Blog

A Word From Brenda’s Meadow

After a busy few weeks in the Meadow harvesting seed, collecting flowers, Bee’s surveys, Moth identification it really feels like a time to gather in for a moment.

Harvest is always an active time here in the meadow, it’s juggling the rhythms of nature between cutting and baling before we resow our seeds in Autumn/ Winter, not really mentioning encountering gigantic crickets while wading through the long grass. I wish I could jump as far and fast as those little insects.

I often wonder if I could jump quickly from one place to another where would it be?
Where would I hop to? If there were no barriers, fears or restrictions and you could land anywhere, where would you like to go?

We finally managed to get some interpretation boards in the meadow dedicated to my Granma Brenda who lived here before me (see image below) She would love having you here in the meadow.

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An Introduction from Sue Flowers, Green Close

The programme is being co-designed by visual arts organisation Green Close, the Gathering Fields eco-retreat centre, Lancashire Wildlife Trust and the Mandala yoga & wellbeing centre, Preston.

Each course for 10 participants will be delivered in a ‘hybrid’ way with the first three workshops being delivered online followed by two practical workshops being delivered face-to-face and culminating in a group ‘field trip’ activity.

Our full programme started in June – where we will explore the release and joy of the wilderness, wildflower meadows and being able to finally get outside after the restraints and difficulties of lockdown.

In the autumn we will consider the joy of change exploring the role of trees in our lives and how we can deepen our connection and appreciation of them.

We intend that our winter programme will feel like keeping the fire embers alight, whilst we make time to explore resilience and how we can develop hope in preparation for future growth.

Summer Term : Big Exhale

This first term entitled ‘Big Exhale’ will help participants learn to breathe freely again, exploring a release from anxiety and tension and a joyous uncovering of all that the natural world has to offer us during the summer months.

Autumn Term : Gather-in

During the autumn our ‘Gather-in’ programme will help people explore their personal strengths and creatively harvest their unique individuality in preparation for the shorter days and longer nights ahead.

Winter Term : Quiet Growth

Our winter term ‘Quiet Growth’ will explore restoration and resilience. We will work together to understand more about how we can use our resting energies to bring strength and renewal to our lives. The challenges of winter means we need to take extra care of ourselves at this time so that during the spring we can emerge growing from the darkness.

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Finding connection with the Daisy trial- by Helen Leece

Since as long as I can remember flowers fascinating me; walks in the park, a trip to the shop, a coffee with a friend, playing on the playground with the kids when they were young. Wherever you go there is always something growing, we do not have to go far.

So many people say to me how afraid they are about plants, I hear them say “We don’t know what they are “or “we don’t know what they do” “Is it a weed “and so on. 

I have spent time listening in nature, and when you do this gently quietly and watch the nearest plant something starts to happen. Maybe words come into your head, maybe a feeling arises in your body, maybe an emotion pops out of nowhere. The simple thing is that all that occurs is perfect.

Often, we feel we must delve into textbooks and herbal dictionaries to find out everything we need to know about a plant, but often our senses tell us anyway and we just forgot to trust our inner voice.

So the Daisy Trail in its simplicity is something I invite you to try. As you walk around see if you can spot a daisy. If you cannot get out, then look at a picture of the daisy.

In its nature it is pure and simple with its grounding essence it beckons you to be still and connect. What memories does it bring up for you, did you ever make a daisy chain when you were young, and if you did not then that is ok because now could be the time you try for the first time!

Maybe count the petals or write some words, about the thoughts that come up when you encounter the daisy. If you are feeling brave lie in the grass and let the daisy tickle your toes and fingers. I like to trace the outline of the daisy with my fingers, eye’s closed, no cheating. See how it all feels for you.

I have many stories about the daisy, my first encounter was watching two young children have a race, the youngest stopped mid race to admire a daisy, she lost the race, and it was so emotional for her as she really wanted to win and be the best, but she also wanted to play with the daisy.

 Maybe you can stop and play for a while, try not to worry about getting to the end of the day and I guarantee once you have read this article the Daisy will start to catch your attention, and that is the start of the daisy trail.

Known as the flower of friendship I wonder what connections you will make through this daisy trail.  So on that note I very much look forward to seeing you in the meadow where the daisy waits to welcome you.

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Morecambe Celebration

On March 23rd the Phoenix Rising team and Morecambe participants gathered at Morecambe library to mark the end of the six month wellbeing programme.

Morecambe residents have been taking part in a six month programme of free activities as part of the Phoenix Rising programme. Three sessions took place each week at Morecambe Library with the aim of helping people to connect with one another again after lockdown and to help improve mental and physical wellbeing.

Residents took part in art classes, groove dance sessions, yoga, litter picks and other environmental activities; with a focus on building connection and friendships, as well as boosting self-confidence and developing ways to maintain mental and physical fitness.

An exhibition showcasing artwork produced as part of the programme was displayed at Morecambe Library until 25th April, marking the culmination of a year-long programme of work delivered by the Phoenix Rising partnership across Lancashire and South Cumbria.

Phoenix Rising lead Sue Flowers said: “Being able to deliver such an exciting and interconnected programme of activities in Morecambe has been a real privilege. The library is a wonderful space to work in and everybody seems to have learnt new skills, developed new friendships and become happier and healthier. There are a
great deal of health inequalities in the area and it felt important to make these sessions available to those most in need.”

