Idea 2: Go for a Nature Walk
If you’re reading this, the likelihood is that I am preaching to the converted.
But there’s going on a nature walk, and then there’s:
*Going On A Nature Walk*
Without sounding overly woo-woo, setting your intention is the key that unlocks life’s best treasures, especially when it comes to something like this
Before you put your mac in your bag (if you’re in the UK, even if it’s 30 degrees out there, best pop a mac in)…
I say this as someone who last year walked over 100km in one go, a couple of years ago…
(1 Star. Not recommended. Glad I did it. Won’t be back.)
A nature walk is not about getting your steps in – it’s not about getting anywhere at all.
Before you stomp on out, with your headphones in, or your mind preoccupied with something else.
I invite you to consider that maybe this walk could be even more than just getting out of the house.
What do you need, today?
Take a moment to decide what you need most, from this particular walk, on this particular day.
, close your eyes, belly breathe, and locate that emotion.
How do you currently feel? Where are you looking for that emotion; your mind, gut, heart, chest? Can you give the emotion a name? How would you prefer to feel?
Can you give THAT emotion a name?
- Do you need to decompress? Some solitude? Some space?
- To reconnect with a family member? Some screen-free time for you or for them?
- Do you feel sluggish and need to re-energise?
- Are you raging about something and need to scream at a tree?
- Maybe you want to feel some gratitude for the place you live (or can travel to).
What do you want to discover?
- Do you want to see the bluebells?
- The high or low tide?
- Or some dew on a spiderweb in the early morning?
- A deer, a rabbit, an owl?
- A sunset, sunrise?
- Or miles of view from an ancient trigger point?
What would be magical?
Or maybe it’s nothing in particular.
Maybe, if the world has been coming at you thick and fast, it could be an exercise in remembering how to just – be.
Be More Toddler
A toddler on a nature walk is a masterclass in being mindfully present in the moment.
- They meander.
- They notice.
- They stop.
- They squidge the moss, scramble over branches, poke worms.
- They look up, look down, listen, pick things up, feel them and sniff them and put them in their mouths.
They have no interest whatsoever in getting anywhere in particular – (obviously with the exception of the ice cream van or the park if that’s on the way, but that’s your fault for telling them). Time and schedule is of no interest to toddlers.
It’s always NOW.
Definitely have a go at ‘being more toddler’.
Mindful Health
A nature walk is the perfect time to just be, now.
- To slow down.
- To observe.
- Unplug.
- Explore.
If you are with a child, be brave and let them lead the way.
It’s fascinating and often hilarious.
If you’re not… why not just (safely) meander too.
Make sure you have GPS so you don’t get stranded, but maybe try a different route or a detour from where you would normally go.
Ground Yourself
Be daring and connect with the Earth by going barefoot on the grass, the soil, or the sand.
It literally recharges your battery. Science backs this up. Being in nature makes you measurably healthier. You can soak up Vitamin D, if there’s some sunlight, or just the concentrated oxygenated air that the trees give out in the forest.
Vital for energy levels and auto-immune conditions, such as MS and ME.
The salty air by the sea is great for your respiratory system, easing coughing, unblocking your nose, and even calming skin conditions.
This was going to be a list of handy things to take with you on your nature walk, but you can Google that.
But actually, all you really need is an open, child-like mind and to set a clear intention. So you get everything you need. It’s all out there.
(And maybe some Ziploc bags and baby wipes, and some water, and maybe a snack. And turn off your notifications or put your phone in your backpack. Sorry, I couldn’t resist a few suggestions.)