Apparently, changing your physiology changes your state of mind, or at least that’s what my cold-water swimming buddies say.
I woke this morning feeling overwhelmed by the number of tasks I needed to complete. Looking outside at the grey sky it seemed like a day to hunker down with a good book and escape. Then the phone rang, “How about a dip in Tal y Llyn at 11?”
Well, caught off guard, I couldn’t think of an excuse so I set off up the valley to the lake, clad in neoprene. Immediately my spirits lifted, the wiggly Sessile oaks still had leaves and the colour was so warm against the grey sky. The mountains clad in mist peeped out now and then and numerous birds flew overhead.
Getting out of the car at the lake I was relieved to see it was calm and reflecting the scene all around. I was the only one in a wetsuit; my companions a wee bit older in age were braver and more hardy.
We all took the plunge and suddenly my spirit was free (even if my hands were freezing). I spun and spun taking in the view reflected below and all around me. I almost felt I was inside a miraculous kaleidoscope, everything changing, reflecting, turning.
Driving home in the rain my spirits were much brighter and I even got into the studio to start work on a couple of paintings /collages.
The “Satsumas ” allowed me to share a photograph which I hope will bring a smile to your face. I’m sure you can understand why they they are called this.
Nuala Dunn Artist 