Woodland Mindfulness

05/12/2025

Does anyone else’s dog literally give them a big hug when they have been working busily all week and not been home much?

05/12/2025

Someone has missed me this week!

Does anyone else’s dog literally give you a hug when you walk in after a long busy week?

05/12/2025

How interesting!

I will definitely keep this in mind for the future!

Sour sweets can literally help interrupt a panic attack.🍬🍭

Mental health professionals explain that the intense, sharp flavour works as a grounding technique - it pulls focus away from racing thoughts and back into the present moment through a strong sensory experience.
That sudden zing, snaps the brain out of the spiral and redirects attention to something concrete: taste, saliva production, chewing, breathing. This shift can break the cycle of panic long enough to regain control and settle the nervous system.
Of course, sour sweets or candy are not a cure and they don't replace therapy - but in the middle of a panic surge, it can be a surprisingly practical tool to keep on hand.

According to Utah State University Extension (2023), grounding strategies like this can be especially helpful during panic attacks, while also noting that frequent or intense anxiety should be evaluated by a qualified mental health professional for long-term support and care.

Sometimes, relief can come from the smallest of things - a single sour sweet.

04/12/2025

We did it!!

What a performance!
What an honour!
What fabulous young voices from Churchfields Primary School!!
What powerful community connection for all the members of Beckenham Good Afternoon choir!
What incredible memories we made today!

04/12/2025

I am so excited!!

Old Vic here we come!!

Bev McGarey

04/12/2025

Love an action shot! I was utterly exhausted after this!!

Was such a lovely morning yesterday performing to the Penge Dementia Cafe Penge and Beckenham .. we will definitely come back next year for another sing along!

03/12/2025

This week we are singing every day in a different community setting bring joy to the world (ha ha!)… did you know that originally when it was written that wasn’t actually a Christmas song !

Even the Good HouseKeeping has got the Christmas singing vibe!

I actually just wish there was more throughout the year in some of the settings we are going to visit!

Singing isn’t just for Christmas!

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/health/a69508491/6-ways-that-singing-boosts-health/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAOc2VpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEe0ATO6TassUwJu3ofMk-8HeSnsstUs3iU-HEZeotD0pG5M411lncX_YjRIL8_aem_sBaA9MVg1K7i_6eWEiuHFw

GH health editor Sarah Maber explores the the healing power of music

02/12/2025

Community connections at its best!
I love this time of year! It really does make my heart sing!

Yesterday singing at MHA Hall Grange care home where there was so much festive spirit in the room we were absolutely bringing with joy by the end! All the residents joined in and the staff were incredible at supporting all the residents to engage with the singing. A real delight to be at!

Today, some of the wonderful Beckenham GAC joined me for singing at The PCN Connections Cafe. What a fabulous team of social prescribers and a great audience too!

Off to a Dementia Café tomorrow!

Photo of some members from Beckenham GAC

01/12/2025

Creative connections with Woodland Mindfulness at SJs Coney Hall

01/12/2025

Such a beautiful morning today at SJs!

I don’t know about you, but robin’s always make me drop and think about loved ones…

We went and picked up Christmas tree at the weekend at the wonderful Westerham Heights and as we pulled out the trees to have a look at the shapes a little Robin popped out from underneath!

Love these moments of community connection and art for wellbeing!

Woodland Mindfulness
Bev McGarey

29/11/2025

Some of you will know that I am starting a gratitude challenge for the whole of December (I actually started it on Monday as it felt the right time as next week is a very busy week for festive performances!)

It’s a really simple process, just list three things you are grateful for each day.. I have found some days easier than others but what is lovely is that I can look back already at a whole longs list of lots of lovely memories, moments, connections that can boost my system when I am feeling a bit low! Those precious nods of gratitude… a friend making the effort to pop in… the unconditional love of my dog…. A business connection taking shape … a new funding opportunity coming to fruition…

I also rather like the look of this gratitude exercises with M&Ms which I am going to do with Rosie one day after school next week! Mindful eating combined with gratitude’ what a combination!

28/11/2025

This is such a powerful and poignant visual reminder

The power of stepping away.

•
With love
Fiona
www.earthmonk.guru