Scotland Has Taught Me One Golden Rule of Life: The Weather Is Inside You
A round-up after a calm summer in Scotland + News and updates from The Feel Good Life as great months approach.
Welcome to The Feel Good Life! A newsletter about health, prevention, empathy, and hope. Join me, Dr. Mariana, as I explore all sides of good health and a good life. New around here? Get started. :)
I refuse to believe that summer is almost over…
I’m in Scotland and let me tell you, summer didn’t come here this year, so yes, I’m still waiting. And since the warm light in the sky is starting to turn white and to slowly fade away, I find myself in the usual ‘cosy-ing up mode’ inherent to the autumn season, which I love too.
However, since I’m not ready to welcome autumn just yet, I’m travelling to Barcelona to enjoy the tail of Catalan summer while stuffing my face with tapas in the good company of family and friends. Sí señooooor!
One good thing about this mystical, rainy Scottish summer though, is that I’ve had many good excuses to snuggle and read over endless cups of tea. August has been a calm, slow month.
After almost a year living here, Scotland has taught me one valuable thing: the weather is inside you, not outside. In other words, it doesn’t matter what kind of day is happening outside, what matters is how you stand up and live your day regardless.
The weather inside you. What governs your mind and your heart is what truly dictates how you live your every day. I’ve always believed in working the quality of your thoughts and emotions to improve the quality of your life. What I didn’t know is that even when we learn to ‘master’ our emotions, if we don’t surrender to the fact that everything outside our skin’s perimeter is out of our control, we will still be somehow dependent on such outside, call it weather, people, work, society and more.
Here’s a great song to accompany this sentiment:
August might’ve been summer in the Northern hemisphere, but it was a ride into the depths in the Mariana hemisphere. And when that happens, we must go with the flow. Time for an inner trip.
We are an ocean full of waves.
In this ocean that is us, there are amazing waves but also gnarly tides. At times, we’re at the peak enjoying the sun’s reflection, and other times we’re in the deep, seeing our own reflection in the mirror of inner darkness. Both needed and extremely powerful.
I’m usually an insightful person. I have a big imagination (apparently with a vivid hyperphantasia), and I love being in my own inner world. I take long walks through the green parks of my mind. Sometimes I visit the past, other times I visit the future, and the rest of the time I’m doing all sorts of things in the present. In those paths I have big oceans and beautiful beaches. I have the image of places I’ve loved during my travels, and also incredible imaginary spots from places that don’t exist. I have theatres where I frequently perform musicals and dance shows. Sometimes I become a mermaid, sometimes I fly too. It’s quite a fun, magical place to be.
And of course, there’s the dark side-alleys where I can get lost sometimes, making me feel scared and insecure. It’s a weird feeling when getting lost…always seeming impossible to reach for anyone else in there, like being muted from the world, unable to allow myself to scream for help. It’s dark, silent, echoey and scary. However, there’s always a voice that shows up. When it does, the creepiness of it all becomes less arid and more manageable. Suddenly you’re not alone. The voice approaches and before realising it, you’re both talking. It’s dark but there’s also light somehow. You’re okay with it, and you become curious, you want to talk more, to know more. Who is it? What is it doing here? What is it trying to tell me?
You have forgotten about the state of the world outside, fear has vanished down in the depths and you’re just sitting there, calmly paying attention to the voice. You realise this is important, just like when you’re up on the surface riding the wave. You talk. You listen to each other. You hold each other.
After a comfortable while, it’s time to leave. Turns out we spend more time up on the surface than we do down in the depths. It’s the norm, it’s the flow of being human. So when feeling ready, I greet the voice.
- ‘Until next time.’ - I say with a smile as I float back up.
For some reason, the light always seems to be up, while darkness is down. Not sure where this ideation comes from…maybe we’re so used to the sun being up in the sky…but so is the moon every night. All I know is that I’m always reminded that the depth isn’t a bad place after all. Instead, it’s a powerful one that shows me the way to bravery every time. The way to recognising, loving and accepting the parts of myself I had long forgotten and buried in there.
And so life goes on. Summer is almost over, while Mariana’s August slumber is nicely waking up into September, energised, calm and grateful. I see a bag full of hope and ideas waiting for me on the up-side as I come back, reminding me how glad I am about those short visits to the down-side every time. It’s easy to forget how vital they can be.
Have you been there lately? When was the last time you went to your depths? It can be a confusing and scary trip to plan, but once you make it, just walk around and have a view just like you would do whenever in Greece, in Rome or in the tropical forests. Look up, be curious, say hello. The voice will show up. Talk to it, get to know it, listen to it, and share if you feel like it. It will be happy to have you.
- ‘Don’t forget to come back again!’, the voice says with a smile as you fade away.
What a remarkable summer trip I’ve had, I realise as I type these words.
Never in my life did I plan or imagine living in Scotland while also getting a chance to be a full-time writer, betting it all on my (he)art and soul, yet here I am. I can confirm that this land has something mystical and magical. It gets under your skin, it grows in you. It changes you little by little every day without you noticing. I can’t fully grasp what this place has changed in me so far, but I can tell it’s big…
They say people don’t come to Scotland for the weather, certainly true. What they don’t tell you is that the Scottish weather will lovingly (and unknowingly) hug you, spell you, and change your inner weather forever.
Blessed be this land. 🏴
My Recommended Reads From This Summer
Now, time for some recommendations after this calm summer full of books and words. As imaginative and insightful as I am, reading always takes me places. There were some amazing Substack reads that inspired me, adding to my inner trip. So let me share them here with you (with a brief note on why they moved me) in case they inspire something in you too.
