A reflective piece on connecting with nature and the world we live on.
This isn’t only hugging trees, it's about connection.
Read slowly, or return when it feels right.
Have you ever hugged a tree? No, seriously.
What about a cold dip in the sea, or a natural river or spring?
A waterfall, maybe?
Where is your favourite place to visit nature?
Is it in the woods, up a hill, or a mountain?
Or do you prefer the beach? Do you go barefoot?
In an ideal world, I'd do cyclical stops at all of them! Unfortunately, due to systems in current society, visiting nature isn't always easily accessible, or timely. Doable though, absolutely!
I'm so grateful and lucky to live in a beautiful country, surrounded by loads of natural landscapes that I can visit, enjoy, relax and soak up the views. So long as I do so within specific safe hours, of course, oh and on certain days.
We live in a world that boasts freedom, but we are restricted to a school and work week that limits when we do things.
Then, on these set days, places tend to be busier with others trying to do the same thing, but not wanting to socialise while doing so - what's that about?
Either way, nature is a good place to start feeling some peace and relaxing in the world we live in. Touch trees, grass, rocks or sand. Feel the natural world round about us.
I always find a cold dip refreshing - regardless of it being in a waterfall or sea. It does take some getting used to, and the first and last dip of the season do bring certain feelings up.
Shock, initially getting into it and then the gentle sorrow in retirement over winter.
Knowing personal limits and seasonal dangers is very important.
We aim for improvement not injury.
The rock pools can be painful underfoot at the waterfall, so special shoes are beneficial but not required. And the beach? The sand under your toes; the gentle glide and push of the water: peaceful bliss.
"Why do you do that, though? You must be mad!" I've heard that a few times, ha - from family and old friends both. The endorphins released during the process can be refreshing for both the mind and the body; over time and prolonged exposure, the positive impact grows.
Adult trees can be huge. Some are really old too, centuries - rooted and growing. Their roots go deep into the earth's soil and we can only image how vast woodland and forestry root networks are.
Intertwined and supportive, nourishment and information exchange galore: strengthening the ecosystems with balance.
Location is irrelevant, the roots are all within the earth, out of sight under the surface, but always present, nonetheless.
We see the tree above ground; but the roots grow so long as the tree lives, they could be as deep as the tree is tall - maybe even deeper!
They are all connected through the vast mycelial network (a vast root network: starting with mushrooms, and connecting with plants and trees - imagine those conversations!?)
There are many studies on the health benefits of connecting with nature online, so I won't go into all the details.
In my personal experience, cold dips are beneficial for skin and circulatory health; and a tree-hug is very comforting: the whole body takes a relaxing exhale.
Both activities leave me in a peacefully grounded state for the rest of the day, at minimal.
So if things get overwhelming for you, try taking a trip to your local woods, a loch, beach or running river. The first point I'd suggest most - hug a tree. If you have some time, take a picnic and your journal, stay a while. Tell someone where you are before heading out though, safety first!
Have you ever hugged a tree or gone for a cold dip? You're welcome to share your experience below.
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