Andrew Till, Morecambe Library Manager added: “Over the last six months, Phoenix Rising has brought a much needed purpose for many people to get back into society and back to the library. With the coronavirus still playing a part in day to day life, these groups have been a breath of fresh and have had a positive impact on all those attending.”

Programme participant Hazel commented: “Emma’s groove class has proved to be a lifeline for me. It’s much more than a bright spot in my week, more like a ‘reset’ button to energise myself for the week ahead. She really inspires everybody to push their boundaries in terms of movement, creativity and inhibitions.”

Funding for this programme of work is due to end shortly, but the partnership intends to continue and grow as they embark on a new research study entitled ‘Phoenix Takes Flight,’ funded by the Arts & Humanities Research Council and led by Dr Mahsa Honary from Lancaster University.

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Balm for Headaches and Hay-fever

Each week we meet at Kirkham Library to explore Plants and their many uses, exploring our heritage of how we have used plants for generations…

This is a simple recipe for making a balm for headaches and hay fever. A balm is a harder consistency than a salve or cream and can be applied on the temples and wrists to alleviate symptoms of headache and hay fever. You can use dried or fresh herbs from the garden, dried herbs tend to last longer in the balm.

Recipe:

This recipe is for a 50ml balm that is light and effective for sharp, hot headaches, foggy mind, and itchy eyes. You can increase the quantities if you would like to make a larger amount.

You will need:

One clean jar and a pan, bowl, or double boiler ¾ full of hot water

20 ml Base oil of choice (Almond, sesame, avocado, or flax) – 35 ml of hard coconut oil

1 spoon, coffee filter and label

2 Tablespoons mixed of the following herbs Feverfew, Chamomile, Lavender, or Lemon Balm

Essential oil of peppermint

Step 1

Place some water in the pan or double boiler and bring to boil, place your bowl into the pan, make sure no water spills into the bowl. One the water is boiling turn down the heat to a medium temperature

Step 2

Place a mixture of herbs into your bowl, approx. 2 tablespoons and pour your oil into the bowl. Allow to macerate for 30 mins – to one hour. The longer you leave the herbs on a low heat the better.

Step 3

Once the herbs have started to change colour and the oil is absorbing the properties, take off the heat and filter into a jug, take care to not let any of the herbs fall into the oil as this can cause mould.

Step 4

Leave the infused oil to settle, and place your coconut oil onto the double boiler, make sure your clean your bowl. Once the coconut oil has melted pour in you infused oil.

Step 5

Take off the heat and cool for 5 mins and add 5 drops of peppermint oil once cooled. Prepare your jar and pour the mixture in before it sets. Allow the mixture to cool in the fridge before placing the lid on tight.

Step 6

Always label your product with a date so you know what is inside. I suggest for fresh herbs to use within a month, for dried 3 months.

Application: Place on the temples or on the forehead, avoid the eyes. You can also rub onto your chest or wrists. For intense headaches place a cool cloth over the forehead once the balm has been applied and rest for a few moments.

There are many ways to help hay fever and headaches here are some simple tips.

• Drink plenty of room temperature water daily
• Take magnesium this helps reduce headaches
• Limit alcohol and caffeine
• Get good quality sleep between 9pm and 2am
• Use essential oils Lavender and Peppermint
• B complex vitamins naturally ease headaches
• Drink Lemon Balm and Elderflower tea to ease hay fever
• Plenty of relaxation, yoga and gentle exercise
• Cold compress with a wet flannel soaked in Rose essential oil
•  Practice deep breathing and slow down and reduce the amount fast movement

Chamomile is a nervine herb that helps to relax the nerves. It reduces inflammation and aids sleep and relaxation

Lavender has a cooling effect on the mind and body. A pungent smell and eases spasms of sneezing and coughing. It is a natural remedy for pain and anxiety.

Feverfew has a very strong distinctive smell that instantly eases strong headaches, known as the medieval aspirin and is very helpful for throbbing heat related headaches of the summer months

Lemon balm is known as the scholar’s herb and aids concentration. It aids focus.

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Herbs to Aid Sleep

Each week we meet at Kirkham Library to explore Plants and Their Many Uses, exploring our heritage of how plants were used over generations…

Rose is sweet and cooling and has an affinity with the nervous system It is very good for anxiety, restlessness. It clears heat from the mind, easing agitation. Heat can cause sleeplessness and insomnia. Rose is soothing and gently restores the energy of the heart, where there has been loss, loneliness or heartache. Rose tea infusion or rose oil in a sleep pillow is very effective. Rose syrup can be added to warm coconut milk for a bedtime drink.

Californian Poppy also known as golden cup is a flower of pure joy it is cooling and bitter. This little flower is a member of the opium family but not strong, so it bears subtle tones for the nerves and muscles. It is very good for stress and over excitement. It is very use full for children with hypertension and has a sedative effect on sensitive people.it certainly induces sleep and calmness.

Hops have a compound similar to oestrogen, so are very good in the menopause and for creating calmness in the body. The cause sleepiness so is very helpful with anxiety, insomnia and restlessness. They have been cultivated in Europe since the 19^th century and have a long history of being used for a sleep and anxiety tonic. Taking a warm bath with a hop’s sachet can be enough to help sleep.

Valerian is a common flower where the root is used effectively to manage stress and sleep disorders. It has been used for decades and you will find it in hedgerows around Britain. It is best taken in a tea or tablet form two hours before bedtime to help sleep.
Valerian essential oil has a strong smell and is best used with orange essential oil to balance the smell, but places in a bedtime pillow it is incredible.