2020 and 2021 provided me many opportunities to reflect on my core values and the need to re-align my life with them.

I have worked as a registered nurse since 1978, in various capacities, and I became a holistic nurse in 2003.  In September of 2021, I came to the decision that it was time to leave my final mainstream nursing position as a hospice nurse. I was certainly in service to others in my role, and was fulfilled by the work, yet I was not able to fully utilize all my gifts and passions.

I began to focus my attention on other ways to be of service. I spent time looking at my areas of interest and/or expertise: Healing Touch practice, holistic well-being education, empowerment and support, and nature photography.

In the position as a hospice nurse, work during the pandemic was even more intense. I began to experience compassion fatigue. I desperately needed solace and renewal and knew it was essential I elevate my level of self-care to pristine.

As nature has been a source of healing and happiness for me since I was a child, I knew I needed more time with her.

On my days off, I took myself to the beach and local parks and I spent time communing with nature in my yard. Shorebirds often arrived in my backyard after heavy rains. I was uplifted.

During this time, I reflected on the qualities of water.

I noticed reflections in the water from skyscapes, trees, birds, and man-made structures.

I noticed that the reflections were like the object that was being reflected, yet different.

In my own internal reflections, I was thinking and seeing things differently.

This prompted me to reflect on my past and present connections, in the human, animal, and natural world.

My oldest grandson died in October 2019. He was 19 years old.  

Nature was a place to grieve freely and fully, a balm for my mental and emotional well-being in times of darkness, and uncertainty, and in my daily life.  A safe space to heal and reflect. The water, in all its fluid forms; the ocean, creeks, ponds, and lakes, provided spiritual nourishment and grounding.  

I began to reflect on the idea that my passion for nature photography might bring some healing and solace to others.

I created a calendar for 2022, ‘Dunedin Reflections’, to share the photos.

I invited those who acquired the calendar to take some time, when turning each new month’s calendar page, to reflect, and allow even 5 minutes alone to sit with the photo. I encouraged them to take a few deep breaths, in and out, then to sit quietly and notice thoughts that arose from time with the photo. I encouraged having paper and pen available to jot down key insights.

During the pandemic, when not at work, I was less connected with humans, but not with nature. I am fortunate to have access to water and the life she supports. My gift to others was to share these reflections, the joy, and my deep love of nature. And yes, my passion for birds.

I continue to spend time in nature, renewing my body, mind, and spirit, and taking photos, many still, of reflections. I created another calendar for 2023.

In addition to the calendar, I have created note cards, note card box sets, and coasters with my photos. My photos now grace the homes of nature lovers on canvas. 

Please reach out to me if one or more of my photos ‘speak to you’ and if you would like to be on the mailing list for my 2024 calendar.

Donna