Nature can heal the mind

Thierry Giunta’s personal essay and photos explore the healing power of nature.
By Thierry Giunta

Life has not been kind to us lately. Covid-19 has shaken us to the core and turned our lives upside. The three successive lockdowns have left us physically, mentally and emotionally scarred but now it is time to patch up our wounds, rebuild ourselves and hope better days are coming.

Having a positive mindset is no easy task at the best of times. With the added challenge of the pandemic, I had to work extra hard to stay sane.

This is my happy lockdown story.

During the height of the pandemic, when my gym was shut, I walked to get some fresh air, a bit of exercise and to let off steam.

Admittedly, at first, I was not too wild about this idea but it grew on me and as the weeks went by I warmed to it.

Gradually, walks became less boring and more meaningful. Nature was talking to me and I was responding.

We built a bond. We connected. It was cathartic and therapeutic, and I needed it badly. Every day. Twice a day.

So much so in fact that I found myself thinking one day – wouldn’t it be great if I could take nature home with me? And so I did.

I picked up a few branches, twigs and leaves and when I got home I created a miniature forest.

Nature was making me happy. Nature was keeping me sane. Nature was stimulating my senses and lifting my mood.

This story is published by Barnet Post, Barnet's free monthly newspaper and free news website. We are a not-for-profit publication, published by a small social enterprise. We have no rich backers and rely on the support of our readers. Donate or become a supporter.

I wanted more of that energy in my living space. I needed it for my sanity.

So I got some flowers and some plants and it changed my living space completely, creating positivity all around me.

Nature calmed me, making me happy and keeping my mind positive.

Now I cannot see my life without nature or flowers for that matter.

Nature has transformed me. Life is always going to be challenging but now I have changed my mindset.

I see life as a world of options and solutions, not limitations.

I will be 50 in a couple of years and for the second half of my life, I need all the support I can get to help me get through whatever life has in store for me.

Lockdown has not only taught me to toughen up but also to embrace the good, the bad and the ugly.

They often say in every cloud there is a silver lining. I believe it now.

Now I feel ready to face anything. So, bring on life, I am ready for you!

Are you interested in joining a walking group?

I’d like to start a small walking group so if you are interested in exploring the wonders of Barnet with me please email [email protected].

Barnet Post needs your help to move into print – please contribute to our crowdfunding campaign here.

The Post needs you. No matter how small, your support makes a difference

Barnet Post is a community newspaper that holds authority to account, highlights inequality, promotes good causes, and provides a platform for local people. We do real local news with no paywalls, free to read for all. We can only do this with the continued support of our readers. If you can afford to, please consider supporting us with a small monthly or one-off contribution..

Monthly direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month.