Finding joy and calm
The earth seems to be shifting under our feet. Nothing seems certain, and it’s easy to let our anxieties and fears grow. That is, if we focus on human affairs only. Because out there, in nature, the world is going on. Lives are born and lives end. Trees that are already hundreds of years old, they keep steadily growing. Millions of small dramas, small wonders, and daily miracles are happening all around us. We just need to slow down, bring ourselves into the present, and open our senses. But this can be hard. A thousand worries and tasks clamouring for our attention. Perhaps an internal monologue of fear, or even doom. Some people feel that if they don’t constantly worry about their loved ones, this means that they don’t care about them. But everyone needs to care for themselves too, so that we can remain happy and healthy. In that way, we can go on caring for our loved ones more effectively and for longer. One method of finding joy and calm that always works for me is by writing and drawing. But I mean the kind of writing and drawing where I don’t set myself any goals or standards. Where I don’t put any pressure on myself for the writing or drawing to turn out in any particular way. No one else needs to see what’s in my journals. They are for me only. My own personal response to the world. In my written journal, I just start writing about whatever is bugging me, and see what comes out. Often I write down questions, and then try to write through into an answer. With my drawing, I find the best way is to go out into nature and find something that sparks my interest. It also helps to find a comfortable place to sit or stand. Then I give my attention to that flower, bird, tree, landscape, whatever, and try to draw it. It doesn’t matter what comes out. If I’m really tired I’ll do a contour drawing. This is extra-low-pressure because this means I don’t look at the page, and I don’t take my pen off the page. I just look at the natural thing, and let my pen describe its outlines – its contours. Sometimes I go out into nature, and write down impressions as I go. Sometimes I sit quietly, listen to all the sounds I can hear, and then try to draw a sound map. All of these techniques have a similar effect on me. They slow me down. They shift my focus from worrying to one of close observation, of being in the present. Watching a little bird hop about, or studying the intricate beauty of a flower, fills me with joy. Something about putting pen to paper is both grounding and calming. A written journal, about personal problems, can be cathartic too. It’s almost as if taking the thought and putting it on paper, away from yourself, both relieves the weight of the thing in your mind, and also gives you a better perspective to see the thing more clearly. So in these strange times, please take some time to care for yourself. Perhaps try some writing or drawing as I’ve described here. More detailed descriptions of these exercises can be found in my book Make a Date with Nature that you can download for free here: https://www.paperbarkwriter.com/ Yours Paula Peters
20 Inspiring Nature Quotes
The seasons are changing, inviting us to explore the outdoors. We hope these nature quotes will inspire you to spend more time in nature!
My Journey to the healing practice of Forest Therapy
I grew up in Sri Lanka with all the freedom for daily play and discovery outdoors – as I said in a recent interview, there was no such thing as ‘nature deficit disorder’ in my formative years. The ocean was just down the street, where Sunday family picnics were the norm. That love of the ocean, grandparents who loved gardening, and no lack of adventure just outside my door, sealed my connection to nature. So when I got a chance in 1993 to go on a safari in Rwanda and sit next to a Silver-backed gorilla, I was on top of the world – my ‘Dian Fossey moment!’ I started hiking in Australia when I migrated in 2010. I had just qualified as a personal trainer, but, I yearned for the freedom of being in nature, away from the confines of a florescent-lit gym. It’s a call we all get at some point in our life, and I was enjoying every minute of raw energy getting to the top of the next hill, pounding my way over kilometers of rugged Australian bush tracks. I even started a hiking meetup group in Melbourne “Happy When I’m Hiking.” That sums it up, doesn’t it? ☺ In 2017, an experience in nature changed the way I related to the healing power of nature. I was in Virginia, celebrating my Mother’s 70th birthday in a lovely house overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. Her fondest childhood memories were those spent in nature, so her birthday wish was to do exactly that. We drove along the Blue Ridge Parkway, stopping at many of the lookouts, marveling at the views, and walking along gentle paths. I was no longer rushing. I was present, looking, touching, tasting and breathing in the forests around me. It made me curious; surely, there must be others that are connecting to nature this way? And so my inquiry into ‘Shinrin-yoku’ began, finally finding my way to Japan and the Saneum Recreation Forest in South Korea to meet with the pioneers of Forest Therapy and get certified in “Forest Medicine.” As the President of the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA), it is my lifelong mission to lead, mentor and coach as many people to become certified Forest Therapy Guides. The idea of spending quality time in nature may seem simple, but it is actually quite profound and often life-changing. The Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, or “Forest Therapy” embodies the concept that healing, relaxation and rejuvenation that occurs by immersing oneself in nature. The scientifically-proven benefits of forest therapy include: If you have any questions about the practice of Forest Therapy or becoming a Forest Therapy Guide, please do get in touch with me at info@inmynature.life
“I’m no Picasso, but my doodles are definitely leafing a mark!
