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My story - and why nature, mindfulness and yoga helped me heal
I think it’s about time I told you my story!
First of all - for those who don’t know me - I’m Alison. The person who’s been bombarding people with lots of nature images during lockdown! (Seriously, I hope you’ve found it a calming balm - and not too annoying!).
Why did I do this? I’ve experienced first hand how healing nature can be. Like the time I lost everything - and I mean everything: home, job, health, relationship - when I fell really ill a number of years ago. As I watched my life fall apart, I fell into a deep depression.
Being a lover of the countryside since childhood, I yearned to look at plants, trees and to see that luscious green colour. Since I was living in the city at the time, it wasn’t so easy, especially since my energy was so low. Just walking from the shower to my bedroom was enough to put me back in bed.
When I regained enough strength I’d drive to a natural spot and just sit in the car. Seeing greenery through the window lightened how I felt. I’ve since read just looking at nature images has a massively calming affect on our brains, which would explain this (and why I've posted lots of nature images over these few weeks to help you guys - hopefully!)
Eventually when I felt stronger, I’d go and sit under trees. I loved feeling the breeze gently blowing through the branches. Hearing the cacophony of bird call. Smelling the perfume of flowers. I felt calmer from being there. Nothing else seemed to matter in that moment.
In amongst all of this, there was a deep faith that now I’m so grateful for. I’d been practising yoga and meditating for years. I’d also recently discovered Zen Buddhism, which followed a mindfulness path. By using these practises I found out I could calm the inner storm. They gave me great comfort.
Life felt much simpler living in the moment. I stopped agonising over what had happened. It had been and gone and there was nothing I could do about it. The future hadn’t yet arrived. But I could be present, now. When I did this, life wasn’t so heavy.
When I lived from this mindful place, nature became even more interesting. Colours turned radiant. Sounds more beautiful. Fragrances more exquisite. Being there calmed my nervous system right down. It was a wonderful way to de-compress.
Overtime, my faith proved correct. I got better. Totally.
This is why I include (indoor and outdoor) yoga and mindfulness in most of our experiences. Combining them with nature, can be truly transformative and a massive stress reliever. It also means you’ll find greater connection to the natural world too, which can only be a good thing.
Ways to celebrate the Summer Solstice
Find your wild
I’ve noticed there seems to be 2 camps. People who just want to ‘get out there’ and do as much as possible while they can. And others who feel more cautious to do so. Neither are wrong or right, but this blog might just help you understand why some may feel reticent. ‘Walking, mindfulness being in nature are all good rehabilitation strategies for coming out of lockdown’, explained Ashley Styring – a trauma expert. “We may or may not know it, but our systems have been through a massive traumatic experience over this past year. For some, they may feel on high alert still – even if the vaccination programme is well underway”. Apparently because we’ve been dealing with an unseen threat, it’s affected our body’s normal way of coping. It’s called chaotic disorganization, where our nervous system moves in all directions as it tries to work out the best plan of action. It can leave you feeling scrambled, overwhelmed and not safe. Have you noticed feeling more short-tempered, out-of-sorts and stressed more than normal? Reticent to do things? It could well be your nervous system is still in fight or flight mode. So, what can you do to rehabilitate yourself? Well, there are many things that will help. But according to Ashley, it’s about doing things slowly and with awareness – or mindfully. “Fresh air, gentle movement and being in nature is extremely good for your nervous system as it has a grounding, healing affect”. And the more senses you use - not only sight and sound but also smell, feel and taste - the greater the benefits [1]. If you can spend a total of two hours a week connecting with nature, this increases health and wellbeing too [2]. So go slowly - at your own pace. Spend time gently out in nature. Walk amongst beauty while engaging all your senses. It will all soothe your nervous system and bring you back to your normal self. And when you are ready, come and join us on one of our sensory nature experiences . Not sure which one? Get in touch and I’ll talk you through the options – including bespoke sessions. This will also contribute towards your wellbeing. But for now, head outside and heal at your own pace. Ashley Styring offers 1-2-1 sessions on dealing with trauma (via Zoom). Please contact me for her details. References [1] www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-52479763 [2}www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-44097-3
We set off just before sunset, travelling slowly along the edge of this ancient land, gently waking up our senses. Taking ourselves on an adventure that would calm the mind right down and make us feel more present. Doing this meant we could feel, hear and see so much more. Meanwhile, our guide Fabian, brought our attention to visible land marks, stars, and spoke to us about the universe. It was utterly enthralling.
Sitting, huddled around a fire, cosy in blankets, we looked in awe at the star-studded sky above us. Feeling alive and zinging from the twilight-cum-night walk we'd just done and the wildlife we'd heard and seen.
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