A bit like a ship making its way across the southern seas, I have, of late, experienced it all. Rough storms and towering waves, peace and tranquillity, becalmed and in the doldrums. But, as ever, life goes on and I have got through each day through a combination of making the most of the wind at my back and full sails, or battening down the hatches and riding it out.
*here endeth the nautical metaphors*
I’m often told that one should count one’s blessings to counteract low moods but I often find this tack (sorry, at it again) to be counter-productive when the black clouds descend. “At least I have my physical health” makes me feel guilty about the millions of people who do not. Ditto “a roof over my head and food in my cupboards”. You get the picture.
However, something that doesn’t change my mood but at least connects me to the physical world is to stop and look. Growing up on a smallholding in the Welsh hills, leaning over the farm gate and admiring the view was as much a part of life as breathing, and it’s doubly important today.
Swan on the River Exe (9 July 2011)
Bearing witness to something beautiful or magnificent: now that’s worth holding onto.
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/leisure/
Very nice photograph
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Sometimes when I feel I’m in (metaphorical) stormy waters I mutter to myself “steady as she goes, crew” in the posh tones of a 1940s actor playing a submarine captain in a WW2 film… Dunno why, but it always cheers me up despite the fact that even thinking about being in a submarine gives me the complete heebie jeebies!!! I think it’s something to do with connecting to a still peaceful place within myself I can retreat to under the stormy/troubled/dangerous surface.
Stopping and looking is also a great steadier – I find that photography helps a lot with that. Walking and taking photographs occupies enough of my brain that anxiety doesn’t get a look in.
Sounds as though you are doing pretty well and if listing blessings doesn’t work for you, don’t do it. Might be better to list “things that gave me pleasure today” or summat.
Oops, bit of an essay there – sorry!
It is indeed.
Now how do you explain”all shipshape and Bristol fashion”….it isn’t the road network through Bristol, that’s a mess…like the Bristol Quadrille. “all change lanes”!!!! (again!)
Have you ever thought about Blipfoto-ing? Sorry if I’ve said this to you before, but your photos are cracking. If you do give it a go, look for jamjaragain and tell me you’re there!