Overcoming the Fear of Drawing: A Beginner’s Guide to Nature Journaling Do you feel the urge to reconnect with nature but hesitate to pick up a pen or pencil to document your observations? If you’re a beginner, the thought of drawing—even simple sketches—can be daunting. But what if I told you that nature journaling isn’t just about creating perfect art; it’s about cultivating a deeper connection with the natural world and allowing yourself to slow down and really see the beauty around you? Let’s talk about how to overcome the fear of drawing and why nature journaling is a practice that anyone can embrace, regardless of artistic ability. Why Nature Journaling? 1. A Connection with Nature One of the most beautiful things about nature journaling is how it fosters a deeper connection with the natural world. When you take time to observe and document what’s around you—whether it’s the shape of a leaf, the flight of a bird, or the way the light falls on the water—you develop a sense of appreciation and wonder. This mindfulness can transform a simple walk outside into a meaningful experience. 2. Reduces Stress and Encourages Mindfulness In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Nature journaling offers a chance to slow down and be present. It encourages mindfulness as you focus on details—whether it’s a tiny flower or a cloud in the sky. This simple practice has been shown to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, making it an ideal tool for mental well-being. 3. Sharpen Your Observation Skills Over time, nature journaling helps you sharpen your powers of observation. You’ll begin to notice things you may have overlooked before: the pattern of a tree bark, the movement of the clouds, the subtle changes in a bird’s behavior. This skill of keen observation is not only helpful in nature but also in other areas of life. 4. Learn Through Observation Nature journaling isn’t just about drawing—it’s also about learning. As you document the natural world, you start to understand the intricacies of plants, animals, and ecosystems. You might begin to recognize different species of trees, understand how weather patterns change, or observe the behavior of animals in their natural habitat. This hands-on learning can be both educational and inspiring. 5. Creativity and Self-Expression You don’t have to be a professional artist to enjoy the creative process of nature journaling. In fact, one of the most wonderful aspects of journaling is that it gives you the freedom to express yourself however you feel—through writing, drawing, painting, or even poetry. The goal is to capture your thoughts, feelings, and discoveries in a way that feels personal to you. Remember, this is your journal. Getting Started: Overcoming the Fear of Drawing If you’re new to nature journaling and worried about your drawing skills, know this: you don’t need to be an artist to begin. The practice is about exploration and personal growth, not perfection. Here are a few simple steps to get started: The Benefits of Nature Journaling Once you’ve embraced the practice, you’ll begin to notice the many benefits of nature journaling: A Final Thought Nature journaling isn’t about drawing perfectly—it’s about connecting deeply with the world around you. It’s a journey of self-expression, mindfulness, and personal growth. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced journaler, you have the ability to develop your own unique practice. So, take a step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and let the world unfold before you. Remember, the most important thing is to start. Are you ready to start your nature journaling journey?
Cultivate Self-Care: Embrace these 10 Daily Rituals for a Balanced Life
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s all too easy to forget to take care of ourselves. Yet, by incorporating small, daily self-care habits, we can ensure that we are at our optimum—emotionally, physically, and mentally. These moments of mindfulness are essential for reconnecting with ourselves and finding balance in our hectic world. I’m happy to share some simple yet impactful ideas to help you carve out a little time for yourself each day. You deserve it. Start incorporating these steps into your life this week and begin your journey towards a more centered and fulfilled self. Start including these simple steps in your life. Begin this week. Especially this week. 1. Be still. Start a sit spot practice – 10 minutes in your garden. 2. Walk. Take a short walk without your mobile phone – leave it at home. 3. Connect. Walk on grass without your shoes – what do you notice? 4. Relax. Give your body ten minutes of mindful attention – start with relaxing your cheeks, your neck, your shoulders, all the way down to your toes. 5. Breathe. Take ten deep breaths of fresh air – inhale through your nose, exhale through your mouth or nose. 6. Savor. Take ten minutes to eat an apple (or fruit of your choice). Chew slowly, noticing the textures, smells and taste. 7. Inhale lavender, peppermint or other sweet smelling herbs or flowers. Relish the aroma and notice the sensations. 8. Read. Find a quiet spot at home or in your garden and read a poem from nature. Sip on your favorite tea. 9. Bathe. Soak yourself in a hot tub with nature infused oils and aromas. 10. Treat. Buy a small nature-inspired luxury as a way of valuing yourself. A plant, recyclable yoga mat, or a Forest Therapy guided walk! With a little bit of attention to your own self-care, you will feel more connected to yourself and the world around you. Incorporating a few of these ideas in your day will help keep you in tune with nature. And that’s always a good thing! Which one will you try first? Here are some links to research which shows that nature experiences provide an antidote to stress and support general wellness, offering restorative experiences that ease the mind and heal the body.
