Mind Music Soul: The Adventure of Stories was first created in 2022 with local walking and community groups from Glenboig, Kilsyth and Shotts areas as part of Art is Everywhere, a research knowledge exchange project between North Lanarkshire Council’s Arts Development team and the University of Edinburgh.
The Audio Story Company and Poet Lisa Kennedy were commissioned to engage community members in creative conversations and the outcome of was 2 beautiful audio stories that explore mindfulness and wellbeing. We understand modern life is hectic and sometimes taking a moment for yourself can be difficult. We hope our audio stories can be used when you need a little time to yourself!
Need further info on Mind Music Soul: The Adventure of Stories? Head to the ‘Resources’ section at www.culturenl.co.uk/arts
This audio adventure is designed for indoor use. We encourage you to find yourself somewhere comfy to sit or lay down. This is a wee 10 minutes just for you. When you are ready, press play below. We hope this brings you what you need today.
Transcript
Hello, come away in. Welcome to Mind Music Soul. Make sure you’re comfy and let’s get started.
This is your wee 10 minutes, just for you. Yep, you. Like if a cup of tea was an audiobook. Put everything else on pause and let yourself be right here, right now.
It’s a chance to refill your tank or maybe just for some peace and quiet. A mini holiday for your busy head and your busy body.
We invite you to close your eyes now, while you listen. We promise there’ll be no surprises, no unexpected deliveries or guests at the door.
So, eyes closed if you like.
Take a few deep breaths.
In. And out.
..........
Think about your feet on the floor, your back on the chair.
This is your wee 10 minutes to connect your brain to your body, your body to your brain. Your wee 10 minutes to reflect, to remember, to recharge.
Start with your feet. Stretch and wiggle your toes. Feet that have paddled in water, marched up hills, danced late into the night. Let your feet move gently around the ground.
Stretch out your legs, maybe one at a time or both together. Legs that have ran and skipped, that powered bikes on long days trips, that walk for endless messages.
Place your hands on your knees. Give them a gentle rub. Knees that have been scuffed too many times to count, knobbly knees, knees proudly displayed in shorts and skirts.
Start rubbing your arms, like you’re putting on suncream. Arms that carry and lift - shopping bags, wee ones, loved ones. That reach the highest shelf.
Move up to your shoulders. Maybe rub them, too or give yourself a wee hug. Shoulders that carried schoolbags or scaffolding. That can carry the weight of the world. Shrug them gently up and down.
Move your head slowly side to side, up and down. Maybe twisting your head and shoulders one way then the other. Stretching whatever feels good for you. For the body that fulfils your daily routine and carries you through your day. That’s done a lot and does a lot.
Settle in your seat again. You can keep your eyes closed or open them and focus on a single point in the room.
..........
Think of all the stories you carry and imagine a space. A calm, bright white space - like a piece of paper before it’s been used.
You might not know it, but you’re an artist. Yeah, you!
This calm, white space is ready for you to fill, however you like with whatever you like. All you need is your stories and your memories – your paintbrushes and pencils. And we’ll give you some paint to get you started.
Imagine empty picture frames.
Memories like postcairds oan a wa’
Fae years gone by, nae time a’taw
Winters cauld ‘n summers lang
Games played, songs sang
Living fur the Glesga Fair
Day trips tae Salcoats, Troon ‘n Ayr
Picnics doon the Strathy Park
Play kick the can til it gets dark
If was’s could talk an’ trees could whisper
Ah wonder whit they’d say
Aboot the memories made right here
An the wan’s wull make the day
Imagine a chest of drawers.
Shiny peebles, trinkets an’ rings
A treasure trove ae aw kinds ae hings
Some hings auld, some ae it new
Faimly heirlooms passed oan ae you
A knittin’ nancy, the button tin
Piles ae records, where ae begin
Pictures, papers, a lock a’ hair
Mind leave room tae add some mair
Imagine a kitchen table.
Yer mammy’s soup or faither’s stew
Aw roon the table, eat tae yer fu’
Rhubard ‘n sugar, a piece ‘n jam
A poke ae chips fae yer Uncle Tam
Birthday cake. loaves ae breed
Ken aw the mooths yuv hud tae feed
Peeling tatties fur the Sunday roast
Raise a glass, wull hae a toast
Imagine a window in your space. You open the curtains to peer outside.
The Rag Man’s here, auld claise flung oot
Men cloak oot covered in soot
Fae doo the pits head o’er the hill
A hoose tae keep, bellies tae fill
A washin’ on the drying green
Time ae blether wi a freen
Tae cross the railway withoot a fine
Yer nee’bor hings a towel oan the line
Bogies bring bricks fae up the bing
The weans ur skippin’, hear them sing
Chimnies smoke, grass is cut
Front doors open, never shut
Some hings chinge
Others staun still
Moments tae cherish
A lifetime tae fill
Your space is filling up, make a few final touches.
Git the githers, hogmanay
Dae a turn, games tae play
First fittin’ fur the Bells
Aw yon tales we ayewis tell
When the workin’ week is done
Oot tae the dancin’, hae some fun
Gladrags oan, hit the danceflair
Git the band tae play jist wan mair
Take a wee snapshot of this space – your wee work of art. Remember it’s not quite finished, there’s always room for more. The stories made, the stories you’re making and the stories still to be made.
Let your toes tap, your head bop, your body sway, pass on a smile....
Feel free to get up and move around, with each other or just have a boogie in your chair.
Enjoy a moment of celebration with those around you.
..........
Settle in your seat once more.
Take a few deep breaths.
Feel the floor under your feet again, your back on the chair.
Your wee 10 minutes is almost up. Now it’s time to take that with you into your day, however you like. Maybe it’s time for a walk or back to your routine. Maybe it’s time for a blether together, sharing stories.
And remember to take your wee 10 minutes whenever you need it.
Thanks for stopping in.