Adapting, Growing, and Thriving: Lessons from the Woodland
The Changing Seasons at Blue Bell Wood The sun is shining, and for the first time in months, I’ve shed my usual woolly hat, a small but delightful sign of the changing seasons here at Blue Bell Wood. The primroses are blooming, and I’m eagerly anticipating the arrival of the bluebells in the coming months. […]
Embracing the Beauty of Hard Work in the Woods
Finding Joy in Nature Spending time in the woods has a way of grounding us, bringing clarity and a deep sense of connection. Today was no exception. I arrived at my woodland retreat early in the morning, eager to get started on a new project. This time, I was working with Justin to build a […]
Marking 67½: Looking Back, Looking Forward
Today I am 67 and 26 weeks Halfway through my 67th year, I find myself reflecting, not just on this moment, but on the years that have shaped it. Looking back to 60 and 65, I see distinct chapters, each defined by transformation, adventure, and self-discovery. Looking ahead to 70 and beyond, I feel a […]
The Rewards of Solitude: A Deeper Reflection
I want to return to the topic of aloneness which I covered in this article. This was prompted through an article by James Marriott in todays Times Newspaper and one from The Atlantic. John O’Donohue’s words continue to guide us: “Each one of us is alone in the world. It takes great courage to meet […]
How to Spark Joy and Enrich Your Life Every Day
Joy in Later Life I have a few things on my mind at the moment, and this morning I wondered why I’m feeling tired. I suspect a lot of mental energy is being spent on thinking through different things and making decisions. Perhaps that’s more exhausting now than it was when I was younger. When […]
The Courage to Embrace Aloneness
John O’Donohue once wrote: “Each one of us is alone in the world. It takes great courage to meet the full force of your aloneness.” These words resonate deeply with me. As a psychologist specializing in ageing and a person who cherishes quiet time alone, I’ve come to see aloneness not as an absence, but […]
The importance of new challenges
Curiosity is an important characteristic in maintaining good psychological health as we age. Research consistently shows that those who remain intellectually engaged experience better cognitive function and greater life satisfaction in their later years. This isn’t merely about keeping busy – it’s about maintaining genuine engagement with life. It’s essential to actively seek out ways […]
Give your brain a rest
Hi, it’s Dr Denise down at the wood and it’s a while since I’ve done one of my videos. I just needed to get away, away from home technology. I’ve also not been feeling 100%, and they always say go out and get some fresh air. So, I thought, well, why not drive to my […]
Nature’s Mirror: Discovering the Depths of Nature Through a Vision Quest
I love spending time in nature. I’ve always enjoyed going for a walk, but now I immerse myself in the natural world. This started 5 years ago. I’d learned about Vision Quests – a rite of passage based on traditional ways. These are sometimes called a wilderness fast. Something our ancestors used to do. We […]
Taking things slowly
Hi, it’s Dr. Denise, down in the wood, and I’m just taking things slowly. I’ve been here for a few hours. I’m just listening to the birds and it’s so nice and peaceful. And I know at home I could just sit quietly and read a book, but there are always demands, aren’t there? We […]