Taken from Lynne’s weekly column ‘Green Scene’ for the Western Mail
10th September 2022
Never Too Old to Learn
The ‘new term’ sees me back in Usk College studying sports massage – two days a week this time, instead of evenings, which is a whole new level of commitment – and I am loving it. I am the oldest student on this course too, but I am now wearing that accolade as a badge of pride.
It is never too late to reinvent yourself. Start a new career at 50. Fall in love at 60. Learn to dance at 70. Start over whenever you want to. Stop saying you can’t. You can and you should. Dreams don’t have expiration dates, people do.
With Adult Learners’ Week coming up, from the 19th of September, I wholeheartedly encourage you to explore all the opportunities to learn new skills that you can. Adult Learners’ Week is the biggest celebration of learning in Wales, with the campaign being coordinated by Learning and Work Institute in partnership with the Welsh Government and other partners.
The campaign aims to inspire more people to discover a passion for learning and skills development. This year’s campaign will signpost hundreds of courses, tasters, events, open days and learning resources that are free and accessible for everyone. Of course we never stop learning – life makes sure of that – but it is a fab’luss opportunity to investigate all those things that you have ‘always fancied doing’. More information at www.adultlearnersweek.wales You can also download a campaign toolkit to be able to get involved.
Excellent Evening
Still on the theme of learning, I felt very honoured to be asked to speak and hand out the awards at the Annual Award Ceremony for Crickhowell High School last week.
Their motto is ‘Excellence Through Endeavor’ and there was indeed much excellence showcased.
It was a lovely evening meeting so many inspirational and enthusiastic teenagers – and Mums and Dads and teachers of course.
And staying with the theme of excellence – see how this column is woven into existence – I was mightily impressed with good friend Ellen Wood who recently led a couple of determined women on a recce of a section of the Brecon Beacons to the Black Mountains – through the night!
The ‘warrior women’ were training for the ‘Beacons to the Blacks’, a Limitless trail event, offering the choice of a 50 Mile Ultra Marathon, Marathon, Half Marathon or 12K all being run on Saturday 17th September. They have entered the Ultra and Ellen coached them in essential night running skills prior to the event.
If you are quick off the mark you can still enter before 6pm tomorrow (11th) or have a look at the website for future events. These include ‘Paras 10 for Woody’ on the 8th October where you can either run 10 Miles, or Tab (in boots and Bergen), individually or as a team of 4, and the Secret Santa Run on the 3rd December. Events for 2023 are also on the website. www.limitlesstrails.co.uk
All events are impeccably managed and due to eye-watering elevations, have the most spectacular views. And whilst everyone focuses on getting to the top of the mountain, remember growth, happiness and excellence occur during the climb.
Self Meditate
The more I talk to people – I appear to have wandered back into the ‘public speaking’ arena – the more I hear how much everyone is struggling with ‘stuff’.
I think we all need to turn off the News, go outside, breathe and relax; we were never supposed to carry the burdens of the world.
During most of these conversations I, at some point, recommend Transcendental Meditation.
We are so lucky to have one of the best teachers, Helen Evans, based in Cardiff. www.uk.tm.org/cardiff-south-wales
Training with Helen quite simply enhanced my life – and you all know how important self-development is to me. As I get older I am staggered by the amount of people that say, ’I haven’t got time’ for the very things that would help to improve their life and health. If you don’t make time for health, you will inevitably have to make time for illness.
There is a Zen proverb that goes something like, “If you don’t have time to meditate for half an hour everyday, that’s when you should meditate for an hour.”
Pawfect Fun-draiser
Yogi is still enjoying and benefitting from a visit to hydrotherapy each month and she has asked me to share with you that the lovely lady (Sue) who takes her hydrotherapy sessions is also fundraising for the rescue dogs she looks after.
Frankie, a well-loved rescue dog, needs an operation to remove a lump from his face. Being middle aged, and having not had the best start in life, he has had a few health issues and is not very easy to handle. Sue has a heart of gold and rescues dogs that have ‘challenges’ as a result of people ‘letting them down’.
Another rescue, Marley Dobe, also needs medication for the rest of his life for Addison’s Disease. As if he hasn’t been through enough. As part of their rescue, Sue is committed to providing every type of care these dogs need and to meet these rising costs she is organising a “Frankie and Friends Fundraiser’.
Four Seasons Kennels and Hydrotherapy have partnered up with the Green Mile Training Camp near Cardiff to invite you – as individuals or teams (including corporate teams) – to experience exhilarating facilities including the obstacle course and rope skills and to learn cold water breathing techniques before enjoying the plunge pool – think Wim Hoff. Very current. And cold.
Taking place on Saturday 24th September, all ages and levels of fitness are welcome and you can join in the fun for just £25 per person. You can do as much or as little as you choose – and if your knees don’t fancy the more physical stuff, then I highly recommend the breathwork and plunge pool.
You can also make a donation, or as I see it, ‘pay not to take part’. All the money raised will go towards supporting the rescue dogs with their various needs.
For more details or to register an interest please call Sue on 07789 071738 or donate via PayPal at frankiesfundraiser@yahoo.com Thank you – from Yogi and her four-legged friends.
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