Nature is one of the most powerful sources of healing available to us. By separating ourselves from nature (in any way) and turning away from a natural lifestyle, imbalance in our body, mind and spirit can develop. A natural approach to healing is one of my main forms of medicine.
Some of the areas that I focus on include:
- The underestimated human need for silence and switching off
- The healing and balancing power of nature
- Intuitive awareness, strength and conditioning
There’s a saying in Norway - Ut på tur, aldri sur. Translated it means when out bush, it’s impossible to be in a bad mood!
Numerous studies from around the world have shown how essential our relationship with nature is for maintaining holistic health and balance. Whether it’s school kids spending more time outdoors learning and playing, or the growing interest in the Japanese art of forest bathing, our bond with nature reminds us of how inseparable we are from her.
“Look into the water, there you’ll see your reflection; look into the sky, there you’ll see a constant companion; look at the mountains, there you’ll find eternal support; look at the sun, there you’ll find a source to brighten your day and warm your spirit.”
Building and nurturing a close and deep relationship with nature as a part of a healing program is something not often considered today, but it’s one that’s essential to our health, well-being and acceptance of ourselves.
Studies have repeatedly shown how nature heals trauma, reduces stress, calms anxiety, balances emotions, unveils unknown aspects of our self, eliminates duality, and keeps us whole.
Here are a few ways of connecting with nature on an essential level:
Wild swimming
Wild swimming is one of the most intimate and closest ways of immersing ourselves into nature. Removing our layers and sinking slowly down into water has to be the ultimate way of cleansing our body, mind and spirit.
Wild swimming seeks out places where we can truly be alone in relatively untouched wilderness. The softness and peace felt after a swim provide a positive flow on effect in every aspect of our lives.
Dawn at Interlaken, Tasmania
Wild bushwalking and trail running
Hiking and running are about deep immersion in nature - and consequently, ourselves. A walk or run is the perfect place to build essential life skills and a sustainable life philosophy, such as self-care, patience, moderation, endurance, mindfulness, presence, insight, and intuition.
Whether you’re a beginner or late bloomer, it’s never too late to find your path into the wilderness.
The fog lifts revealing Scott’s Peak, Tasmania
Wild caving
The mystery of the underworld conjures up a plethora of imaginations, e.g. excitement, fear, curiosity, and reverence. Caves are a symbolic portal into mother earth. They have been used as places of refuge, enlightenment and transformation for millennia.
A deep respect for nature is acknowledged and nurtured as one goes caving. The underworld is not a world that we can control, but rather where we give up control.
A cave’s silence, purity and originality, as well as its lack of interference by man, allow us the opportunity to be a unique part of something much greater and older than ourselves.
On a wild cave tour in Mole Creek Karst National Park
The above are illustrative examples only - at the heart of nature as medicine is the fundamental human need to be nature. Nature as medicine is as much being outdoors (being present, mindful, in the moment) as it is going outdoors.
This means a walk in nature with a quiet mind may be more beneficial than any other outdoor activity. Being in harmony with your surroundings and yourself (bringing body, mind, and soul into balance) can unlock one of the most powerful healing sources and forces within each of us.
Above all, nature reflects back to us how the manmade concept of time is meaningless, and as a result how we have more than enough time to live life fully and wholly.
My service to you
- Nature as medicine is an integral part of my treatment plan
- Let me know your ideas, wishes and goals; we can meet in person or online to discuss these.
Outdoor Retreats and Therapy
If you’d like to indulge in an outdoor retreat for a weekend, then please read about my Outdoor Retreats and Therapy service.
About my outdoor experience
I’ve been leading people on bushwalks for the past nine years. I’ve organised all my long distance bushwalking trips, from route planning, map preparation, calculating food requirements, packing and delivering food drops, researching and testing gear, going out in all sorts of conditions from snow, ice, rain, fog, sleet, heat, you name it.
I have an up-to-date first aid certificate and experience in different terrains, climates and conditions.
There is always an element of risk involved in the outdoors, and while I plan every therapy session as thoroughly as I can, there are always unforeseen circumstances that may occur. I always endeavour to exercise a duty of care, and attempt to handle SHTF situations as best as I can, with the safety of the environment, myself and my client in mind.
Ultimately, please decide for yourself whether an outdoor therapy session is at an appropriate level for you, meaning that you are able to do it, and/or can do it together with my support (need a little motivation).
People often don’t realise what they are capable of doing and achieving. Fear, self-messages and previous experiences can narrow our understanding of our actual ability and potential. With the support and assurance of an experienced person, you can test out any perceived limitations. Physical limitations are a different story though, and a session will be adjusted to compensate for your level of fitness and health.
Being outdoors does mean that you need a certain level of basic fitness. If you are unsure, please ask. If you haven’t been active or outdoors for a while, that’s perfectly okay. If you have a pre-existing condition, then simply let me know, and I will accommodate you.
Any questions, please feel welcome to contact me on +61 (0)448 381 306 or by email.
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“The birds have vanished into the sky and now the last cloud drains away. We sit together, the mountain and me, until only the mountain remains.”