WHEN NATURE GIVES LIGHT TO WOUNDED SOULS

Olena Shylova, a psychologist from the TAPS Foundation, together with the families of fallen soldiers, visited a recreation base and organized a picnic, which took place in a very warm atmosphere - they interacted with animals in the zoo, walked by the river, conversed, and enjoyed tasty tea with sweets.

"Girls, thank you all for yesterday. We gave our brains a little reset. I felt comfortable. I didn't think about whether anyone would understand me; I could even laugh. If some conversations were tiring me, I could always go to the river or be with the animals and disconnect. Yes, it was bitter that my husband wasn't there. Because, in truth, this is our kind of relaxation. Sergiy never drank alcohol in his life. But we loved to just take a walk... It's still hard without bitterness, but there was more light," said Alina Karnaukhova, the wife of a fallen serviceman.

Communicating with nature and animals is a resource for rebooting for those experiencing military loss. This is proven not only by personal observations but also scientifically. Even if you throw an apple to a bear and it catches it, it lifts your spirits. The point is that when you're feeling down, being with like-minded people who understand you makes everything much better. Both wives and mothers - everyone was part of a support team. We create something for each other in ordinary life, but at such meetings, everything becomes easier. Our events at the TAPS Foundation are already a long-standing tradition, with training sessions and forums where everyone speaks the language of loss and mutual understanding. And while it's still warm in autumn, it's worth enjoying sunny days to warm up, both literally and metaphorically," said Olena Shylova, a psychologist from the TAPS Foundation.

In all studies on psychological recovery, it's mentioned that interaction with nature inspires and supports during difficult times. The brain reacts well and rejuvenates, giving rise to new thoughts, dreams, and even a brighter future.

Emotions and hugs - captured in the photographs by our volunteer photographer Artem Baidala.