Life in Spring

Spring is that time when the trees are covered in new foliage and the world is brighter. This change in season awakens subconscious thoughts and re-evaluates how I interpret an everyday occurrence. Winter’s cold winds may seem to destroy the Spring warmth in the very beginning, but eventually, Spring will win.

From this ebb and nothing, comes a new consciousness of the most trivial of events, creating a story with thoughts so strong it begs to be written.

The sun holds onto the day until late in the evening. The late evening light gives us time to enjoy the garden’s colour and scent. Later my eyes adjust to the lowlight allowing me enough sight to reveal the peace of the evening.

Walking in the gardens of Kingston Lacy and I realise just how well I have come to know the place. Every tree we pass, every stream we cross, hold memories and associations. I recognise flowers, swans with their signets, trees of particular favourite to Jenson and seasonal plants. The light at different times of the day or the clouds forming when the air is warm and the wind turns to the northeast. Wildflowers I expected to see in the fields or woodland and those which catch me by surprise because I was inattentive.

This is a time when I know I love this land, this country and the life I have here. I would not say I understand it, more that I and this land, have come to an understanding. Which seems good for me.

This week brought a new chapter to my life. I swore an oath to His Majesty King Charles.

That on becoming a British Citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, the Third. His heirs and successors according to law.

I also pledged that I will give my loyalty to the United Kingdom and respect its rights and freedoms. I will uphold its democratic values and I will observe its laws faithfully. I will also fulfil my duties and obligations as a British Citizen.

Strangely, I felt quite humble by this simple pledge and at the same time very grateful for everything I have.

This is my life now for better or worse. I shared the sensibilities of those around me and that carries enough acceptance to tolerate the inevitable differences. I'm freer than I would be elsewhere, and you know that is always important to me. Although even here, I have needed to act at times for the perceived good of the community in ways I doubt the wisdom of. Inevitable, I suppose.

Getting back to my walk. What did I see of consequence, do to plan, add as an achievement? Nothing profound, just as my daily walk and swim at Sandbanks beach fills me with that strange joy to be alive, these walks are in themselves a celebration of life.

The beautiful exploration of cold-water swimming, why it provides such a boost to body and soul.

We know the benefits of swimming outdoors and in nature—environmentally friendly and accessible, it can influence our happiness, our energy and our inner tranquillity. Cold-water swimming takes this one step further, as contact with cold water all year round can also have a significant positive impact on our physical health, confidence and well-being.

The 'cold-shock response', is the massive endorphin rush as our body reacts and adapts. Not only do our circulation, heart, lungs and skin respond positively, but our immune system and metabolism too. Most specifically its how our 'brown fat' is activated to benefit multiple health conditions. Brown fat breaks down blood sugar (glucose) and fat molecules to create heat and help maintain body temperature. Cold temperatures activate brown fat, which leads to various metabolic changes in the body.

Submerging yourself in cold water is not for everyone. The temperature of the water creates a stress reaction in the body, the same kind of reaction we experience if we find ourselves in a scary or tense situation. The body releases the stress hormone cortisol and breathing frequency and heart rate increases. The body’s fight or flight mechanism kicks in, explaining why the natural reaction to getting into cold water is to want to get out as fast as possible. The ability to walk on water has been tried on many occasions.

As anyone who has braved an icy dip will know, the stress reaction recedes as you adjust to the temperature. There is no evidence to suggest that repeatedly putting your body through cold water immersion gradually reduces the severity of the initial stress reaction.

It may not be that cold water swimmers become acclimatised to the water, they just get used to their body’s reaction and the reaction itself becomes less severe.

That is my research and findings, as well as my personal experience of swimming all year round, hopefully, it was reasonably entertaining. I must admit to feeling mildly superior to other walkers who do not swim.

Where were We - Corfe Village in Dorset

Our first point of call for anyone who visits us is Corfe Castle and the village. Great food and normally quite peaceful. The Banks Arms or The Greyhound always serve a good pint and an enjoyable Ploughman’s lunch, dogs are allowed. The National Trust has a very good tearoom at the castle entrance and they do an amazing cream tea for those afternoon visits.

Tourist Information describes the village as: A trip to Corfe Castle has to be on everyone’s wish list when visiting Dorset ~ it’s easy to find and there is lots to see and do when you get here. Exploring the Castle is great fun for kids of any age, and there are plenty of places to explore in the village to keep you occupied all day.

You can visit the Model Village (a 1/20th scale model of Corfe Castle and the village), learn about the village in the tiny museum, explore the winding streets and see the unique Purbeck Stone Cottages.

Where are we this time?

After exploring this national treasure, refuel with a tasty treat from the Café or Kitchen Garden kiosk. Then browse for gifts and souvenirs at the shop, garden shop or second-hand bookstore. Pop in throughout the day to keep refuelled and refreshed. You'll find a wide range of sandwiches and light snacks, cream teas, crisps, confectionery and ice cream.

There's a special children's lunchbox for little ones, as well as one-pot lunches served with a bloomer for heartier appetites. We've got a range of vegetarian options (try the vegan pasty), and you can pick up a fresh coffee or tea to take away with you.