Breathe UK - Issue 48 - June 2022

126 Pages·2022·33 MB·English

WELLBEING • MINDFULNESS • CREATIVITY • ESCAPE
Breathe
and make time for yourself
Permission to fl y Bright lights, big harvest Sacrifi ce your sacrifi ce Take a seat Out of the rough
Many ways to say goodbye Through a child’s eyes Message in a novel Go wild in the country

WELCOME
Stretching as far back as the ancient Romans and Greeks (and earlier
according to some), it’s hard to deny that the proverb ‘More haste, less
speed,’ has (in modern parlance) legs.
And there’s good reason for its longevity. Many will know that Stomach-
churning feeling when a rushed project comes back to haunt in the shape
of a colleague casually remarking that key information on a database no
longer adds up (there wasn’t time to perform the usual quality checks) or
a relative pondering the absence of great-auntie Mary at a family reunion
(that nagging suspicion she’d moved was correct, but those invitations
couldn’t be delayed any longer).
A similar adage could be applied to digital communications – that email,
text message or social media response hurriedly winged off under the
perceived pressure that requests, comments or updates always require
an immediate response. Maybe it could be called ‘More haste, less calm,’
(though the latter could as easily be ‘thought’, ‘quality’ or ‘clarity’).
The thing is, many communications can wait – not forever, but at least
until there’s been time to digest their contents and compose a considered
and, possibly, more constructive or thoughtful reply. This might take
30 minutes, an hour, a day or even a week. It depends on the context.
Part of the solution depends on establishing boundaries and expectations
with friends, family and acquaintances. After all, no one wants to be
thought of as rude or inattentive (or both). But for some there’s also a
need to let go of – or at least interrogate – the idea they must be a 24/7
troubleshooter, advisor and confidante for catastrophe to be avoided.
Mistakes and misunderstandings will always happen – even in slow time.
But imagine the calm without the haste to reply now.
COVER ARTIST
Maggie Stephenson is a Poland-born artist and illustrator. Based in the US, her work is influenced by
her European heritage and travels, combining rich textures, vivid colours and shape play. To view her
portfolio, visit maggiestephenson.com and follow her on Instagram @_maggiestephenson_.
CONTENTS
BREATHE ISSUE 48
WELLBEING LIVING
6 Take a seat 32 A letter to… me
A celebration of the humble bench If you’re looking for a different way to set
and its benefits to wellbeing intentions and organise your thoughts,
try sending yourself a note in the post
10 Your kind of rest
Breathe (ISSN 2397-9747) is published by How to identify the most beneficial 36 Drink me!
GMC Publications Ltd, 86 High Street,
Lewes, East Sussex BN7 1XN type of time out for the kind of How to bottle the essence of summer
Tel: [phone] tiredness you’re feeling by using garden fruit, herbs and flowers
to make botanical syrups
For editorial enquiries, email: 14 Winning smiles
[email protected]
Even fake smiles have the same 42 Wheels of change
For article and illustration feel-good effects as genuine ones It can be a challenging time, but there are
submissions, go to: ways to ease the move into a new job – and
breathemagazine.com/submissions 16 Slow but sure they also have positive effects on the brain
In a world of increasingly speedy
Editorial: Catherine Kielthy, Jane Roe,
Josie Fletcher, Chloe Rhodes communication, here’s how to 44 Bright lights, big harvest
Design: Jo Chapman slow the pace and overcome that Tales of urban foraging and suggestions
Marketing: Anne Guillot
sense of urgency to reply on sourcing wild edibles for yourself
Production: Jim Bulley, Scott Teagle
Publisher: Jonathan Grogan
Distribution: Seymour Distribution Ltd 20 Move outdoors
Printer: Precision Colour Printers Discover the joys and advantages
of taking your yoga practice outside
Subscription enquiries:
T: [phone] or
[email protected] 24 Play it safe
Easy-to-follow tips on how to set – and
To subscribe online, go to:
protect – your digital passwords
breathemagazine.com/subscribe
Views and comments expressed by individuals do 28 Holiday wobbles
not necessarily represent those of the publishers
and no legal responsibility can be accepted for the Why the prospect of time away can
result of the use by readers of information or advice
of whatever kind given in this publication, either in generate anxiety – and how to avoid it
editorial or advertisements.
Nutritional information given is a guideline only and
may vary due to ingredients/quantities used. The
ideas and suggestions contained in this publication
are not intended as a substitute for consulting your
GP. The publisher disclaims all liability in connection
with the use of this publication.
The information supplied in book extracts is the
responsibility of the book’s original publisher.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored
in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or
by any means without the prior permission of the
Guild of Master Craftsman Publications Ltd.
© Guild of Master Craftsman Publications Ltd 2022.
Breathe is printed on 100 per cent FSC-certified, DON’T MISS YOUR NEXT ISSUE, ON SALE FROM 4 AUGUST
post-consumer-waste recycled paper.
2
MINDFULNESS CREATIVITY ESCAPE
50 Permission to fly 76 Through a child’s eyes 98 Mythic legacy
Read this if you ever feel like you There’s something about the younger Ever wondered what gave rise to idioms
need to break free and lead a more years that appeals to film-makers involving Greek mythological characters?
unconventional life and cinema audiences alike Here are the stories behind them
56 Balancing the difference 80 Swept away 102 Go wild in the country
What’s behind the human tendency to The power of a coastal Take a trip to two special destinations
compare ourselves favourably to others? setting to tell a great story on opposite sides of the Atlantic to
experience some beautiful wildlife
60 Lines of thought 84 Untold story
An exploration of the process of Did you know that the inspiration 108 Radio romance
trauma recovery for many famous Disney characters Take a quick spin through broadcasting
came from French decorative arts? history and discover a selection of global
64 Out of the rough A fascinating exhibition reveals all radio stations to tune into en route
It might seem counter-intuitive but
sometimes framing goals in negative 92 Message in a novel 112 Different worlds
terms can have positive effects Certain books have the ability to Let yourself be inspired by a selection
change the reader’s world view, but of images from this year’s Sony World
70 Many ways to say goodbye how do you go about writing one? Photography Awards
Breathe takes a look at different practices
for honouring the dead around the world 120 Sacrifice your sacrifice
– and what can be learned from them Why it’s useful to drop the idea that to be
a good person you need to deny yourself
something or suffer in some way
facebook.com/justbreathemagazine • breathemagazine.com • instagram.com/justbreathemagazine
3

