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Accessible Nature Connection
This is a topic I am particularly passionate about! When training in Integrative Forest Therapy, my peers were often able to take themselves to beautiful, remote and 'wild' places to be really 'immersed' in nature. My health, combined with pandemic safety and being in inner London meant that I was more limited in my options.
I worried that I wouldn't be able to connect 'properly', that I wouldn't feel this magical connection others were describing while I was sitting on a patio in the urban garden of our rented place. But as I spent time mindfully observing nature from the patio, something amazing happened...
I experienced real awe. I felt nature connection in a more meaningful way that I had done in my many years before becoming ill, where I could be physically 'immersed' in wildness. I sat and watched drops of dew trickle down blades of grass, I watched snails make their way along and around the patio, and I gained so much peace and wisdom from the experience. I later came across a book about chronic illness and snails that I fell in love with that beautifully encapsulates this kind of experience (as well as containing some really great snail facts!)
I have shared a few posts on instagram about this topic, including one about the recent event I ran, as well as one with an excerpt from John O'Donohue that captures this in a way that his beautiful always do.
In case you're wondering whether Accessible Nature Connection is relevant or appropriate for you - accessibility is good for everyone! And may look different for each person, and even different for that person on different days.Some examples of where you might benefit from accessible nature connection
location & availability of green/'wild' space,
caring responsibilities,
long term health / chronic illness / disabilities,
environmental commitments (not flying for example),
allergies,
budget and/or time,
pandemic safety,
personal preferences... the list goes on.
My invitation to you for this month...
Is to engage in a practice called 'Sit Spot' (which is what I was doing on the patio with my snail pals!)
The practice is simply being with nature mindfully (can be done sitting/lying in whatever position!) - allowing your full attention and engaging your senses. This could be a view of nature out a window, an outdoor space that is accessible, a video* or nature object. I have created some prompts as invitations to engage a bit deeper with this practice.
🌿 What are you noticing in the practice? Thoughts, feelings, sensations
🌿 Where is your attention being drawn?
🌿 Are you finding any metaphor or meaning in your practice?
🌿 What are you grateful for in this experience?
I would love to hear your reflections on these - please do feel free to share them with me directly or to come over to instagram and connect with the community.
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