There were definite pros and cons
The week leading up to Christmas was typically spent trying to finish up all the loose ends at work, in prep for the holiday. There was a tentative rush to get to the finish line before Covid caught up. I like many others was not quite fast enough. I tested positive. This put a halt on the traditional, last-minute panic buying of Christmas gifts from local crafters. Pre-arranged plans of family visiting at Christmas were scuppered.
Fortunately, Covid symptoms were mild and despite being cooped up in isolation; I was able to rest sufficiently and was well tended to at home.
I took the opportunity to read. I love to read over the holiday period. I relish the freedom to read what I WANT and not what I HAVE to. Holidays bring the benefit of time; no sense of urgency; fully immersed; guilt-free, minus the looming to-do list; pausing to think; reflecting on what I read and taking time to assimilate & accommodate.
I usually have a couple of books partially read at any one time - this means I can select the book that best meets my mood in the moment. I had 3 books in mind. All with quite a different focus.
Firstly, ‘Braiding Sweetgrass’ by Robin Wall Kimmerer. A beautifully written insight into the reciprocal connection between indigenous wisdom and practice and the natural world. The thread of planting, tending, picking, braiding sweetgrass woven throughout, to emphasise the gifts nature provides us. A reminder to us all the importance of respect, cultural integrity and gratitude to others and the natural world. This followed a personal interest. I loved it.
In contrast, the book ‘Early Childhood and Neuro-science’ by Mine Conkbayir followed more of a professional interest. I admit I am no scientist, but I was keen to be more neuroscience-informed; to scaffold my own knowledge on child development. It was fascinating and an incredible insight into the importance of early childhood experiences on the developing brain. How positive relationships (attachment & attunement) & effective co-regulation in interactions with children can support their emotional well-being. This we well know but gaining a deeper insight into the underpinning neuro-science; a better understanding of the limbic system & how the brain reacts to stress including the effects of cortisol on the brain; the amygdala hijack which interrupts the ‘upstairs’ thinking part of the brain. I found it fascinating.
The chapter titled ‘Neurodiversity - The Wonders of the Beautiful Brain’ said it all, with a positive & inclusive focus on the advantages of being neurodivergent. I confess I have the final two chapters yet to read and I will most definitely have to revisit sections to fully embed the knowledge and strengthen connections in my own brain. What I found most reassuring was an emphasis on the lifelong plasticity of the brain; it’s never too late to make a positive difference through our supportive interactions with children, young people, and one another.
Thirdly, ‘The Hen that Dreamed she could Fly’ by Sun-Mi Hwang. This little, short story was an absolute pleasure to read. Less than 150 pages but each one a delight. It follows ‘Sprout’ and her maternal desire to hatch an egg and become a nurturing mother hen. A story of determination, empathy and belonging. Animal characters were brought to life with descriptions of their collective roles on the farm, individual temperaments, and natural behaviours. I kept affectionately thinking about ‘Sprout’ and replaying this sweet story in my head a long while after reading.
While reading in isolation I literally could not wait to get back outdoors. This was fuelled by the beautifully written descriptions of nature and the importance of connection in ‘Braiding Sweetgrass’ and ‘Sprouts’ endeavour to nurture.
My first venture outside, after isolation was to walk down to the local Loch side. I felt a sense of relief. Reading about the importance of co-regulation in supporting children’s emotional development and well-being and the underpinning neuroscience in Mine Conkbayir’s book was running through my mind. Being in the outdoors surrounded by nature seemed to be a natural co-regulator, supporting emotional well-being - calming the ‘downstairs brain’ and the fight/flight mode; kickstarting rest and repair response; enabling a more logical response to how I was feeling while fully utilising the ‘upstairs brain’.
Not only was I reflecting on the benefits of nature on emotional well-being but also on the importance of reciprocity and gratitude for nature and all the people around me, as beautifully described by Robin Wall Kimmerer. In the spirit of New Year & taking inspiration from others, I made a resolution for 2022 to be reciprocal, to consciously be grateful on a daily basis in my interactions with the natural world and in my connections with friends, family and others around me.
