Mental Health Awareness Week

May 10th - 16th 2021 is

Mental Health Awareness Week

If there is a right time for us to look after our own mental health and that of those we love, the time is NOW!!!

The theme for this year's awareness week is NATURE. 

For many, over this past year, nature has played a significant role in our coping strategies. For some it's been that daily walk (either with or without a dog) or for those less mobile, simply watching and listening to the birds out in the garden. Many have discovered a love for gardening or a gift for growing tomatoes.

One of the wonderful things about nature is that it engages all of our senses - sight, smell, touch, feel, with an element of caution regarding taste  ...  unless, of course, you're tasting those tomatoes you grew  😀😀

For more information:

Mental Health Awareness Week

Take Ten - Lessons from a Satnav

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Take Ten - Lessons from a Satnav

Some of the difficult things about this past year have been the many questions, the constant changes and that sense of walking in the unknown, like walking in the fog. On occasion the only thing we can choose to do is let go of worry and simply be obedient to taking the next small step, trusting for what is beyond.

May Day Walk

 I was super disappointed to miss the May Day walk at Lesnes Abbey Woods but already had something in my diary 😔 

Thanks, Kirsten, for organising this event. Looks like it was enjoyed by all. Here are some of the photos I was sent ...

This is kind of what my garden looks like 😀

For more information:

Lesnes Abbey Woods

Thought for the week ...

Take Ten - Self-Compassion

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Take Ten - Self-Compassion

How well we know and treat ourselves is central to our well-being. Author, Brene Brown says, “Loving ourselves through the process of owning our own story is the bravest thing we’ll ever do.”

TABLEtalk - Creating your own Coat of Arms

A slightly belated post entry about our TABLEtalk evening last week.  In recognition of St George's Day we talked about heraldry and some of the significance and meaning behind symbols used on shields and coats of arms. As part of our evening together we created our own coat of arms. Once again some deep thought and wonderful creativity from our students and helpers ...

Pauline's shield featured elements of faith, family and the dog is representative of loyalty and faithfulness (as someone who has known Pauline for over 30 years I can testify to her loyalty as a friend).

Ugochi's shield contained the image of a shield and an arrow, denoting a desire for excellence and perfection; along with an eagle signifying perseverance and a rising above challenges. The cross and her motto translates as 'In God I Trust' shows the importance of her faith.

Nefeli's shield was simple and uncluttered but, as always, profound. The two hearts forming a kind of infiniti symbol reveal sympathy and a desire to connect deeply with people. The light bulb above the box depicts creativity and a willingness to approach issues in unique ways. The happy mask shows a desire to laugh and enjoy life.

The five images on Dominika's shield speak of (from top left) kindness, family, knowledge, nature and mindfulness; along with the lovely motto 'Be happy in the moment'.

Joy's three symbols depict (1) a bird denoting freedom, (2) a rabbit meaning boundless energy and (3) a ship showing strength to plough through difficult seas.

Kirsten's shield is made up of an anchor, candle, fish and heart, all indicative of her Christian faith and trust in God. The mountain is symbolic of her Welsh roots and denote dependability. The bee shows hard-work and diligence. Then finally the forget-me-not flowers stand for faithfulness in relationships. (Thanks Kirsten for your faithfulness as a friend).

Aiste and Basel have done this exercise before, but this is the first time since their marriage, so it was lovely to see a newly created coat of arms 💖 The olives represent Basel's homeland of Jordan and the oak branch Aiste's home, Lithuania. The hands holding the world are about travel. The Arabic writing says alhamdulillah - Praise God or Thank God.

Thought for the week ...