COUNTRY PASSION
Finding wellbeing out in nature
I’ve always had a strong connection with nature, having been raised in semi-rural northwest England, with Morecambe Bay and the Lake District not too far away. When I was younger I took this for granted, as a lot of young people do, and didn’t appreciate the benefits of living where I did. When I got older, I moved to the city to work as a nurse in an acute hospital ward. I spent time reflecting on my childhood, exploring coasts, hills and forests, and began to crave the deep sense of peace it used to bring me. I started to use my free time to go on long countryside walks. Rather than rush, I would pause to notice what was around me – soft moss, crisp autumnal leaves, sweet bird song… At the time, I wasn’t aware I was meditating. But in these moments I was focused solely on the present. I felt re-energised by it and it became a regular habit of mine. The feeling would stay with me for days. Around this time I began exploring more formal methods of meditation and over the years, the two have merged to form a solid practice.
Compared to meditating inside, being outside invigorates all the senses. I often begin by bringing my attention to my breathing. Depending on where I am and the time of year, I might be inhaling sharp cold air or the heady warmth of a spring breeze. I like to keep my eyes open so I can take in everything I see; the delicate veins of new leaves or a tiny woodlouse crossing my path, perhaps.
For me, meditating outdoors is a daily practice, but it doesn’t have to be a chore. Having something to help you focus can be really useful at the beginning. I would often use the camera on my phone to take photos. Looking through the lens helped quieten my mind and truly ‘see’ nature’s beauty.
It can also be helpful to seek out others who have a similar passion. I’ve loved being part of the Folk & Field community (folkandfield.com) – they run courses, workshops and weekend retreats, all designed to help us realign with nature.
Think about the way you live your life and if there are ways to bring nature into your daily activities. I fully believe that through meditating outdoors we can create a stronger connection with ourselves and achieve a state of inner peace.
Read this
Be inspired by Lynne’s journey on her website wanderingtowonder.com and by following her on Instagram @wanderingtowonder_coaching