Pottering: A Cure for Modern Life

Product Information

The book is filled with gorgeous, evocative illustrations whose lighthearted and inviting scenes show people pottering through work in a garden and eating dinner with friends. Its descriptions of the practices and purposes of pottering are apt and unadorned, and its charming British diction is inviting. Seeing this book for the first time did cause some concern for this reader. Is it another self help thing? Will it be embarassing? This is the loveliest book about one of my favourite things to do. It explains the whole idea of "pottering" and what it means to "potter" about and do the most mundane things, we enjoy, like make a cup of tea or clear out that long neglected cupboard., that has turned into Narnia.

PS - Sitting down for 10 minutes, drinking a cup of tea and reading a book in between tasks is a valid pottering action! 😉 This is a sweet little read that continues with the modern trend of self-help books designed to tell us to slow down and stop doing so much, and to have fun doing it. It has a decidedly old fashioned British tone and is very sweet and encouraging. It was not really anything new to me, as it turns out I am already a master at pottering. I really don't need to read very descriptive instructions on how to do things like oil a hinge (and make it somewhat enjoyable in a calming and happy sort of way), but if I had to then this would be a wonderful guide. It reminds me a lot of a charming children's book in the tone, and could be a great fit for busy folks who want to learn how to slow down and enjoy the little moments. Pottering can take place in any environment. Me? I find myself pottering in my yard. My gardening affords me the perfect opportunity to potter on a regular basis. I’m thrilled to formally adopt the practice, and have written about it in my blog at https://patch405.com/2020/07/10/do-yo.... Over the last few months, I’ve been engaging in an activity that allows me to slow down, take pleasure in small things and rest while still being somewhat productive. I enjoyed the suggested pottering activities, and appreciated the author extolling the virtues of keeping things local- try out a local cafe, stop in a local shop to look around (making sure to buy something). There are suggestions for pottering in different seasons, and tips on how to know when to potter and when it's an excuse to procrastinate. Sometimes, pottering is writing a long review for a short book that you enjoyed, or reading that review to see if you'll like it. I'm a type B, but this book served as a good reminder to potter more often. Potter on, y'all!Ultimately, I recommend giving this book a read and seeing if adopting a pottering approach would be a positive thing for you. I don't see how it could fail to be a positive thing for anybody and I feel a little bit sad that with the pace of life nowadays we're losing the subtle art of it. Heading upstairs again youll find the "loft room" large, light and bright this serves as the perfect guest accommodation. As you enter into the hallway the standard of accommodation is evident and reflects the executive style of homes in the area. South Wood Farm gardens, Devon. Photographed for Country Life. Credit: Val Corbett/Country Life Picture Library

Only when you are able to gain satisfaction from the humblest of tasks, short in duration and seemingly inconsequential, will you have become a true potterer. Pottering is not about pressure, it's not supposed to be stressful, it's a productive calming activity. This is the book for people who want to discover productivity at an easier pace, and above all the contentment you achieve when accepting that you can only do what you can do. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of self improvement. I’m all for doing things more effectively. But sometimes you need a little time out.Whil e pottering results in a constructive, physical outcome (you may have given a bag of clothes to charity or there may be a cake on the table), it’s the “mental rumination” that occurs during pottering that McGovern believes is beneficial to wellbeing. The effect for her was a change in mindset that enabled her to move on from the impasse she had reached in her career. The Master Bedroom is ahead of you looking over the garden and has the en suite off while another double bedroom adjacent enjoys exclusive use of the family bathroom! A full utility room occupies the right hand space beside the front door making it invisible to the working of the house! Pottering has five requirements, according to Anna McGovern - making do with what you've got, not trying too hard, keeping moving, keeping it local, and keeping it digital-free. There is a light-hearted chapter about each, with some examples you may wish to try if they hadn't occurred to you before. There is much about making time for a little sit-down with a cup of tea and a book -sound advice if ever there was any. If pottering were to belong to the positive psychology family, it would be a kind and benign aunt. It doesn't take much to impress her: she is gentle, she smiles a lot and she says, 'Don't be so hard on yourself. You should be really proud, the way you handled that.' Anna McGovern adresses the need for "digital diets" and getting away from the connectedness, and gives a whole new perspective of relaxation. And that without the need for courses, seminars, techniques or yoga mats. A whole chapter is actually named "Make do with what you've got".

But one thing should be changed: In the fantastic epilogue of this book, Anna McGovern explains in a fantastic way why you should read this book, in a beautiful way. So dear author, dear publisher: In the next edition (I think there will be one), please put the epilogue at the very start of the book.

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At first I did struggle with some of the very detailed descriptions of pottering activities. This topped itself when I read about the author's passion for dishwashing by hand. I almost stopped reading there and then. But then, finally the message of the book got to me. Heading to the upper floor you'll walk into a large open plan living/dining room with another cloakroom off and a HUGE Garden room bringing the outside in - just what you would expect from a home of this standard. Thats not all though, two balconies adorn either end of the house with access to the hidden gem beyond! The fabulous fully equipped wide galley style kitchen is very modern and caters for all chefs! Author Anna McGovern writes with charm about the joy and practicality of living in the meandering moment, not asking too much of yourself and yet still getting things done in the gentlest of ways. Pottering is a book that really examines what it means to potter and the benefits of pottering. It also encourages you to potter in ways you might not have thought of before. It's a kind of celebration of resourcefulness and the stepping away from perfectionism. Keep moving. The present participle of the infinitive ‘to potter’ implies continuity, seamlessly going from one activity to another. By being completely absorbed in rummaging, sorting and re-arranging objects, you achieve flow. You are never still.