Meeting Date : Tuesday 29th April 2025
We began discussing Nature and how it made us feel. For some members nature is a profound and essential part of daily thought and life, although some didn’t share this at all. Someone suggested nature was paramount over the other two subjects (music and art); others expressed the view that being mindful when in nature is so important, taking in and appreciating all the beauty around. And that mindfulness is something to achieve whilst outside in a natural environment, whatever form that takes.
Another felt that of the three areas listed in the topic this had to come first as, without nature, humans wouldn’t have evolved into creatures who could produce music or art. This had to be the top of the tree.
Another lady gave the very transitory and seasonal nature event of Bluebell Woods as a wonderous, calming experience so beneficial to her mental health when able to wander and immerse herself among the flowers, colours, shade and scents.
I personally was reminded of incredible childhood feelings of awe being taken to The Lake District from my native Hull and the impact the mountains, the lakes, streams, farming and topography had on me. There, nature is still for me overwhelmingly present, it pulls on my gut and stimulates me like no other place on earth. I believe the strength of these sensations are linked to my parents and brother and the truly wonderful walking and exploring holidays we had several times a year there.
The impact of Music on many members seemed to evoke very similar powerful sensations. Music can be so evocative, taking you immediately back to a time and place from many years ago. We heard about how important music in our lives is, some feel it’s essential; having the radio on in the car, or not, is a good indicator. Some of us sing whenever we can, one is a member of the local Tuneless Choir, others, when growing up, were strongly encouraged to mime (myself included)! Advice came in the form of Spotify Playlists which you can play through your Alexa or mobile phone or tablet.
The impact of music is not positive for every person. Rather than calm or enjoyment and delight it can be a ‘turn off’ – clearly as humans we are all different and we cannot assume we respond universally to music (of any genre).
But what of our musical tastes? Folk songs, Gregorian chants to rock music; very eclectic tastes: ranging from Barber’s Adagio through musicals to Adele, The Beatles and Frank Sinatre.
Musicians among us ? Yes! Some talented members play musical instruments including the trumpet, clarinet and piano accordion. We chuckled to learn of enforced valiant early piano lessons which were to no avail… and coming from a musical family didn’t always mean that you inherited the same aptitude…
Music & Muscle Memory. One member shared with us the utter magic of musical memory: in an amazing and emotional video you can see how the music from Swan Lake took this lovely lady, sadly suffering with dementia, back to when she was a Prima Ballerina.
Watch the clip here on uTube. We were all mesmerised and moved.
Witnessing the elegant elderly lady performing Swan Lake remains for me a stand out thought-provoking moment of NWR Bourne meetings. Thank you NWR, you never cease to amaze me and make me thankful for what you bring to my life.
Art. Fewer members expressed Art providing the greatest effect on their life. Yet those that did describe the effects with passion, relating the ‘buzz’, and a ‘lift’ in the same way the music and nature lovers did. One member told us that she’s recently learned that she can paint! How wonderful to discover you have an untapped talent. We all appreciated what an achievement this is, especially having been told for most of your life that this was absolutely not the case. We were inspired to learn more about the subject of Art History and the symbolism embedded in paintings from different eras. Of how the love and interest in Art leads to exploration of new unexpected places and meeting of like-minded people. Finally, that art takes so many forms, not least poetry. We heard a deeply moving poem written as a kind of self-healing therapy.
If I have missed anything out, my apologies. It was a splendid topic, provoking wide discussion about our feelings, ideas and our personal lives and experiences.
Well done NWR Bourne for embracing the spirit of NWR.