Time to Unplug

And taking my own advice…

Summer Evening Walks

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I love to see the summer beaming forth
And white wool sack clouds sailing to the north
I love to see the wild flowers come again
And mare blobs stain with gold the meadow drain
And water lilies whiten on the floods
Where reed clumps rustle like a wind shook wood
Where from her hiding place the Moor Hen pushes
And seeks her flag nest floating in bull rushes
I like the willow leaning half way o’er
The clear deep lake to stand upon its shore
I love the hay grass when the flower head swings
To summer winds and insects happy wings
That sport about the meadow the bright day
And see bright beetles in the clear lake play

Sonnet by John Clare

‘I love to see the summer beaming forth’ is a poem by the Romantic poet John Clare (1793-1864).

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I love the summer and I wait so patiently for the season to arrive, the extra daylight which boosts my energy, the colours that bloom in the garden and meadows, the bird song, the insects, bees and butterflies and staying out later, walking along the country paths after the heat of the day. The sights, the sounds and the smells that bring back childhood memories of long summer days playing outside, day trips to the beach and paddling pools in the garden. It occurred to me recently that I am wasting my days seeing these experiences through a screen, whether I am sharing with others or I am looking at other’s posts and stories. I’ve really enjoyed using Instagram as a tool to connect with ‘like minded’ others and sharing my artwork, but I’ve decided that I need to take a break from it.

When we were children we would break up from school for 6 whole weeks which seemed like a lifetime. 6 weeks of getting up later, throwing on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt and getting outside to play without constraints on our time. There were no screens apart from the tv, no pressure to check our phones, to check social media, to scroll, like and comment, or to post new and exciting content. I felt free, grateful and happy to be outside of the classroom, exploring nature and using my imagination. Sadly, after spending too much time on social media I feel overwhelmed and can recognise I am heading towards burn out.

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Last post on Instagram stories (for a few weeks at least)

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This week I read a fabulous and interesting post written by Claire Venus @

Creatively Conscious

. A thought provoking piece that sparked lots of responses and conversation around Instagram and how we use it. It made me stop and think about my relationship with the platform and I especially resonated with Tamzin @

Resurface

. The thread inspired me to unplug and take a break across the summer. I enjoy posting uplifting content, my philosophy being, that if I can make just one person feel a bit brighter that day then I’ve done a good job, however, that includes me and so to be able to continue to deliver uplifting content I have decided to take some time for myself. I am going to practice what I preach and take a step back.

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“Remember to take care of yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup”.

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I am focusing on me and my self-care and by doing this I hope to spark my own creativity again. I have been thinking on how I can do it and the positive news is that I am able to recognise my need to revitalise myself and so I have come up with a not so cunning plan. I am going back to basics and have written a ‘summer bucket list’, which I am going to share with you. My aim is to take back the control on my time, my well-being and my mental health.

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Having fun with watercolour, pencils and pen.

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Clare’s Summer Bucket List:

1. To start my day differently. Not to head to Instagram first thing and start scrolling. Before I switch on my tech I will restart the practice of morning pages. To write in my journal and practice gratitude. To pick a card from my spirit animal deck to inspire and motivate me to start my day in the right frame of mind. Positive affirmations and mantras work for me.

2. Read more poetry and allow time to pick up a book. I have gotten out of the habit of reading and find that social media hasn’t helped my concentration span. I have so many novels on my bookshelf left not read or half read.

3. Walk barefoot as much as possible to connect with Mother Earth and the ground. To feel the grass under my feet, the sand between my toes and to take every opportunity to dip my feet in the sea. Recharge my batteries naturally through grounding.

4. Get outside into the garden, the woods and the beach and take some painting materials to experience plein air art. Put together a plein air kit.

5. Explore different art styles, loosen up, have fun and relax into creativity. Experiment with different mediums and not worry about what it looks like as it’s not for show, it’s for well-being, to repair the soul, heal the mind and body.

6. Ride my bike, one of my favourite pastimes as a child in the summer holidays.

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I am listening to my inner child, the child that used to love the school holidays without constraints. I am going to respond to that child and free myself. This summer I will observe the beauty of the season, live in the moment and focus on what brings me joy. I will find the artist within me once again, who just wants to have fun.

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“The bedrock tool of a creative recovery is a daily practice called Morning Pages.”

- Julia Cameron, The Artist’s Way

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This summer is the perfect opportunity for me to refill my cup, to reconnect with my art, the garden and catching up on a good book. Through this process I hope to create some wonderful art and writing which will be from the heart, authentic and real.

Stay naturally curious…

Clare 🙏💜