WILD SWIMMING

As your senses heighten and

your mind calms, feel the benefits of connecting to nature, by immersing yourself in the outdoors and soaking up its

awe-inspiring beauty

Words | Lydia Paleschi

Pictured: Lauren Biddulph,

The Salt Sisterhood expanse of water, and includes a range of experiences, from relaxed river paddles to more adventurous sea swims, each with their own benefits. “We like to showcase the diversity of wild swimming, so each day of the retreat has a different theme, reflected in the wild swimming activity we have planned.

For example, on self-compassion day we may take a trip to the quiet Helford River, which is beautiful and calm, whereas on bravery day we go rock jumping.” Whilst originally offering wetsuits as part of her retreats, Lauren tells me that it is more beneficial to swim without them. She says she can't encourage me enough to enter the water in just a bathing costume. “I initially hired wetsuits and some people wore them but they weren't getting the full experience or benefit. By the end of the week everyone was out of the wetsuits and they felt a real sense of achievement; they said they got more from the experience when they were out of their wetsuits and a greater sense of freedom.”

When I asked Lauren why she began offering wild swimming retreats, she explained that being in or near water has immense health benefits, both mental and physical. “I used to struggle a lot with anxiety and depression. I noticed that going into the sea gave me a sensation of connectedness and grounding, it got me out of my head, reminding me of the bigger picture of what is and isn't important. When combined with yoga it helped me to build a better relationship with my mind and body and helped me to overcome my generalised anxiety.” It is this sense of empowerment and freedom that inspired Lauren to share the wild swimming experience with other women.