The world in a raindrop. I’m writing this from the middle of Bushy Park on the edge of London, a wild space with roaming deer, long grass, and endless birdsong. The tree above me sways with new spring leaves glinting with hope. A group of Blue Jays bow to each other as I pick my way along the earth path. They remind me that change is afoot.
What will you do today to feel the therapeutic power of nature? Come back and share your discoveries. And, what is your favourite place to be in nature?
I spent time with my eldest son sorting out the brambles and chaos in my garden after 2 years of neglect. Found a hazel tree growing in my back wall, so I've hung a bird feeder on that, and scattered some wild flower seeds in a spot that was once overgrown with brambles
Ah thank you! It is so beautiful there, I love how rugged it is. I wanted to try and bring its restorative power to life and so am pleased I managed to for you!
Love this! Going for a walk is one of my favorite ways to clear my head. The apartment I have now is my first apartment in NYC where I’m close to parks and it’s such a game changer! Now that I have it I couldn’t have it any other way
Thanks Maria. I have a park only 5 minutes walk from here, under the trees along the river. I am so grateful for it! I like to travel a little further at the weekend like to the park I describe, but like you I am lucky to have them so close, it makes such a difference.
I love this and would add that a walk in nature takes on an even deeper meaning when accompanied by a dog. I love watching them interact with their environment in such an authentic, fulfilling way. It does something good for the human soul to see a dog being a dog!
So true! I raise dogs for therapy work and have loved hearing back from those who have them in their work (not just traditional office therapy, but school psychologists, physicians, etc.). They make a profound difference! And, there's something magical about taking them on a walk like you described.
I wasn’t going to get a dog after our last one died of old age, but my daughter begged me during lockdown during mid teens. I’m so glad I did, it was lovely for both of us and still is! 🐾
Yes! Today I have the option of going to the gym to lift weights or going to the woods to hike. Nature wins... sunshine, delicious leafy smells, birdsong... no comparison! Enjoy your time out there!
Agreed! My favorite thing is to journal in the woods... there is a lovely pond and waterfall where I hike as well. It is so immersive and stress relieving… One day I was stressed and I went to the woods and I immediately took a deep breath and was able to relax.
It’s so true that it helps stress as you say. It sounds beautiful there! It’s still a bit cold her but I will take my journal out with me and the dog and write while I’m out when it’s warmer 😊🌳
Beautiful post, Kate. Everything is interconnected, and we're part of this intricate web. That's why nature holds such healing power. Have you heard of shinrin yoku? It's a Japanese relaxation practice that involves immersing oneself in nature through activities like walking and observing.
Love this - all so true! Have you come across @Alex Elle and the 'This Morning Walk' podcast? It's lovely and all around the benefits of walking in nature every day.
Pepper is adorable!!! Dogs are definitely a great excuse to get us out into nature. My 15 year old dachshund LOVES to hike. It's like he shakes off all the arthritis and back pain and becomes a puppy again. Proof that nature is as good for their wellness as it is ours!
What will you do today to feel the therapeutic power of nature? Come back and share your discoveries. And, what is your favourite place to be in nature?
I spent time with my eldest son sorting out the brambles and chaos in my garden after 2 years of neglect. Found a hazel tree growing in my back wall, so I've hung a bird feeder on that, and scattered some wild flower seeds in a spot that was once overgrown with brambles
Beautiful
Thank you so much Johanna, it means a lot to read this!
Bushy park is one of my places to walk as well, you really capture how restorative nature is!
Ah thank you! It is so beautiful there, I love how rugged it is. I wanted to try and bring its restorative power to life and so am pleased I managed to for you!
Love this! Going for a walk is one of my favorite ways to clear my head. The apartment I have now is my first apartment in NYC where I’m close to parks and it’s such a game changer! Now that I have it I couldn’t have it any other way
Thanks Maria. I have a park only 5 minutes walk from here, under the trees along the river. I am so grateful for it! I like to travel a little further at the weekend like to the park I describe, but like you I am lucky to have them so close, it makes such a difference.
Just gorgeous Kate! I am super aware I have a nature deficit right now🤦🏼♀️Going to pop over to my favourite river spot at lunchtime xo
Thank you Antonia! Enjoy the river, I love watching the water flow ✨💫✨
I love this and would add that a walk in nature takes on an even deeper meaning when accompanied by a dog. I love watching them interact with their environment in such an authentic, fulfilling way. It does something good for the human soul to see a dog being a dog!
I think digs should be prescribed by doctors, they do make walks more meaningful and bring so much love, humour and comfort at home too. 🐾🌳
So true! I raise dogs for therapy work and have loved hearing back from those who have them in their work (not just traditional office therapy, but school psychologists, physicians, etc.). They make a profound difference! And, there's something magical about taking them on a walk like you described.
I wasn’t going to get a dog after our last one died of old age, but my daughter begged me during lockdown during mid teens. I’m so glad I did, it was lovely for both of us and still is! 🐾
Yes! Today I have the option of going to the gym to lift weights or going to the woods to hike. Nature wins... sunshine, delicious leafy smells, birdsong... no comparison! Enjoy your time out there!
Your hike is a workout for your mind and soul too. Someone should invent a gym in the middle of the woods! 🌳
Agreed! My favorite thing is to journal in the woods... there is a lovely pond and waterfall where I hike as well. It is so immersive and stress relieving… One day I was stressed and I went to the woods and I immediately took a deep breath and was able to relax.
It’s so true that it helps stress as you say. It sounds beautiful there! It’s still a bit cold her but I will take my journal out with me and the dog and write while I’m out when it’s warmer 😊🌳
Nature is my favourite therapist 😊 Happy Spring Equinox from over here in Autumn 🌱🌳🍂
She’s the best! 🌳😊 Happy equinox! Does this mean you have autumn equinox today?
Yes we do. It's the cross-over point in the calendar where the light is leaving us and heading in your direction
I love that we have changing seasons ✨
Beautiful post, Kate. Everything is interconnected, and we're part of this intricate web. That's why nature holds such healing power. Have you heard of shinrin yoku? It's a Japanese relaxation practice that involves immersing oneself in nature through activities like walking and observing.
Oh yes that must be an amazing experience!
thank you so much for the menchin! super kind of you to do that. like always love the work you put out into the world xoxo
Thanks for reading! ✨
Love this - all so true! Have you come across @Alex Elle and the 'This Morning Walk' podcast? It's lovely and all around the benefits of walking in nature every day.
Thank you! That sounds lovely, I’ll look it up! 🍃
I'd love to know what you think!
Thank you Kate for writing this, I am on a spiritual journey and nature is my therapy.
Thank you, I think nature is the most wonderful spiritual teacher 🍃💫
This is such a beautiful piece of writing - I felt the healing power of nature just reading it.. thank you Kate 🙏🏻
Thank you so much Hannah! Lovely to connect with you here ✨🍃
Pepper is adorable!!! Dogs are definitely a great excuse to get us out into nature. My 15 year old dachshund LOVES to hike. It's like he shakes off all the arthritis and back pain and becomes a puppy again. Proof that nature is as good for their wellness as it is ours!
Great article.
Thanks Karen! Adorable! Yes nature is good for our doggies too! 🐶💛
love this - thank you for making me aware of you! I feel we have similar outlooks - (I'm a psychotherapist as well...) :)
Thanks for being here Kiersten! 🍃
Thank you for these reminders! Read this in the back of our van on our way camping for a forest bathe, star and cloud gaze, perfect timing 💫
Gosh how beautiful Sarina! 🍃
So excited to get out and walk around Knepp Rewilding project in Sussex today.
That sounds lovely, lucky you! 🍃