“In forty years of medical practice, I have found only two types of non-pharmaceutical ‘therapy’ to be vitally important for patients with chronic neurological diseases: music and gardens.”
I know I’ve done a couple of quite heavy hormoney posts for you recently, so here’s a lighter one for you.
The quote above is from Oliver Sacks and I found it in this article.
Whether you have a neuro-disease or not – and we’re including anxiety and depression in that – we have all learned even more in recent years how being in natural surroundings can be really healing. The pandemic was a bit of a wake up call; one positive to come out of it anyway.
Why don’t you resolve this month to discover a new garden and go and explore? Or at least plan some trips for when the weather is a bit warmer? Although I do like a Winter garden, especially with Christmas lights on. I always look forward to the Heligan Night Garden here in Cornwall, which is just stunning. I’m sure there will be similar things wherever you are.
Here is how to find a garden near you from the RHS. If you fancy curling up all cosy on the sofa with a cuppa, lose yourself in the Secret Gardens of the National Trust instead.
Or get outside and plant some flamboyant flowers in pots. I love a blousy flower!
I’ve treated myself to that Arthur Parkinson book recently. It is such a joy to look at and, if I can get myself up off the sofa after this nasty cold/Covid (?), I’m going to follow some of his ‘pot’ recipes. That sounds a bit odd – not that kind of pot!
I’m thinking Skimmias and Hellebores might look nice this time of year? I also love Christmas box; it smells so heavenly.
Both photos courtesy of Thompson and Morgan.
Mind you, look at this beautiful silvery eucalyptus too. Oh dear, you could get carried away, couldn’t you? Let me know any favourites of yours to inspire me.
Music is Oliver’s other recommendation, and I couldn’t agree more. I made myself a Happy playlist once and I stick that on when I feel I need a bit of a mood-lift. I have my playlists on a USB stick, plugged in permanently to the back of my digital radio in the kitchen and another in the car.
I realised P is always listening to news or politics shows and I had just become lazy, listening to whatever was on. I’ve recently succumbed to a portable Amazon Echo in my hall that I can carry around with me, listening to music whilst I do chores around the house. I’m desperate to get Spotify, but I’d get stressed trying to choose what to listen to, I’m sure! Any tips welcome.
Plus: another subscription. They are so tempting but certainly add up, don’t they? Once you’ve got Netflix, Prime etc, you sort of feel guilty getting any more. I am currently longing to get You Tube premium to avoid the adverts – I seem to be watching a lot of stuff on YT just now. I like the late-night rabbit-holeyness of it. You never quite know what you’ll stumble across.
I get a month of Apple TV, NOW TV, Sky, Disney etc when I know there are a few things I want to watch and binge them in that month! Only Murders in the Building, anyone? Just fabulous. Do you remember when it was just BBC1 and 2? I don’t as I’m not quite that old, but I think it must have been a lot simpler! I do remember Channel 4 starting, though, which does age me somewhat. Ooh: 1982. I just looked it up. Should have asked Alexa, shouldn’t I? Blimey! I was still at school.
Anyway, I’ll do a more music-y post soon for you. Meantime, enjoy your gardens, garden books or watching Sarah Raven making pots (another favourite of mine!)
Back with your next post soon – I think on hair loss. And don’t forget to check my Notes out, where I am writing smaller titbits for you. And Chat for, er, chat. See the tabs across the top of the Purehealth Substack page. Ask me if you get stuck.
Speak soon,
Micki x
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Lucky you for living near the Gardens of Heligan! My favourite garden!
I love plants that smell gorgeous and are edible such as bay, rosemary and lavender. Thank you for an uplifting post of a freezing cold day!
I hope it made you feel cosier! Yes, very lucky – also with the weather; it was quite warm here today, I had my doors open this morning! With you on the herbs, I have a load outside my door for quick snipping!