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Two years after I was diagnosed with severe postpartum depression, I felt utterly deprived of Nature.

I found it difficult to connect with it - as if someone or something had unplugged me from my own roots. I was left almost untouchable, unreachable, and my heart was in grief after the loss of my former relationship with the natural world.

I began to seek relief in people and the urban environment, plunging myself into the realm of the rushed streets, coffee shops, and never-ending amounts of work. When I would leave the city, I would no longer feel joy in the quietness of the countryside, the mountains, or the sea. What would excite me before was now tasteless. I missed my connection with the sun, the earth, and the wind. I missed the way they would engage me with a part of myself I thought I had lost forever.

And then I decided to leave.

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I found it easy to choose Iceland. I always imagined I would find a different kind of landscape there – one of primordiality, rawness, and otherworldliness. A scenery that would release the wildest emotions inside me and would make me feel fear and anxiety, awe and gratitude at the same time.

I wanted to express all of this novelty of feelings through photography and performance, so I chose to imagine the connection with nature through wool threads that would tie me to natural elements, such as ice, stones, or sand.

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    I Travelled To Iceland To Rebuild My Relationship With Nature

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    Sergy Yeltsen
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not so much into the "rope tied up/netting" images, but this one is stunning. It looks like an alienscape.

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    Throughout my journey, I experienced 70km/h winds, negative temperatures, and the stares of the tourist crowds who would often stop and take pictures of me. I stood before craters, waterfalls and the ocean, and never was I afraid. I felt life pouring through my veins, into my brains, as if someone – or something – was plugging me back into my spirit.

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    In Iceland, I blended with Nature and I became part of it. I was not merely a human, I was a bearer of Life. I was rewired.

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    Potty pagan panda
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have photos and a video I took when I visited this glacier. Just sitting looking at the beauty of it we could hear the ice moving literally

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    Iceland captured my heart as the ultimate destination to reconnect with nature and find solace. Its vast landscapes allowed me to delve deep into my own being, offering a sense of tranquility that can only be found amidst the grandeur of nature. From the moment I set foot in Iceland, I was captivated by the overwhelming feeling of being transported to multiple planets simultaneously.

    Upon my arrival, a mix of emotions washed over me—strangeness intertwined with familiarity. It felt like a place where all of Earth's energies converged. Instantly, I found a profound connection with Iceland, as I marveled at the rawness and untamed beauty of its natural landscapes. Fear and awe blended together, while a profound awareness of my own existence enveloped me.

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    Der Kommissar
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    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Iceland is cold, even in the summertime. (We were there in June of 2022). So this is insane.

    Throughout my journey, there were specific landscapes and natural features in Iceland that left a lasting impact on me, reigniting my connection with nature. The waterfalls, with their cascading waters, resonated deeply within me. The black sand beaches, with their juxtaposition of dark sands and crashing waves, evoked a sense of both mystery and serenity. The vastness of the ocean stretched out before me, offering a humbling reminder of my place in the world. The rugged rocks, stoic and resilient, symbolized the strength I needed to navigate through my own challenges. The glaciers, with their majestic presence, inspired a sense of awe and reverence. And the ethereal moss-covered landscapes seemed like a portal to another realm, a space that felt strangely familiar and like home.

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    Spending time immersed in Iceland's natural surroundings had a profound impact on my postpartum depression. It provided me with a much-needed respite and a renewed sense of vitality. The beauty and wonder of Iceland's landscapes acted as a balm for my mental and emotional well-being, offering solace and healing. Being in such close proximity to nature reminded me of the interconnectedness of all living things, and it restored a sense of harmony within me.

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    Reflecting on my experience in Iceland, it's evident that it has transformed my relationship with the natural world. I now feel a deeper sense of connection and engagement with nature, far more than I did before my postpartum depression. Iceland became the catalyst for rediscovering a part of myself that had long been forgotten. No longer a mere admirer, I have learned to breathe and truly be a part of nature's tapestry. It has become an integral part of my being, providing solace, strength, and inspiration on my journey of self-discovery and healing.

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