In the northern hemisphere we have entered into Autumn, the days are shortening and light levels are dropping. Aligning with Autumn allows us to notice the growth of the year, the lush and ripe berries adorning hedgerows and the harvesting of foods for humans and wildlife, the more than human. Reminder This reminds us to …
What is Nature Therapy?
Also known as Ecotherapy, there is no single definition, but it describes a regular, structured activity in green spaces. It can be in groups or one to one and is led by a qualified and trained professional. The Core of it. The core of nature therapy is that we are all intrinsically linked to the …
Can nature come indoors?
When we think of accessing nature, so often it brings up going outdoors. Nature isn’t just outside; we can bring it into our homes and workplaces too. The easiest way to do this is houseplants. Indoor plants have become increasingly popular, with sales in 2021 gaining 50% since 2019 and with 43% of people reporting …
Welcoming Winter
We have shifted from Autumn into winter here in the northern hemisphere. Temperatures have dropped and the first frosts have arrived here in Leicestershire, England. Tender plants that need a blanket over winter are being wrapped up and the garden is put to rest. Symbolic The leaves have fallen, plants are dying, and some animals …
How can nature help the need to control?
Everyone needs some sense of control over their lives, it is a natural human desire that can bring a feeling of stability, certainty and safety. As humans we have a desire to control nature, to have the perfect lawn with no weeds or spray insecticide to stop the caterpillars eating the cauliflowers. This, for many …
Aligning with Autumn
The season of autumn is upon us in the northern hemisphere, the days are shortening, and the temperatures are starting to drop at night-time. The berries are ripe, and the leaves are changing colour. This is symbolic of harvesting the fruits of our labour, what we have worked towards all year and reflecting on our …
A dose of vitamin N(ature)
As a society we have become disconnected from the natural world, immersed in technology and spending more time on social media, smartphones and being indoors. This leads to nature deprivation which impacts our mental and physical wellbeing. The biophilia effect was originally coined in the 1960’s by Eric Fromm when he began to explore humans …
The Power of colours.
There are so many colours in our world and each one is embedded in tradition, symbology and meaning. Colours have long been used to help us identify our feelings or describe what we might be feeling. I feel “blue” today. The “red” mist just rolled in. I feel “off colour”. It’s not as “black and …
Harnessing Summer
Summer has arrived and is in full swing. Summer is a potent time for harnessing energy, growing and production. Plants are busy putting on a dazzling show with flowering such as lilies, roses, rudbeckias and salvias. Some plants have wowed and are now putting energy into seed production such as nigella, chives, strawberries and corn …
Stepping into Spring
The season of spring is upon us in the northern hemisphere. The darkness is starting to strip back with more light filtering through into our days. This is symbolic of times in our life when we feel the darkness creeping in and when we feel the weight of every day demands sitting on our shoulders. …