Melody 27 studying for an MSC in Animal Behaviour, shared with me her favourite music and film from the past 102 days.
Soundtrack in Isolation: Watching As She Reels – Rafael Anton Irisarri 4EVER – Clairo Map of the World – Thomas Newman
Princess Mononoke
One of the films I really enjoyed watching during lockdown was Princess Mononoke. A classic from Studio Ghibli based on the war between humans and the rest of nature, here represented between two main characters, two women belonging to different worlds. The film centres on the struggle between the supernatural guardians of a forest and the humans who consume its resources, as seen by an outsider who is on a journey to find the cure for a curse. I think this film illustrates very well the consequences for both humans and the forest when the balance within nature is lost. Written more than 20 years ago, you can relate the story with the current situation that the planet is going through. Two other themes found in the plot of the movie are sexuality and disability. Moreover, the animated sceneries are beautiful, and the forest’s creatures endearing.
Lockdown has affected everyone in many different ways. Although a lot of restrictions have been lifted where I am currently living, I am still processing it. It will take me a very long time. Because I experienced fear and stress like never before. Fear of getting the virus, of my family (far away) getting it. Besides, all my plans changed, of course. I was going to travel to Indonesia to carry out my master’s dissertation project, and I ended up staying in Edinburgh without a plan B. Uncertainty. Not the so exciting uncertainty that you may experience when solo travelling or starting a new life stage that you really wanted.
I am unsure whether I have changed my mindset or core values. But this period has strengthened the belief that our mind is a very powerful force, it shapes and creates our reality. During the first month of lockdown I was extremely concerned and stressed about the situation back at home, and this resulted in feeling sick. My thoughts altered my physical body. I was not able to return to my center. I could not focus on anything. I did not push myself to be productive and do a lot of activities, I needed to understand what was happening to my mind and body, and what they were asking for. Going for long walks in the beautiful and peaceful parks and cemeteries of the city helped me with this. Nature is always my best company, and a great ally during this time. And mediation as well. I am very far from mastering the serenity of my mind, but I did really feel better after practicing it.
Over time, I started to feel more calmed and to stay positive. I was usually this kind of person. Taking extra care of my mind, analysing the nature of my thoughts, even the most subtle ones. This is what I keep trying to do now. This experience is giving me the experimental proof for my beliefs about mind-body relationship.
