Wisdom through Nature Connection
Discovering insight through nature connection
When was the last time you took a walk? A really spacious walk, where you had time to just wander or dawdle like a child, noticing and taking in all that is around you with deep curiosity and awe?
So much in our world rushes by, pushing us forward to the next item on the agenda, to tick off one more thing on the list before taking a break, even urging us though that pause, thoughts racing on towards the next thing, and then the next thing. When was the last time a pause was a serene moment, a deep breath, a refreshing or cool moment in ‘the heat of the day’?
Round peg, square hole?
A walk in nature can be far more than exercise or an exploration of a new geographical area. It can be an expedition of discovery, and the path you’re walking can hold more than simply a means to your next destination. Have you ever found, in deeply noticing what is around you, answers, insight, clarity or a new perspective?
A long while ago, I expressed to a friend that in a particular situation I felt like a square peg in a round hole. How easily familiar words and phrases can trip off the tongue! I was a little puzzled at first with her reply, ‘or a round peg in a square hole’ and it took me a while to unpack it and see it another way, which over time set me exploring in another direction. A couple of weeks ago, I came across these wonderful round rocks - in a square hole - and it really made me giggle, as I called to mind those words that resonated so deeply at the time, and helped me really move forward in my thinking and reflecting. I had come across that perfect reframing, in nature!
Our environment is really important. Whether that’s our work environment, where we live, who we connect with, and of course the natural environment; all is interconnected, and like ripples in water, one thing affects another. Walking in nature - if we can really embody and step into our curious and wide-eyed toddler-self - can really gift us breath and insight as to what makes us flourish and to the things that may hinder growth and change. Nature can be our coaching companion, challenging us to reframe the things that have become familiar, to see things differently, to embrace a new way of thinking and open up to possibilities for change.
“While you walk, if you allow yourself to be there mind and body together, then walking will become mindful walking; it will be healing, refreshing and nourishing
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So how might we find insight though connecting with nature? Firstly, simply pause a while. If walking, let go of the need to reach that destination, and allow yourself to be fully present. Whether in a forest, park, by the ocean remind yourself in the pause that you’re part of this world, not separate from it, and be open to the wisdom, patience and solace that those things not made with hands are offering you.
Always a nature curious child, that day I discovered the rose, and its thorns!
Then take a moment to almost breathe in your surroundings and you notice the small details that are often overlooked: the intricate pattern of a leaf, the way light dances through branches or on water, the movement of animals around you, birdsong, scent of flower, feel the earth beneath your feet. Be receptive to nature communicating in symbol and sign. Often what we see around us mirrors the emotions or challenges we’re facing. A fallen tree may remind us of resilience - think of the Sycamore Gap tree - while a flowing stream can symbolise letting go. I was amazed to feel and hear the wings of a butterfly yesterday. Something so small and seemingly fragile having an impact.
And then go deeper… Listening to nature requires more than just hearing; it invites you to sense the deeper rhythms of life. Often, in the stillness, clarity emerges. When you make time to pause in nature you create space for reflection and awareness. Additionally nature has a way of grounding us, offering space when we feel overwhelmed or stuck in a situation. It helps us see that life, like nature, is cyclical—there are seasons of growth, change, and rest. By engaging with these natural rhythms, we can better understand the flow of our own lives, and you may find that nature holds the insight you've been searching for.
If you are feeling like a square peg in a round hole - or a round peg in a square hole - and would like deeply insightful coaching with me to navigate transitions, initiate change, or to find a more comfortable, sustainable way to flourish and find resilience in your current environment, it would be awesome to work with you. Meanwhile take some time to increase your wellbeing and take a deep breath in nature; listen in an even more connected way. You will find new insight and wisdom.
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