Here we go:
Europe Won’t Fix You by Elizabeth Coleman Ink
When I moved to Europe in 2010, my life was never the same again. However, one thing remained true: no matter how far you go, what you carry inside follows you everywhere. This post talks exactly about this reality (and common misconception) of moving abroad. Therapy has been key for me throughout the years and I’d do it as many times as needed. In fact, I’m starting a new process this month. Bless psychologists and therapy!
In this post, Jonathan shares a lot of key phrases that struck me, this one in particular:
“You cannot self care your way out of a fundamental misalignment in a core area of your life.”
Something about the depths that he has had to navigate lately made me ponder about my own. About the tiresome and rewarding process of doing so. When someone goes as deep, I take it as a sign of bravery but also, as a sign of my own ability to do the same. And since I’ve already been navigating such waters, his post made me aware of how far I’ve come. We need to pad ourselves on the back too. 😉
I’ve been on a self-discovery journey for more years than I can remember. Turns out that the older you grow, the more you discover about yourself, and the more you want to release as you free yourself into adulthood. I’m still walking this path, in some ways like a child, in some ways like an adult. This simple and powerful post by Andrea made me recap on the processes I’ve gone through so far in my journey. Practising self-love like everybody says it these days has nothing to do with the actual reality of learning how to love yourself. May this be a useful reminder for everyone in this journey.
A year and a bit ago, and after 5 months of careful thinking and planning, I quit my job in Barcelona. The plan was to return to my home country to be with family, but life had other plans. Love met me on the way, I moved to Scotland to give it a try instead. While there, I found the mind and heart space to feel safe, enough to attempt writing again. I’m still alive, still trying and most of all, finding new hope in every step of the way. Anne’s post reminded me of the strength that it takes to be creative, and how we should value ourselves more than anything in this heartfelt process.
I’m including this book in the list even though it’s available only in Spanish. The author, Pablo Arribas, is a Spanish writer I’ve followed for over a decade. His writing resonates deeply with me as it’s very close to life and in touch with deep emotions. This, his third book, was long pending in my list and I finally got hold of it. I’m halfway in and I can confirm that the things that are meant for you, arrive at the exact time where you need them. If you happen to speak Spanish and feel curious or in a stage of life where you want to embrace your dreams and change your mindset on the way, then this book is waiting for you.
The Feel Good Life Is Turning 1 Year Old!
This is a huge step that we’re reaching! Yes, we. I couldn’t have done this without you dear readers. You give sense and life to a writer’s words. Officially, The Feel Good Life is turning 1 on September 28th! 🎊 So I want to dedicate this entire month of September to celebrate you, me, this newsletter and our amazing milestone!
Stay tuned to this space as there are birthday gifts on the way. 👀 ❤️
Exciting News and Updates:
BITE-SIZED VIDEO CONTENT COMING!
Two weeks back, I asked you in this poll if you’d like to see more video content. A large majority said yes! I intend these bite-sized videos to be a practical way to explain certain topics, making it easier for you to learn and understand. I don’t intend to turn my newsletter into a video-only place, so no worries there. I really enjoy doing video, and I am confident that this bite-sized health knowledge will add value to your journey.
A HEALTH COURSE FOR WRITERS (AND ANYONE WORKING FROM HOME).
Most writers and WFH workers face the daily reality of a sedentary life. This not only takes away wellbeing but also motivation…I know because I’ve experienced it first hand. I really want you to improve your wellbeing while doing the thing that you love! The world needs your art, and I want to help you achieve it with ease. I aim to have this ready by Christmas time, so stay tuned because this powerful tool will boost you into 2025! I’ll be prepping the drums. 🥁🥁
TWO NEW FEATURES FOR PAID SUBSCRIBERS.
As you know, this newsletter is and will remain 90% free. A few extras, however, will be delivered to paid subscribers. So far, we have The Green Prescription Club (successfully launched in June 2024).
Now, I’m bringing two more paid features*:
Audio versions of my newsletters. For easy-listening while you’re enjoying a walk, driving, cleaning or simply resting. Sometimes taking our eyes away from the screen while listening to uplifting stuff is all we need.
A new ebook! The Don’t Stress It! course in digital book version for you to enjoy on your Kindle or e-reader device and learn at your own pace, anywhere you go. Coming at the end of September as part of the celebratory gifts, from me to you, on our first anniversary. 🎊
*A reminder that all yearly paid subscribers and founding members get a 1:1 session with me. I love taking my time in every consultation so that I can give you the best while helping you address a specific health concern. If you’re already a paid member and would love to take advantage of this, just email me at thefeelgoodlife@substack.com.
So! As you can see, the writing plan for the next four months is looking pretty solid and I’m quite excited about everything. There might be a few more things happening behind the scenes (including possible offline and in-person events 🙊🤩) - but more on that later.
I really look forward to what the rest of 2024 will bring!
Until next time - where we will celebrate year 1 of The Feel Good Life! And to many more. Thank you for being here. ❤️
Love,
Dr. Mariana
Let’s chat in the comments.❤️ Tell me 3 things:
Have you visited your inner depths? What have you learned from them?
Are there any particular topics you’d like to read in this newsletter? Suggest me in the comments.
Are you celebrating any special occasion soon? Let us cheer you on!
Image Credits: Photos by Robert Lukeman on Unsplash, and Lucas Peng on Unsplash
Scotland definitely gets under your skin—and into your bones. Living here and writing full-time is my dream, and it seems you are doing it! I’d love to hear more about that. Have you written about that elsewhere? Or would you be willing to DM me? And thank you for sharing one of my posts! I’m honored!
Glad to hear you are enjoying Scotland! And that you can take a break from time to time.
It was interesting to hear about your "inner depths." I don't have any, but my inner shallows can be fun.