January on the Southwell Trail - Part 1

I was unsure whether to continue with the Southwell Trail posts for a third year. I started in September 2017 recording the photography on the trail by season (Autumn on the Southwell Trail etc.). Last year I changed it to months (January on the Southwell Trail etc.). Now, I wonder whether it is getting too repetitive, too many of the same style of photograph, but then I thought about the reasons why I take the photographs.

The main reason is that I enjoy the photography and the walking. The two activities go very well together. The photography also helps me stay in the moment. I concentrate on what I see when I am walking uncluttered by everything else that may be going on. In this way it becomes a mindful exercise which would be a shame to stop or alter. 

Publishing the results of the walks on this photoblog has also helped to provide a structure to the activity. In this way, I see the Southwell Trail photography as an aid not only to physical health but also as a contributor to maintaining good mental health. With the current focus in our society on improving our mental health and happiness, I can recommend photography and walking as one way to improve personal well being. That is why for the time being I will continue with the blog posts from the Southwell Trail in the same format as last year. 

These were some of the results from January - very simple scenes of the trail in winter sunlight...