A Week at Hidcote Manor
As I write this, I am sitting under an apple tree in the orchard at Hidcote Manor, rain falling, my belongings and I getting soaked. My iPad drenched in rainwater and a stack of notebooks to my right glistening, heavier than before. The birds are singing and the skies are grey. It’s pure English countryside bliss.
I’ve been coming to Hidcote Manor every day now for the past five days, intending to continue until the week’s end. After a rough few weeks, months even, this has left me feeling more like myself again.
I can think clearly here. The ideas are aplenty and self-worth restored.
Shinrin-Yoku
There is something called shinrin-yoku (森林浴) aka “forest-bathing” in Japan. It is a form of nature therapy known to restore an individual’s mental and/or physical health by immersing yourself in nature. Something that I have needed so dearly these days.
Home away from home
This place is a home away from home. I feel comfortable and at peace here, like I belong in a world where I feel like I don’t.
It’s a place that transports me to the movies I wish I lived in like the Secret Garden or Nanny McPhee.
Nature in all directions, and a beautiful Manor House standing tall and proud.
My favourite spot
The woods with trees touching the sky, where birdsong is a plenty if you listen carefully. On sunny days, the shade is heaven and the dappled light calms me down. On cooler/rainy days, the shelter is comforting. When you sit and listen, the rustle of the leaves in the wind is like music to the ears, with a euphony of birdsong to accompany it in perfect harmony. It’s a place of quite with very few people especially on the more crowded days, I can hide out here until I feel ready to emerge again.
This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. This post includes affiliate links and I would love if you decided to use them. Affiliate links + referrals programs help educators like me, at no extra cost to you, fund the free content that we provide on our blogs.
