On Sunday the 30th of June 2019, I was honoured to be invited to attend a beautiful service held by SIMBA in remembrance babies lost during pregnancy or soon after birth. The Inverness Botanic Gardens provided a beautiful backdrop to the music and poetry that accompanied a symbolic butterfly release. Many families were in attendance for what was an emotional yet uplifting ceremony.
We have a natural instinct to seek nature’s aid in times of sorrow. The peace and tranquillity of nature can provide solace and the cycle of nature can bring hope of new beginnings. The SiMBA Tree of Tranquility is a stunning sculpture made from copper that sits in the botanic gardens. The Tree is adorned with individual leaves, each engraved with a personal message. Its aim is to offer bereaved parents the opportunity to honour their baby in a simple, quiet way and will effectively ‘grow’ as leaves are added.
Loss and change such as bereavement and parental separation can impact on children and young people’s health and wellbeing. Seasons for Growth is a school programme that supports children and young people to make sense of grief. It covers themes such as ‘Life is like the Seasons’ and ‘Change is Part of Life’. Children are taught to help care for their feelings and make good choices and understand that at times our emotions can be like ‘four seasons in one day’.
Grief can negatively impact on our health and wellbeing. It can lead to a variety of physical and emotional issues such as depression, trouble sleeping, anxiety and loss of appetite. When you are grieving, it can be difficult to find motivation to get outside and exercise.
In recognition of this the Highland Hospice launched Taking Steps in 2018. The group does not offer formal bereavement support but is supported by trained walk leaders from Highland Hospice. People are welcome to join the group during the first year or so following their bereavement, and it is not necessary to have had any previous contact with Highland Hospice. All walkers in the group are given the opportunity to walk in companionable silence or to chat with others who have had similar experiences.
Visiting places and landscapes that were a favourite of those who you have lost can often be a comfort.
If you have other examples you would like to share on how nature has helped you to deal with grief, then please drop me a line ailsa.villegas@nhs.net