I don’t know about you, but the last couple of days for me here in the UK have felt seismic, unprecedented and at times pretty heavy. It seems no-one really knows what’s going to happen from here on in. Which means the news is compelling and social networks are buzzing louder than ever. As people sit (understandably) fixated on their screens waiting for the next drip of news, I wonder, may be it’s the advertisers who are the real winners of this referendum?!
As easy at it is to get pulled into the sensationalistic media bubble, it is essential to step out of it for air and the only way I know how to do that is to take a walk!
This morning we removed ourselves from our self-made media cocoon and headed to Harewood estate. The grounds outside the house are free to walk, just 20 minutes from Leeds city centre and accessible via public transport. It is a stunning place to walk with spectacular views, abundant with wildlife and steeped in history.
As we trundled along with our dog and toddler in tow, thoughts began to lighten and the unease of the unknown began to drift. The landscape that surrounds Harewood House was designed and cultivated by Capability Brown and is truly inspiring. Brown started work on these ground in 1775 and completed it over six years. I found it remarkably comforting that in a world changing at dizzying speed people had been enjoying these scenes for nearly 250 years.
As we stopped to appreciate a herd of deer and highland cattle, we stumbled across a contented looking man sitting up against a tree with three dogs. After an exchange of pleasantries it transpired that he was 75 years old, his three dogs were English Setters, descendants from his first Setter over 50 years ago and he did not have a care in the world. His only concern was to sit with his dogs enjoying the magnificent view. It was one of the most beautiful sights I’ve come across and was just what I needed.
Whenever I’m at Harewood I am obliged to try and capture the swooping and gliding Red Kites found there and this occasion was no different.
The EU referendum has sparked something that we have never seen the likes of before, divisions seem starker than before, some people are elated, others devastated, some are scared while others are not sure what to think. But at a time of such high emotions and so many easy ways to express them, may be it’s a good idea to take a walk just before we “Share how we’re feeling” and see something different.