This week I facilitated a workshop in a rather unusual setting.
It was underground.
It wasn’t in a windowless hotel basement or the Metro.
We were in a cave discussing the role of nature, as a way to enhance clearer thinking, reduce stress and improve well-being.
This particular cave, situated 30 minutes north of Perth in the Yanchep National Park has played a variety of roles over the years, including providing a unique underground function centre as a supper room and ballroom for dancing from the 1930s when it was known as the Silver Stocking Cabaret Cave.
Following a session of yoga, meditation and sound therapy, which put us all in a very relaxed state, we sat on an assortment of comfortable cushions and rugs discussing various aspects of nature’s impact on our health and well-being, before undertaking a short immersion with nature to fully engage with all our senses.
Then it was time for a walk and a bear hunt!
Happily, for us, the hunt was successful as we spied a member of the local koala bear population sitting high in the trees enjoying the warmth of the afternoon sun.
Reflections from the day included:
- The sense of deep peace and calm evoked that began when driving into the park surrounded by beautiful trees and bush.
- How creating time to spend in a natural environment like this with a group of other people stimulates a genuine willingness to think and share thoughts, ideas and experiences at a deeper level.
- How great it was to not have to deal with the distractions of mobile phones, keeping us focused and engaged.
- Seeing lots of smiles and hearing the sound of laughter. Happiness, joy and a sense of fun deepens our learning.
- Gratitude for being able to spend time in this way, enjoying the full buffet that nature provides.
Running a workshop or participating in one can be tiring.
But this fatigue felt good.
We had been outside (and underground) noticing what was around us, free to explore how good it felt to hear birdsong, see lots of kangaroos, feel the sun on our skin and enjoy the beauty of the forest.
I slept like a log afterwards, or was that, like a bear in a cave?
This day was a privilege to be part of and I am very grateful to Lene Sjobrend and EO Perth for making this possible.
Time with nature doesn’t have to be a special excursion.
All it takes is setting the intention to:
- Step outside and look up,
- To sit, stand or walk in a natural environment, green or blue,
- To pause, take in a couple of deep, slow breaths and notice your stress melting away and your mind clearing.
“But I don’t have time for this, Jenny!”
You do.
Investing in spending 15 to 20 minutes a day outside is an investment that pays dividends – for better mental health, lower stress, improved physical health and increased social connection.
Can you afford not to spend that precious time outside?
When you feel better, you are better in every way. Now you can function at your optimal level and get the most out of life and work.
How do you spend time with nature to create a happier, healthier life?