Managing Everyday Stress Mindfully
In today’s fast-paced world, stress and anxiety have become all too common. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 42.9% of people aged 16–85 years have experienced a mental disorder at some point in their lives, with 21.5% experiencing a mental disorder in the past 12 months. Anxiety disorders are the most common, affecting 17.2% of people aged 16–85 years. Chronic stress can lead to various health issues, including high blood pressure, heart problems, weakened immune function, digestive disorders, and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety disorders. Having a daily mindfulness practice can be a powerful tool to manage stress and improve overall well-being. By dedicating just a few minutes each day to mindfulness, you can cultivate a sense of calm, enhance your focus, and develop a greater awareness of your thoughts and emotions. This practice can help you respond to stress more effectively and improve your overall quality of life. Best Time to Practice: It is often helpful to start this practice in the morning to establish a regular routine. By doing so, you set a calm and mindful tone for the day ahead. Additionally, having this practice in your toolkit can help you navigate and overcome stressful situations as they arise throughout the day. Everyday Mindfulness to Bring Calm If you want to book a session of Breathwork, contact us info@inmynature.life
Forest Therapy at Geelong Botanic Gardens
Join Susan Joachim, President of the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA), and Founder of Shinrin-Yoku, Forest Therapy Australasia, on an exclusive Forest Therapy experience in the beautiful Geelong Botanic Gardens. Bookings are now open via Eventbrite. What is Forest Therapy? The practice translates literally from Japanese “Shinrin-yoku” as “Forest Bathing” – immersing ourselves in the atmosphere of forests and other natural surroundings. “Forest Therapy” is now considered nature’s remedy to stress and a pathway to a happier, healthier and more fulfilling life. The practice is backed by thorough medical and scientific research – and the plethora of health benefits are wide-reaching for all age groups. What happens during a guided Forest Therapy session? Susan will guide you on a relaxing and rejuvenating walk, with plenty of time to slow down and soak up the beauty of this enchanting garden, one of the best-kept secrets in the region. We’ll see the emerging colours of spring among the lovely tree plant collections, as well as exciting new vistas as the leaves emerge. Forest Therapy walks take on a slow immersive pace, unlike a hike or botanical walk. The Geelong Botanic Gardens provide a rich tapestry of sensory experiences that invite us into the moment. Over the two hours, your will spend some time walking at a leisurely pace, stopping and sitting. Usually, you would be in shade, but sometimes we may sit in an open space. With a focus on slowing down, the guided walk encompasses a series of place-based activities on easeful nature trails, to help us relax, become present and deepen our connection to nature. The experience invites room for listening, healing, reflection, for quiet, accepting presence, and for inquiry through all the senses. There is no right or wrong way to participate in the activities, simply follow your intuition and curiosity to explore the natural surroundings. The Forest Therapy experience concludes with a tea-sharing ceremony, inspired by the Japanese way of tea. =====BOOKING CONDITIONS====== All attendees must comply with the latest VIC Public Health Order and State Government Guidelines regarding COVID-19 and distancing at the time of the booking taking place. THINGS TO KNOW/BRING: Please arrive by 9:45 am to fill out preliminary formalities. We will start the walk promptly at 10:00 am. The event will go ahead even in rainy weather. However, if we need to cancel due to inclement weather, bush fires or notifications from council or parks authorities, participants will be notified on the morning by 9:00 am. How to get to the gardens: Geelong Botanic Gardens is close to the Geelong Waterfront within Eastern Park. If using GPS the garden’s entrance is at the intersection of Podbury Drive and Eastern Park Circuit For further information about the venue, directions and car parking, please click here. We look forward to seeing you there! —————————————————————————————————————- We Acknowledge the Wadawurrung People as the Traditional Owners of the Land, Waterways and Skies. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present. We Acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are part of our Greater Geelong community today.
