As I near the end of my stay here at Parkwood, I think about things that have helped me recover. One thing that was really important were the people who supported me. The other thing was nature, the outdoors and the fresh air.
It doesn't have to be wild nature. As my cousin said on one visit out in the gardens here, "It's just so GREEN!" For me it's the trees, the huge ornamental grasses, the breeze in the leaves, the birds, the pathways that let me get out and enjoy it. There's lots of shade and lots of sun.
Parkwood is unusual in this respect. Originally built at the edge of the city, it retains a lot of open space around it - there are no city buildings in sight to the south or east at all. But above all are the gardens, several acres of pathways, trees and resting spots, ideal for visiting. They have made good use of ornamental grasses, there are two water features, the frog pond and a small fountain, and there are seven raised beds of flowers and veggies.
This morning, like so many others, it was beautiful. I was out early, and the sun was shining bright green through the leaves. And along came a pair of Monarch butterflies, their wings brilliant orange in the sun. Out again later I saw two Monarchs again, these ones by the frog pond. The flock of House Sparrows is still here, lots of Blue Jays are calling, and now there are other birds, apparently heading south.
The chance to get out in this magical place every day has come to mean a great deal to me, and I know the gardens have been great therapy for me. I'm a firm believer in the healing power of nature.
I can see the restorative quality of your surroundings.
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DeleteThat sounds so interesting and restful and beautiful. You were fortunate to have been there rather than some of the sterile institutions elsewhere. From your earlier posts it seems there are outdoor opportunities near your new house, please do take advantage of them.
ReplyDeleteTo be outside, see the changing seasons in the gardens and trees, to have that fresh air, after a fall of rain, is all part of life, and I can so understand how healing it would be. Another day closer. We have had snow in the far south, and here we are packing up, as we sold our home last Friday. We have until 2nd November, but that isn't very long, viewing other places, some OK some not, a few more to view this week. Fondest greetings to you both from a sunny,almost hot day here in NZ at our home.( p.s. our new owners love it all so much, and I know they will be very happy here, that is a really positive bonus for us).
ReplyDeleteIt is good for the soul just to be an observer of our beautiful world:) I hope all goes well and you get to head home soon:)
ReplyDeleteLike you, I too believe in the healing powers of Nature and it's obvious the 'powers that be' on the administration side of Parkwood also feel the same way. Very fortunate for you to be at that hospital and if I were in your spot it would be "the trees, the huge ornamental grasses, the breeze in the leaves, the birds, the pathways, and lots of shade and lots of sun" I would be seeking out as well.
ReplyDeleteNature not only heals and keeps us healthy but also keeps us sane.
ReplyDeleteYes, nature is nurture! I thought of you today when I passed on a tip to a blogger who is going on a trip. Blogspot provides a way to post using email. Under Settings/Email, there's a place for your personalized address for you to "post text and images (up to 10MB in size) directly to your blog."
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you're right. One of the things I liked about my job was that the school had extensive gardens. I remember once when a new young man had started at the school. He had lived all his life in London and, as his behaviour was difficult, I doubt that many people took him out on trips. On the evening of the first day he was with us I took him outside. I shall never forget his smile as he encountered the beauty, the birdsong and the sense of peace for the first time.
ReplyDeleteNature will do it every time!
ReplyDeleteHello, I am glad you were able to enjoy nature and the green space while you were healing and recovering. Happy Monday, enjoy your day and new week!
ReplyDeleteAfter having witnessed those beautiful gardens, I am 100% sold on the healing powers they have on you and anyone else who 'lets it be'. I'm looking forward to your pictures once you are settled at home and have the means to post them. You must be so anxious to move home to your own gardens. ;)
ReplyDeleteI so agree, and as you know I spend a good deal of time in the outdoors, and I find it very restorative. Your writing evokes so well the beauty you are enjoying. :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you had such a wonderful place to rehab
ReplyDeleteYou are so lucky to have Parkwood as a place to stay right now. Our hospital is in the middle of the city. There are grassy areas with native fir trees, but they aren't as accessible for patients, only visitors parking in the many lots surrounding the building. Now that I think about it, the placement of the open areas is backwards. - Margy
ReplyDeleteYou are an inspiration.
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