Contented

A short film by Manon Steffan Ros about the value of focusing on mindfulness and being content by examining the little things that bring us joy.

Manon said:

Creating this film was a process which involved the themes it discusses- I approached it mindfully, and wanted to bring with it a sense of calm. I composed and recorded the background music with a rhythm that was based on box breathing, which aids relaxation, and the drones and instrumentals are all based, or are sampled from, sounds found in nature.

I researched the needs and wants of people who work in the NHS, and did so informally, and always whilst out in natural spaces- usually walking. This process taught me so much about the stresses and strains of working in healthcare, but also of the joy and pride that comes from making a difference to people’s lives.

Those conversations humbled me, and taught me that though I couldn’t untangle the complexities of anyone’s working life with my short films, I could offer a little break, a haven for a few minutes just to breathe and refocus. Being mindful can turn a bad day into a good one, whilst simultaneously acknowledging that stress and work pressures are common.