IN an article about his latest collection of poems, Dwell, which celebrate the creatures that we don’t usually see, inspired by his visits to the Lost Gardens of Heligan, poet laureate Simon Armitage stresses the importance of taking time to slow down and really notice what is around us.

I have been fortunate to be able to take time to slow down and savour what is around me. I have been spending a lot of time working in our garden and our allotment and I have been enjoying noticing which plants are blooming and their scents, and listening to the insects buzzing around, as well as noticing the birdsong when out walking my dogs.

Many of us are always rushing around and responding to demands that are made on us 24 hours a day. Social media is shortening our attention spans and getting us to look for the next “big thing”.

So how can we slow down and savour what is around us? Is it possible for us to learn not to dwell on issues and to get on with our lives?

There are several things we can do. Perhaps we could: walk somewhere, instead of taking the car; have our cuppa outside to feel the fresh air on our faces, or spend that time looking out of a window to enjoy the view; take the time to talk to somebody in person instead of sending an email or a text message; and not have phones with us when we are eating so we can take time to enjoy our food and the company of those we are with.

Maybe there are other ways you have tried to slow down and enjoy what is around you. I am certainly going to continue to enjoy the flowers around me and the birdsong on my walks.

Lesley Pallett