'I must have flowers always, and always' - Claude Monet
This is one of my favourite quotes of all time and over the covid19 2020 lockdown period I realised what it truly meant for me.
For so many people lockdown triggered emotions, stress and anxiety that they had never faced before and for me lockdown 2020 was a time where I turned to flower arranging to occupy my mind. I also used flower arranging and flower growing to practise mindfulness to combat these unwanted feelings.
So I thought I would create a journal to help others and to highlight the joys of flower arranging. I hoped to inspire the reader to adopt a mindfulness lifestyle through flower arranging and flower growing.
Mindfulness (noun) - a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts and bodily sensations.
Research has suggested that mindfulness can lower stress levels, blood pressure and improve your sleep. Mindfulness teaches us to appreciate life's little pleasures and for me its flowers!
As well as mindfulness the journal teaches you simple elements and principles of floral design. Hints, tips and tricks for all flower arrangers from beginners to experts.
So many people enjoy fresh cut flowers in their homes, colour and scent boosts the mood as well as sentiment if they have been received as a gift.
'Flowers don't tell, they show' - Stephanie Skeem
To combat patches of boredom in lockdown I enjoyed crosswords and word searches, so I included several in the journal, flower related of course!
The Journal is also a space for you to record your favourite flower design as well as a few of my favourite inspirational quotes.
I absolutely loved writing/designing the journal and I hope you enjoy reading it as well!
Available to order on the website for £9.99 including postage https://www.bedfordshireflowerschool.co.uk/product-page/the-mindful-flower-arranger-s-journal or to pick up at any workshop in the Bedfordshire Flower School studio.