Hey everyone,
It’s Easter week! I’m taking the next two weeks off to be with my son, Theo. So, amongst playing cars and splashing in muddy puddles, it might be a little tricky to send my usual weekly newsletter. But I’ll be back after the holidays and look forward to catching up then.
Simple But Beautiful, Flaws And All
This week I have been getting ready for printing all the beautiful flowers, plants and leaves that are about to come now it’s Spring. This speedy time-lapse shows the process of creating a botanical ink print. Simple but beautiful, this method captures the unique details and form, imperfections and natural lines of a flower or leaf. Each print is one-of-a-kind.
Mud, Glorious Mud
Last week, I shared Lucy Jones' book ‘Losing Eden, Why Our Minds Need The Wild’ which is an eye-opening observation on humanity's connection to nature, how we are slowly losing it, and the importance of getting it back.
For part two of the spotlight on this book, I wanted to tell you all about the miracle of mud. Yup, you heard me, mud. I have a very quick science lesson coming up. Bare with me…
Did you know that mud contains properties that stimulate an anti-depressant in our brains? Boosting our serotonin levels and doing the same thing that anti-depressant drugs are designed to do. There is a bacteria in soil called Mycrobacterium Vaccae, and studies have shown that spending time in nature around soil makes our bodies and minds healthier and more balanced, exposing us to the helpful bacteria.
Because as a society we now live inside in air-conditioned, anti-bac sprayed environments, we are exposed to fewer organisms from the natural environment via plants, soil, and animals. Humans once lived alongside nature, and food was not wrapped up in plastic. We are now having much less opportunity to be exposed to diverse microorganisms that have such positive effects on us.
So my message for you today, go find some mud and have a splash around :) We all need a boost after a long winter, so go for that walk and smell the fresh spring air.
Thank you for reading and Happy Easter, have a great two weeks eating chocolate and speak to you soon!
Lydia x
Oh I love the idea that mud helps me feel balanced! I shall smile and think of you as I go for my muddy walk with the dogs today- and there was me trying to avoid it! Have a wonderful time with your family! Tori x