Reminiscing is a curious thing.
A scent, a song, a scrap of paper tucked inside a book, and suddenly whole chapters of life come wandering back in. Some of these chapters are easily navigated, whilst others require a whole lot more attention. These may be filled with drama, heartbreak and lessons to learn. Lately I’ve found myself thinking about the many lives we seem to live within one lifetime.
The years teaching Japanese — chalk dust – yes, chalk dust. In a way I missed the way the colours could be blended, the light and heavy texture in writing Japanese characters. All that went as the curriculum leaned into laptop programs.
Hiragana, Katakana and Kanji charts. Some of which I am rediscovering as I unpack the multitude of boxes from the recent move. I thought that I had given away all my teaching materials and resources prior to the move. But here they are, popping up unexpectedly and triggering the reminiscing.
Memories of those delightful moments when a student suddenly got it. Language lessons were never really just about language. They were about curiosity, confidence, culture, and connection. We made year books, Japanese gardens and hopefully created an interest in Japan for young minds to explore. Long before “play-based learning” became fashionable jargon, there was the quiet understanding that children learn best when imagination is invited to the table. I presented to several conferences about creativity in language programs during my teaching career and if so inclined, you can read my Conference Notes .
Another chapter was the deep dive into Steiner teacher training. Learning was painted, modelled, sung, and stitched. Tuesday evenings for four years, not an indulgence or a chore like traditional university-based courses. Where I created a pentatonic harp slowly carved out of a plank of Oregon wood, where I sang, where stories mattered. Seasons mattered. Wonder mattered. A place where creativity wasn’t an “extra” but the heartbeat of learning itself. This wonder still lingers today.
Looking back, it’s the people who colour the memories most vividly. Friends who arrived unexpectedly and stayed for decades. Friends who drifted gently out of orbit as life changed shape. And some who left far too soon – motorbike accidents or terminal illnesses. Leaving behind unfinished conversations, shared jokes that still echo, and moments that can still catch unexpectedly at the heart.
There’s a tenderness to reminiscing as we get older. Less urgency somehow. More gratitude. Not every chapter lasted forever. Not every plan unfolded neatly. But each season brought its own gifts, lessons, laughter and companions for the road.
And perhaps that’s the quiet magic of memory —
it reminds us that even fleeting connections leave lasting fingerprints on the soul.
Mindful Engagement
Doodling provides a non-verbal means of expression, allowing you to channel your emotions and thoughts in a visual format. 
Central to the practice of creativity as a tool for mental wellness is mindfulness – the practice of cultivating present-moment awareness without judgment. When immersed in the creative process, either by painting, drawing or writing, we anchor ourselves in the here and now, letting go of worries about the past or future. This mindful engagement with our creative side not only fosters a sense of calm and tranquility but also enhances our ability to cope with stress and uncertainty.
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that utilizes creative techniques to promote emotional healing and self-expression. It is gaining more recognition for its effectiveness in treating various mental health issues. Through guided exercises, individuals are encouraged to explore their thoughts and feelings in a safe and supportive environment. This process often uncovers hidden insights and emotions. Whether it’s painting, drawing, sculpting, or collage-making, the act of creating art can be profoundly cathartic, offering a means of processing complex emotions and experiences that may be difficult to express verbally.
In addition to creativity and mindfulness, practicing gratitude is another powerful tool for improving mental wellness. Having a mindset of gratitude involves consciously acknowledging and appreciating the big and small things that enrich our lives.
In conclusion, the importance of creativity in overcoming mental health issues cannot be overstated. Whether through mindfulness, art therapy, gratitude practices, or other creative pursuits, harnessing our innate creative potential can provide solace, insight, and empowerment on our journey towards mental wellness. So, let us embrace our creativity, nurture our minds and spirits, and unlock the healing power that lies within each of us.
Spending time in nature can have numerous benefits for refreshing body, mind and soul.
Many people find solace and a sense of purpose when they spend time outdoors, whether it’s hiking in the mountains, strolling in a park, or simply sitting under a shady tree. As an aside, exercise also helps to lower your cortisol levels and manage your stress.
A simple and effective way to help your mental health is by doodling. “What is doodling?” you may well ask. Doodling is drawing simple, spontaneous, and often repetitive lines, patterns, shapes, or designs. While it may seem like a mindless activity, doodling can serve as a powerful tool for relaxation and stress reduction.
Boredom buster:
Creating a successful visualization needs to take time and some effort. Of course the goal needs to be reviewed to ensure that it is achievable, although if you want to stretch your beliefs, you can move into the realm of manifestation. So how to best approach it all?
Walking amongst the trees to observe their seasonal change and growth was the one thing I really looked forward to during the second lockdown here in Victoria. These trees were planted many years ago and the park is part of a precinct that now includes an art gallery and a library. The trees were most likely planted by some settlers of Irish origin who took up farming in the area who may not have envisaged the growth of the urban sprawl that has since happened.
Art helps with feelings of sorrow, particularly the medium of photography. It can convey the immediacy of a situation and captures – particularly in black and white – to the collective and subconscious emotions of the viewers.