oncebittern86
Well-known member
Published back on June 13th, some of you may be interested in my book ‘Bird Therapy.’ It’s a multi-faceted book - the crux of which is my memoir, detailing my battles with poor mental health and how I rediscovered a childhood interest in birds and took up birdwatching as a hobby. It begins in a dark place, but ultimately ends up brimming with light - and birds.
I explore many themes in the book, built around a self-help framework called ‘5 ways to wellbeing.’ These are 5 things you can bring into your life to improve wellbeing and they correlate beautifully with birdwatching (connect, be active, give, take notice and learn). I also explore:sense of place through local patch-birding, the weather, winter, spring and the benefits of birdsong and sounds in general.
As well as my battle with my wellbeing, it was a fight to get it published too. No traditional publisher would commit to it and I was approached by a crowdfunding publisher called Unbound. It was a difficult decision to commit to something so anxiety-inducing, but to my surprise, it funded in six weeks and counts Bill Bailey among 3 kindred patrons. It also features a powerful foreword from a Chris Packham, who has been incredibly supportive of the book and message.
The book has also led to numerous opportunities to spread my message about the wellbeing benefits of birdwatching and you may have seen me on BBC Winterwatch in January, or read my features in nature/birdwatching publications.
Anyway, if you’re interested, have a look at my blog at: http://www.birdtherapy.blog and the page titled ‘book’ which has more information. Thank you for reading.
Joe Harkness - Bird Therapy
I explore many themes in the book, built around a self-help framework called ‘5 ways to wellbeing.’ These are 5 things you can bring into your life to improve wellbeing and they correlate beautifully with birdwatching (connect, be active, give, take notice and learn). I also explore:sense of place through local patch-birding, the weather, winter, spring and the benefits of birdsong and sounds in general.
As well as my battle with my wellbeing, it was a fight to get it published too. No traditional publisher would commit to it and I was approached by a crowdfunding publisher called Unbound. It was a difficult decision to commit to something so anxiety-inducing, but to my surprise, it funded in six weeks and counts Bill Bailey among 3 kindred patrons. It also features a powerful foreword from a Chris Packham, who has been incredibly supportive of the book and message.
The book has also led to numerous opportunities to spread my message about the wellbeing benefits of birdwatching and you may have seen me on BBC Winterwatch in January, or read my features in nature/birdwatching publications.
Anyway, if you’re interested, have a look at my blog at: http://www.birdtherapy.blog and the page titled ‘book’ which has more information. Thank you for reading.
Joe Harkness - Bird Therapy