, a church, an open space in the city, by the sea or by a lake or river the objective is the same. At times the world can seem a frantic, busy, stressful and sometimes scary place and setting aside time to unwind can play a very important part in maintaining good mental health."
~ Dr. Richard Brooks ~
'Chill Spaces' is a collection of short films, shot in and around Norwich city centre in spring 2012. Although they were made in a specific place, they are not merely for the use and benefit of local people. We want to encourage you to place value on 'chill time' and find your own chill spaces wherever you happen to be.
Wellness and prevention... Supported by BBC Voices, the films were made by volunteers from a range of backgrounds, in an initiative by the social enterprise, 'People Shaped Solutions'. It is a free online resource for folk who want to look after their mental health in daily situations. It is, therefore, about maintaining mental wellness and preventing crisis.
Invest in being present in the moment...
In creating this resource, we want to encourage you to slow down and take notice of the wonder of the world around you. In virtually any environment, if you look, you will find places and/or perspectives that can help you to relax and be in the moment. Our films offer quiet inspiration we hope – encouraging you to explore, interact and engage with your environment and discover your own chill spaces.
Stopping and slowing down and taking time for yourself may seem like a small thing - or even, to some, a 'waste of time'. However, all the evidence suggests that this small step is a valuable investment in our increasingly high-paced and pressured daily lives. 'Banking' some time for yourself adds 'credit' to your 'bank account of the mind', and will pay dividends during those taxing times that, periodically, test us all.
The Five Ways to Wellbeing... Although the 'Chill Spaces' films focus on taking notice of the world around us, this is just one of five healthy habits that evidence suggests contribute to good mental health. Known collectively as, 'The Five Ways to Wellbeing' (an evidence-based set of actions developed by 'The New Economic Foundation), this involves making small changes in your daily life -- namely:
1. Connect: meeting and interacting with other people
2. Take notice: slowing down, savouring the moment, noticing the world around you
3. Be active: discovering a physical activity that suits your level of mobility and fitness
4. Keep learning: exploring and widening your interests throughout the course of your life
5. Give: giving -- your time, a smile etc -- to others and contributes positively to the wider community
(click HERE for further information about the Five Ways)
I use the Five Ways in my daily life and it has definitely contributed to my 'bounce back ability' during a year when my resilience has been tested by six close personal bereavements.
Please share this resource with others...
Finally, without the work and support of the wonderful BBC Voices team (paid staff and volunteers!) these films would have remained a lightbulb without their 'moment'. Thanks to everyone involved with making this resource, together with those wonderful people who 'get' what we're doing and are actively promoting our preventative mental health message. I would also encourage you to take time to view the films for yourselves and then share them with your friends, family and colleagues.
~ Colin Howey ~
Film Makers Testimony...
"It was a fascinating experience to take part in People Shaped Solutions' Chill Spaces project. After an excellent short workshop at BBC Voices, we were each equipped with a video camera and set loose to record a spot in the city where we found a sense of calm. That challenge really helped me look at the city differently and appreciate all over again the beauty that surrounds us. From the majestic skyline to the swaying of leaves and branches in the breeze, everything took on a new and re-energised appearance. It made me look at things differently and in doing so, to delight and marvel at them anew. The project opened my eyes and reminded me always to be open and aware of my surroundings."
~ Mike O'Driscoll ~
"Having worked in the field of mental health for over 20 years I can fully appreciate the value of setting time aside for personal reflection and meditation in a calm and relaxing environment of ones own choice. Whether this should be a park, a church, an open space in the city, by the sea or by a lake or river the objective is the same. At times the world can seem a frantic, busy, stressful and sometimes scary place and setting aside time to unwind can play a very important part in maintaining good mental health."
~ Dr. Richard Brooks ~
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