Back to the Basics - Connecting with Nature, Sea, and Community
Josh Leung shares his reflections on experiencing LANDING in June of 2024. Together with Percy Lee, Josh runs Popber, an organisation which serves local Asian residents and students with businesses and activities in Lancaster, including through Lancaster’s annual Chinese New Year Festival. Find out what Josh thought of LANDING below.
I had the pleasure of participating in LANDING’s final day on June 30th, engaging in activities such as the Cockles of my Heart walk across Morecambe Bay, exploring exhibitions, and joining the communal singing in the NEST. This event deeply resonated with me, reconnecting me with nature and the sea in profound ways, prompting my reflection on our relationship with the natural world and how modern life can sometimes disconnect us from it.
During the walk, we followed an audio guide that shared the history of Morecambe Bay, accompanied by music and moments of meditation designed to deepen our connection with the sea. Over those 45 minutes, I felt the wind, moved with the rhythm of the waves, and sensed the beat of my own heart. It was truly one of the most enriching experiences of my life, fostering a profound connection with nature.
In the NEST, we united in song with "These are the Things," a composition by local musician, Anni Tracy that drew on the thoughts, feelings, and ideas of the visitors to the LANDING festival over the weekend. With guitar accompaniment, everyone joined in singing, creating a moment of unity among individuals of diverse backgrounds, cultures, races, and ages. Together, we celebrated nature through music, sharing joy and happiness with those around us. One poignant lyric resonates with me: "My eyes connect me to nature of course, all my senses too."
In addition to my own experience, members of the Popber’s community also participated and found it to be a deeply special and transformative experience. Here are some thoughts they shared:
ZiShan: "A sudden gust of cold wind made me shiver. It reminded me of my busy studies, but in that moment, I cleared my mind and welcomed new thoughts, guided by the comforting lines and warm song. Connecting with nature lightened my burdens, expanding my field of vision like the sea wind, helping me understand that I am nature and nature is me."
Mei: "Walking slowly in the receding tide of the sea, in tune with the weather, there is a gentle breeze, a light rain, accompanied by music. Nature and a quiet mind merge together! A particularly wonderful experience!"
These activities and exhibitions provided us all with an invaluable opportunity to reconnect with nature and the sea. Each activity I participated in was truly remarkable. Once again, I extend my sincere gratitude to Lancaster Arts and every individual involved in making this event possible.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for LANDING. To stay informed about more projects like this and learn how you can experience some of this work again in future, Join our mailing list.