WELLBEING
‘Smile in the mirror. Do that every morning and
you’ll start to see a big difference in your life’
Yoko Ono
Take a seat
From classic garden styles to modern constructions, a bench is so much more than a place to rest
Often unnoticed but always accommodating of anyone who connection. They become meaningful points where like-
wishes to stop and sit, the humble bench graces public parks, minded people can gather, and those who prefer anonymity
city squares, and rural and coastal footpaths. A steadfast can sit in the comfort of others without any need to speak.
structure, it represents many things to many people – a spot In particular, The Bench Project research report said: ‘Benches
to rest for the weary, a place to watch the world go by for the are a highly valued resource, particularly for people who may
curious, an area of reflection for the bereaved. In the aftermath find themselves at the margins of society.’
of national lockdowns, it also became a symbol of unity as These findings are reflected in the manifesto, which
people emerged from confinement to be reunited with friends stipulates that ‘sitting on benches enables a flexible and
and family in outdoor spaces that allowed for social distancing. undemanding way to enjoy public life’. It also suggests that
But street furniture has long played a vital role in mental, there are key reasons why a good bench can support happiness,
physical and social wellbeing, especially in urban areas. not least because it epitomises an egalitarian society where
everyone is welcome.
Valuable benefits
Its importance was highlighted in Manifesto for the Good Egalitarian ideals
Bench, a six-point proclamation that drew on the findings of Bristol-based Sam Wilmot, 25, who has been reviewing and
a 2015 London-based research study, The Bench Project, to rating benches on a dedicated Instagram account for three
promote the value and significance of street furniture in urban years, supports the principles of the manifesto. ‘Benches add
neighbourhoods. Produced by the Universities of Sheffield, value to cities, the countryside and the lives of people,’ he says.
Sheffield Hallam and Sussex, in collaboration with community ‘Most seats in everyday life cost something. A seat on the bus,
organisations, The Bench Project reported that the everyday act on the tube, in a theatre or cinema all cost money, likewise
of sitting on a bench for free – and for as long as needed – had your sofa at home. The freedom to sit outdoors, taking a
many benefits for both solitary reflection and social interaction. moment to rest and watch the world go by, is invaluable.’
Sam started the project as a bit of fun when he was studying
Sense of belonging Modern History at Swansea University in Wales. Now he has
It revealed that bench users benefitted from the social a worldwide following, with fellow enthusiasts sharing guest
opportunities offered by these shared spaces, whether they reviews. Whether from the US, Australia, India or Eastern
sat alone or with company. This is partly because the very Europe, all the reviews are connected by a common interest and
public nature of a bench encourages a sense of belonging and appreciation for the unassuming bench. ‘One of my favourite
6
7
guest reviews was from Lake Bled in Slovenia,’ reveals Sam. connection, belonging, reassurance and equality. A bench-stop
‘It’s just a lovely bench and a beautiful view.’ is a place for everyone, regardless of age, mobility, gender,
The ideal bench is about much more than a view, however. heritage or financial status. ‘Taking a moment to sit only costs us
Sam awards marks out of 10 to each one, based on design, time, but in return, we get to pause, talk, engage with strangers,
material, comfort and whether it has a plaque or dedication. make decisions and to watch the world,’ says Sam. What’s clear
Of the hundreds featured, those that rate highest are typically is whether it’s used to rest, regale friends with stories, people-
made from wood or timber (Sam’s preferred material). A backrest, watch or sit quietly, recoup and reflect, the humble bench is
curvature in the seat and armrests are also praised for comfort. much more than just a part of the street furniture. It has
The ultimate no-no, it seems, is seat dividers, which are cemented itself firmly in the hearts and lives of people the
sometimes referred to as ‘hostile architecture’. world over, even if just as a place to rest weary feet.
While there are design, cosmetic and environmental factors
that can add to a person’s enjoyment of a bench, the reviews on Words: Kelly Lewis
Sam’s account suggest it all comes down to personal preference. Kelly’s favourite bench is an unassuming, simple wooden
Some will favour a lone wooden bench in a quiet spot that structure that sits on a cycle path overlooking the beautiful
allows time for quiet contemplation, while others prefer to take Loughor Estuary in South Wales. It’s where she remembers
a hi-tech seat from one of several that might be on offer in a her dad, Martin Harsant, who died in 2019, and where some T
N
busy city square. For many, a good bench is one that is full of of his ashes are scattered. They both enjoyed cycling together, RE
A
P
meaning, with memories literally carved in the wood. and she still regularly cycles the path to feel close to him. T
E
NS: J
O
Rest assured Visit the-bench-project.weebly.com to find out more about TI
A
Arguably, however, a well-designed bench is one that encourages The Bench Project, or follow @benchprojectLDN on Twitter. TR
US
people to spend longer outdoors in a safe place. It affords Follow Sam Wilmot on Instagram @ratethisbench. ILL
8