There are many ways 'home'
14 ways to develop an intimate connection with nature + two new in-person events
Weaving words is one of the most intimate forms of self-expression I know. The intimacy is with something ‘beyond’ me; it brings me closest to the essence of who I am and in deeper connection with the larger mystery of life.
There’s intimacy when we’re in the creative zone of any form of creativity, whether that’s baking, writing poetry, crafting, or sewing. 'The creative zone,’ as it’s been named, is a zone of presence—of such deep connection with the task in hand that everything else zones out.
The 'something' depends on your beliefs. Perhaps it's a spiritual connection to your highest self, spirit, God, source or universal energy. Maybe it's to the vault of memories and stories that you carry within you, or to the people around you, or the environments you spend time in.
When we get to that zone, it’s like finding a connection that feels like home.
A closeness.
Intimacy with something beyond/a part of ourselves.
There are many ways home to this connection – for creatives, it’s often through our creative work.
And I, like many of us, also find that connection with the natural world as well.
Combine the two and we can find both depth of connection, inspiration and creative hydration.
Getting Closer
Like any form of intimacy, when we feel we’re getting closer to something, or someone, it may bring up surprising or uncomfortable feelings. Because to connect, whether it’s with self, with nature, with animals or with people - we are inviting in intimacy. Closeness. We are inviting openness of mind, heart and body so that we can connect in a deeper, more present and heartfelt way.
The ways to form an intimate connection with nature can be surprisingly simple - the key is to have full awareness of where your attention is and how present you are.
Here are 14 ways to develop an intimate connection with nature:
Stargazing on a still night - be present to the vastness of the universe.
Wild camping - borrow or buy gear, sleep close to the earth.
Cloud gazing - lie on the earth with a friend and observe the unfolding story of the clouds.
Fire gazing - light a stove or safely create an outdoor fire - watch the flames and see what images and stories emerge.
Hillwalking - pack a flask and lunch and head to the hills being mindful of your thoughts as you walk.
Sitting in a garden - lay a blanket on the grass and watch the insects with curiosity.
Wild swimming - blend with water skin to skin - take it in as wild water holds and shapes itself with you.
Water sports - take to surfing, body boarding and riding with the rhythm of the waves.
Food foraging - learn what local edibles you can incorporate into your meals (there are many foraging courses here in Scotland to choose from).
Forest bathing - soak in the bath of a forest’s ambience - the sounds, smells and energy of trees.
Indoor plant tending - give some loving attention to your house plants and appreciate the green beauty and oxygen they bring to your space - why not have a chat?
Gardening - get out to your garden, a friend’s or a local allotment to dig, plant and tend - smell the soil as you dig and get your hands dirty.
Dog walking - dog sit for a day! Take a dog to a nature spot and let him/her lead the way. Stay curious about the way a dog uses scent to experience the world.
Crafting or making art with nature materials - create mandalas using pieces from nature, gather materials to create collages, weave a willow basket.
Simply marvelling - go and be - marvel at the bounty and wild beauty of the natural world and give thanks to Mother Nature for what she gives.
Choose the ways that light you up.
WHAT’S NEW?
My offerings are opening up to people of all genders. I’ve worked solely with women (and a handful of men) over the last 16 years. I’m listening to the call to evolve, and so many of my future offerings will be open to men, women and non-binary people to join.
I may still offer specific events for women only to empower and strengthen connection between us.
Each course/programme/workshop will state who the event is for.
IN-PERSON EVENTS!!
Two outdoor writing workshops that foster a sense of belonging while igniting the creative imagination.
I’ll be hosting two in-person workshops in Scotland!
Both on The Language of Nature - Write Your Way Home.
The first day retreat is a small and intimate event at a private rural property between Ettrick and Hawick in the Scottish Borders. Happening on Saturday 19th of October 10am-4.30pm.
The second workshop is on November 16th at the amazing Rewilding Centre in Dundreggan, west of Loch Ness 10am-4pm.
We’ll use mindful presence, words and sensory awareness as bridges of connection to the natural world for our own wellbeing, for creative hydration and for a deeper connection and relationship with nature.
Both events are for people who want to spend quality time in a beautiful nature setting, come into deeper connection with nature, and to write inspired by the landscape and natural environment.
Click each button to learn more about these events.
Feel welcome to leave a comment with any questions.
Warmth for your week,