End Piece

A good friend reminded me that everyone has a unique set of life experiences and a unique way of dealing with them. And that’s the door which Ruth has opened wide for me, a door onto ideas and practices which give me a way of dealing with my own life’s experiences – soothing past medical trauma and allowing the many, many 'light-filled moments' to resurface and be celebrated.

I’m certain there are well-documented explanations for this; mental health practitioners might describe it as ‘Therapeutic Photography’ and/or ‘Photo Therapy’ in practice (Ruth's not a qualified therapist and never makes those claims) whilst educationalists might mention the sustainable nature of the learning skills. And I’m sure they’d all be right. But, as a recipient, I’m simply aware that it's been an amazing time of healing and moving forward – a time of sunshine after the rain, in fact.

Sunshine After the Rain

When I was trying to think of alternative words to replace 'mindful’ in the phrase ‘mindful photography' (because I’m never sure whether I fully grasp its full meaning) I thought of stimulating photography, exciting, intimate, liberating, thoughtful, healing, energising and soothing photography. And I'll use these same words again to describe those few short weeks – they do it so precisely.

Then I'll add that Ruth shared her ideas freely and generously; and did so in a positive, forward-looking way which holds the same promise as Catherine Woodiwiss' belief – that "healing from trauma can also mean finding new strength and joy". And it means that I can look to the future again.

Thank you, Ruth xxxx