time in nature
When in doubt, walk.
This always works for me. Walking works it out, takes you somewhere, both within and 'out there'. I always find that when I'm struggling with something, a walk sorts it out.
But not just any old walk. It's easy to walk out and be stuck in thoughts and irritations, in self-pity and judgement. This is where the mingling of you and what's around you is important. Whether you live in the city or the countryside there is always a way to find space, to meet with peace. We just have to use that beautiful, powerful thing, called conscious awareness, to engage with the world around us in a slightly different way. So, even when it feels like things are stuck and unmovable, there is always a way to find a little peace.
When you walk, become aware that you have the ability to move your attention around, to focus on different things, to allow some things in and not others - this is where connection with the natural world is so important. When we are aware that we are aware in the natural world (could be looking at a tree, picking up a pebble, listening to birds) we open up to connection, to the possibility of being in relationship with some element of the natural world, consciously. We are letting it in, literally allowing that thing to mingle with who we are. There is magic in that, not to be underestimated. In meeting natural elements (you and the thing!), similarities are found, a relationship can be sparked.
Our world becomes small when we forget and just focus on ourselves, on how things are affecting us personally. We weren't meant for that, to feel so small in an infinite universe. You are part of everything.
That's my kind of walk!
Meeting Your Nature
This new 6 week course brings mindful awareness and nature based practices together to help support and open you up to a more connected relationship with the natural world.
This evening course will take place between 13th October and 17th November and the fee will be on a sliding scale, depending on your circumstances and what you can afford. More info here https://endless-river.org/meeting-your-nature/
It's for you if:
You are interested in exploring your relationship with nature in a deeper way
You are curious about the more subtle ways we communicate with and relate to the natural world
You are interested in increasing your awareness and choice within your mind activity.
You wish for a way to find a more connected, peaceful way of being
You feel there is more to life than your work/study/everyday routines
You have always wanted to explore this deeper relationship, but in a non-religious, non-dogmatic way.
You can book with a £50 deposit, just respond to this email or using the contact form on my website.
If you like this newsletter why not pass it on to someone? I don't currently use any social media so this is my main form of communication about my work and I'm always happy to have more people involved. Equally, if this isn't for you you can unsubscribe any time you like :-)
As well as the courses, I also work with people one to one, I work with businesses and charities, I run one-off workshops in city parks, weekend retreats in beautiful woodlands I and always wish to work with more people. If your work, organisation or group of friends would like to experience some nature connection or mindfulness work (or both, combined!) then please let me know. You can see some feedback from my work here and here
Thanks so much for taking the time to read this.
With a genuine wish for your well being and that you create regular space in your life for connection
Alan