Why spending time walking in Nature, in Community has the power lighten & brighten your day!

Times have never been so indoors. Except maybe during the industrial revolution behind factory doors. If we go out, we’re usually going to another indoor space with a head full of tasks and the day’s stresses.

We’ve also never been more on-screen. In the current age of information, we are disconnected from ourselves, each other and nature more than ever. We are more isolated and lonelier, lower in energy and mood, longing for something beyond this mundane, repetitive, depleting daily grind.

The less we get out, the harder it is. The less we relate in-person, the less socially free we become.

So how do we get out of this modern-day stagnation?

For me, when I set aside time to connect to myself though walking, nature, and authentic community I feel much lighter and brighter, with a full cup to enjoy my day-to-day life.

Movement

We spend a high portion of our lives sedentary, in chairs and with so many modern conveniences we only have to lift a finger. Consequently, our bodies suffer. They become tense, stagnant, stiff and inflexible.

They may carry extra weight, and most certainly the burden of excess toxins from our food production and choices, environmental pollution and the build-up of everyday metabolic waste. Our liver struggles to keep up the detoxification of alcohol, unhealthy fats and stress hormones, meaning they re-circulate to high levels causing disruption and ever more poor health.

Walking really is the best exercise. It quickens the heart and speeds up waste removal and nutrient supply. In terms of brain health, the added oxygen boost gives us more clarity and capacity for creativity. Moving our body literally causes more flow. Flow in oxygen, nutrients,  positive thoughts and motivation.

Exercise releases endorphins, our feel-good hormones, which makes us feel lighter and brighter. Additionally, the elicitation of deeper breathing stimulates the diaphragm which is connected to our parasympathetic nervous system. This is the division responsible for rest, digest and restore. This gives us an easy route out of our stressed or high alert states.

Nature

Like exercise, nature has the power to settle our nervous system and release feel good hormones. Soil even contains microbes that when inhaled on a wet day stimulates the release of serotonin in our brain. Studies have even show that this works on par with some synthetic antidepressants.

We recalibrate in natural spaces because we evolved living within nature. Birdsong sends signals to our brain that we are safe and our brains fire according to a calm alpha wave. This calm awareness is more conducive to learning.

The simple colour palette of nature feels restful and offers simplicity and spaciousness away from the clutter and noise of everyday life. It meets our need for beauty and awe, often overlooked as a basic human need and yet can fill us up to the brim for days after witnessing a stunning sunrise, cascading waterfall or the dance of summer flowers and butterflies in a meadow.

A “breath of fresh air” is a metaphor for suddenly feeling refreshed having had the cobwebs blown away, darkness removed, feeling lighter and brighter and more inspired.

When we bring our awareness to the elements, enjoy total nature immersion, our senses are enlivened. This connection to nature is a route to greater connection to ourselves because it brings us into the present, to be right here, awake to what is alive in us.

It could be expansive grassland, rolling hills, rivers and lakes, woodland, rocks or coastline. Places that are full of life if we stop to look. Research has found a direct correlation between wellbeing and number of species; the more diverse an environment, the happier we are.

When we spend time immersed in nature on a regular basis we start to align to natures rhythms. We naturally want to be outward and abundant during the summer, or inward and reserved during the winter.

Even more than this, when we spend time observing the details of nature, the way a particular tree expresses itself, how it moves through the seasons and adapts. When we notice this, and understand its wisdom and resilience, we can integrate this knowing and being into our own lives.

I love the reciprocal nature of our relationship with trees; we breath in their waste as our most precious life-giving nutrient and vice versa. Sunshine is also a life-giver; it is clear that the more bright natural light we get, the more naturally lighter and brighter we feel.

Nature has always been a lifeline that has allowed me to breath, walk strong and be more playful and wiser.

Community

Community is also a lifeline which has the power to heal. Without it, life can be lonely and lifeless. We are social animals. We are not only meant to share the rhythms of life with others, but also our everyday stories, our trials and successes, loves and longings, dilemmas and wisdom.

Together we are stronger, more resilient, lighter and brighter.

Being heard is another way to restore our overstimulated nervous system. As is listening to the experience of others. It is mutually healing. Especially when it is authentic, empathetic and compassionate.

When we embark on a journey together, it is a shared commitment. It is an act that says, “I’m here and this matters”.

When we join a community, we feel a sense of belonging. As time goes on and we grow our connections, we feel valued. Moving someway in alignment with others helps us to stay on track, to make more conscious decisions and to celebrate our connections.

When we sit fireside, we share, and we deepen.

When we walk together in Nature, in Community we are nourished and revived. Our cups are filled, and we return to enjoy our lives with more eagerness and vitality.

Would you like to walk in Nature, in Community to fill your cup?

Join me for monthly local Wild Walks to get you moving and energised. A precious pause to take stock and orientate yourself consciously as you step forth. With nature as your guide and anchor through seasonal and life transitions, this is your outdoor mini retreat away from the everyday indoor autopiloting. An open-hearted way to connect to yourself and others, nourished in nature, in community, you’ll end up lighter and brighter, regenerated and with a full teacup!

If you are local to Long Ashton, visit: https://www.healthneedsthyme.co.uk/wild-walks-with-sarah-jane to book your place on Sarah-Jane's monthly Wild Walks, in Nature, in Community.