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Say YES not NO! Six benefits to trying new experiences
You could see views like this one. Taken on a walk at Ravenscar, in the North York Moors National Park
Whether you realise it or not, we spend our daily lives approaching tasks the same way we’ve always done them. When this happens our life starts to shrink. We start to feel stuck, stale and stagnant. Very rarely do we try new, unique experiences.
But what would happen if you approached life differently? Here are 6 benefits to striding out and saying YES as opposed to NO to trying new things.
1. You overcome fear
Have you noticed how your brain plays out worst-case scenarios or you fear consequences? It pays to be cautious in certain instances. But there will always be fear when you try anything new. Your mind just exaggerates it. Over time if you keep pushing your boundaries, you’ll notice it will become easier.
2. You meet new, like-minded people
Have you ever wanted to go on an event, but decided not to because you wouldn’t know anybody? When you start to do #1 you’ll be more open to meeting new, like-minded people.
I’ve seen men and women come to my events over the years make life-long friends. Perhaps you might too?
3. You expand your horizons
When you start to say YES to life as opposed to NO, your horizons expand. Life is less small. You’re more open to having a go.
4. You’ll see many more places
No matter what it is you decide to focus on more, you’ll see places you wouldn’t have seen before. Whether that’s walking different routes to work everyday, joining a walking group or going on a mini adventure.
5. Increases creativity
Taking yourself away from the norm, exposes you to new ideas. It could be you’ll witness something being done differently. Maybe by talking to somebody you’ll have a light bulb moment.
6. You grow as a person
It goes without saying, items 1-5 on this list will make you grow as a person. You might have seen countless tales of people changing their lives simply by taking their first steps.
So why not make it a habit to say YES as opposed to NO to life. As the saying goes, feel the fear and do it anyway……….. One step at a time.
Feel free to sign up to my newsletter. There are lots of soulful adventures coming soon. And you’d be very welcome too – whether you come alone or with a friend.
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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Whether you realise it or not, we spend our daily lives approaching tasks the same way we’ve always done them. We start to feel stuck, stale and stagnant. Very rarely do we try new, unique experiences. But what would happen if you approached life differently? Here are some benefits of trying.
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