I’m curious about alternative healing modalities. I don’t profess to understand how most work, but I know from my own experience that I often gain new insights in the process. A few years ago I tried kinesiology. My sons were aged 2 years and 6 months at the time. I was beyond exhausted. I was open to anything that would help me. In our session I was given advice that if I was ever feeling overwhelmed or unsupported I could turn to Mother Nature. Mother Nature after all is a life giver and nurturer, just like us Earth Mothers.
I have in the years since thought many times about this when I have been feeling flat and tired. At those times I have called on Mother Nature to support me. Here are a few ways I have found to connect with Mother Nature and come away feeling nourished and rejuvenated by her. Many also happen to be backed by science (if that’s your thing).
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Going barefoot. I like shoes as much as the next girl, but there is something special, for me at least, about going barefoot. I’m grateful to live in a part of the world with clean, idyllic beaches and long summers. At every possible opportunity I get my feet sandy at our local beach. When I can’t get to the beach, I take my shoes off at the park or in my garden to feel the grass under my feet.
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Swimming in the ocean. I feel most at peace when I am at the beach. Floating in a beautiful warm salty ocean is medicine for my soul. It can feel as though my cares are literally washed away. I like to swim just far enough away from the crowds to experience some silence and solitude (rare as a mum).
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Digging in the dirt. I grew up with parents who always tried to involve me in our garden. I resisted. Homework became very important at the times I was called on. I am not about to say I am now an avid gardener, but I do find when I get out in the garden (mainly to pull out overgrown weeds) and get my hands dirty there is something healing about it. My mum is a serious gardener. She refers to it as her therapy and I can see why.
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Getting lost in the woods. I read an article a few years ago about “forest bathing” and how city dwellers in Japan were getting out of town and into nature to experience the health benefits. I may not get away often (two toddlers and their associated “stuff” can do that to you) but where I live there are lots of nature reserves and parkland areas to get in nature. I also strategically pick playgrounds set in bushland areas, so I can get the benefits of being surrounded by the wilderness while my littlies play.
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Smelling the roses. I might sound corny, but I have actually started doing this and it’s lovely. On my morning run, I pause to smell any neighbourhood roses which catch my eye (I am also quite partial to a lavender bush). Sadly many flowers lack the strong scents I remember from my nanna’s garden but that makes it all the more special when I do come across one with a beautiful aroma. Also keeping an eye out for them helps me notice the intricate beauty of nature.
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Looking up at the night sky. Nothing gives me perspective and makes my problems seem smaller than a few minutes looking up at the sky (even if that is when I am taking out the garbage). It is a place I still experience a childlike wonder and feel insignificant and special all at once.