{"id":6927,"date":"2021-08-02T12:52:26","date_gmt":"2021-08-02T16:52:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.dawnbanning.com\/newsblog\/?p=6927"},"modified":"2021-08-03T09:01:57","modified_gmt":"2021-08-03T13:01:57","slug":"moving-forward","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.dawnbanning.com\/newsblog\/moving-forward\/","title":{"rendered":"Moving Forward"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Morning run August 2\/2021<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

“You don’t have to have it all figured out to move forward.” R. Bennett.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What’s new with you and how is life where you are?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the last few months, I have moved two households in two different provinces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the month of May I worked on house renovations in preparations for selling our home. The unexpected call to move Dad came an hour after selling our home. I arrived in Saskatchewan 6 days later. With quarantine and covid protocols, I was gone for 5 weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Privileged to assist my Dad with his transition to a nursing home in Saskatchewan, it was interesting to see his selections of things to keep. What we surround ourselves with, especially in our winter years, downsizing for the last time in life, is telling. What do we value, and what brings a sense of comfort, of home? His choices were his true loves. Family photos, cards & letters, music, his guitar, books and art. He easily let go of the rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dad ~July 2021<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe pictures really make it home\u201d nurse Maya said. In full agreement, I feel they are a crucial part to our well being. Pictures are the first impression when we enter a room. They create our views, and set the tone of feeling in a room like nothing else can. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Original Art- Dawn, Woodwork Marc <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

 It\u2019s in our nature to scan perimeters when first entering a space. A internal survival instinct has us seeking the room for threats and nourishment. We automatically look for for natural light, for windows and exits. Initial focus isn\u2019t furnishings, floors, or fixtures, we look at the walls. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Art ~ Dawn Banning~ Photo Bryan Mierau ~ Woodwork Marc Banning <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

 Art can create a powerful emotional impact offering comfort, sanctuary, a feeling of safety. \u201cViews\u201d of nature are crucial to our health, and in last stages of life, I discovered this is what many choose as their most valuable possessions. Walking the halls adorned in beautiful nature art of Dad\u2019s new home, personal rooms reflected more nature views in paintings, among family photos and plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In times of chaos and disruption, we need familiar natural views to help bring a sense of calm in the storm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like my Dad, I too, have downsized considerably. We moved from our home to a rented townhouse,  in anticipation of eventually building a home. We chose our selections of what to keep carefully. It is such a good exercise in letting go, and discovering what matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These recent transitions are not without a sense of loss. Letting go of the last things in my parents home is an emotional experience on many levels. Donating much and sharing with those in need honoured my parents legacy of generosity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Packing Dad’s home June 2021<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I arrived in Ontario two weeks ago straight into our own move. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In my own home, letting go of things wasn\u2019t as difficult as saying goodbye to my studio. It\u2019s always been more than a room to me, built with love by Marc. I felt more of a sense of home, than any other room in the house.\u00a0I am so grateful to have cherished and made use of this amazing place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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