Yesterday we visited Kew Gardens, London, exploring 300 acres of parks, gardens and greenhouses. Three encounters:
We were surprised to a pair of parakeets in the trees. As the day went on we realised that in the gardens there are many parakeets. Because we aren’t used to seeing parakeets, we were aware of their constant presence.
A young family were fascinated, watching a squirrel playing on the ground. We weren’t nearly so impressed – they come in our garden at home every day.
A fox came out of some woodland area. It looked at us and other humans for a couple of minutes then went on its way, unperturbed, minding its own business.
On the train I read, ‘Slow Down, Show Up & Pray’. Ruth Rice’s mental ill health led her to open a wellbeing centre near Nottingham. Subsequently she’s set up ‘Renew Wellbeing’ that helps churches around the country to replicate her Renew Wellbeing cafe concept… There are now around 260 Renew spaces across the UK…
‘Kew Palace’ was the home of George III. Recently George has achieved fame as the mad king in ‘Hamilton’, in the American Wars of Independence… Yesterday’s ‘history lesson’ highlighted his severe, recurring and eventually permanent mental health condition that caused him to live isolation. Leaflets promoted a local mental health/ wellbeing charity.
Many people I know live with ongoing mental ill-health issues. I can be like…
…the fox – looking to see what’s going on, and then be on my way, minding my own business.
…my attitude to squirrels – I’ve seen so many, that I take little interest and don’t react.
…my response to parakeets – be constantly aware – listening, seeing, noting, responding.
In Genesis it’s not Kew Gardens, it’s the garden of Eden. Adam and Eve have eaten the fruit. God calls out, ‘Where are you?’ The picture recurs throughout the Bible – God looks for his people, Jesus, the shepherd, looking for his sheep…
Mental ill-health? Like Jesus, like yesterday’s parakeets, I’m to look out, be aware, and respond.
malcolmsmusings.org 
Kew Gardens is where we encountered our first chipper British Robin. It was very interested in our lunch.
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I think we probably saw him yesterday as well. Joy!
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Kew Gardens must be gorgeous nature park to vlslt and the animals sound like a real delight. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about mental health awareness, Malcolm. 🙂
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it seems such a far-reaching issue that so many are concerned about – whether it is related to autistic-spectrum issues, depression, anxiety/stress, PTSD, dementia… as well as specific concerns for young people, stressed workers, the elderly. It seems to be a responsibility that involves us all.
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Malcolm you saw these Kew Gardens in Britain. Anita
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Yes, Anita. Kew is West London. We live about 150 miles away from there – and went by train.
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Malcolm, you always pair your words perfectly with the pictures and your life experiences. What wonderful places to visit! Like you, I want to look out, be aware, and respond. It’s in my family, even. One never has to look far to see those struggling. There was a time in my life when I felt despair. I wanted it all to end. In my recent journey, I started to feel that again. If someone is struggling there are many ways we can support–but we have to be open to do it, don’t we? Thank you for sharing, Malcolm. I’d love to visit these gardens and historical places! Many blessings!
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You’re right, Karla. There are folk all around who are struggling with their mental health. I don’t have any big answers, but I know that I can be more aware and more sensitive to those whom I meet and know.
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Quite an outing! Love the bold red of that building. And wild keets! 😊
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It was a great place to visit. We spent a day there, could spend another and still not see it all!
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Your parakeet approach to sharing space with the mentally ill is spot on, Malcolm. This hits close to home for me; everyone who struggles with mental illness is someone’s son or daughter, husband or wife, or mum or dad. The stigma that often accompanies mental illness makes it doubly difficult to navigate. As you said to another commenter, deep answers are hard to find with this subject, but loving and caring and sharing with those who struggle with mental issues goes a long way.
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I’m constantly realising, David, that although I’m not an expert I can still be there, still care, still be myself, still show up and step up, accepting people as they are, not as they used to be, or as I or others would like them to be.
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