National Trust

The National Trust have today released their new report highlighting concerns about children's access to nature.http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/what-we-do/news/view-page/item788564/


But this isn't just about children. As adults we all need to recognise the value of nature for our own health and wellbeing, that of future generations and the need to protect nature in order to ensure a future we can all share in. Adults need to help children appreciate nature, enjoy it, benefit from it. Amazingly (not really!) it is cheaper to be in nature than in front of the latest games console, have a picnic rather than visit a burger joint.

We can bring to mind the way we engage with nature, what are the sights, sounds, smells that we enjoy, that make us smile? The things we remember from our childhood. How are we helping children have the same or better experiences (with modern clothing they don't need to experience being dragged around a cold wet hillside the way we may remember)?

Panic buying fuel?

So the Government thinks we should store fuel at home! A transport minister this morning announced that it wasn't an irresponsible idea after all the police and ambulance service have their own stores. Note to ministers - these are in properly constructed, inspected fuel tanks not garden sheds! Maybe it's me but isn't it suspicious that an organised industrial dispute over safety and conditions is suddenly made out to be threatening, just at the time the Government is facing a backlash over VAT, pensions, taxes and money for meals with the PM? Were they thinking 'Let's take the sting out of Government action by hyping up some different agenda'!

Cycling can be fun, quicker, healthier!

Surely if the Government is worried about fuel availability they should encourage us to be mindful of it. To drive slower, take fewer journeys, travel by cycle, run, walk, get the train. All the same messages that they should approach regarding the environment too - use less, for health - walk more, improve traffic - drive less. But no, instead we get buy, buy, buy and we all contribute more to the exchequer by doing so.


So if you are worried by fuel shortages, escalating prices, your health or simply want to save money then travel more sustainably, it's good for you!

Different perspectives

It is not yet the tourist season yet passing by Bowness pier you are struck by the garish trimmings, the amount of activity, the noise, and our minds can be just like this, seemingly full of clutter. Yet sometimes all that is needed is a different perspective, looking at whatever is going on with a new viewpoint.

Same lake (Windemere), different perspective

Mindfulness helps you recognise the clutter (thought) for just what it is and enables you to move, to focus on what is happening away from the clutter, the quiet and deeper sensations all around.

Engaging the senses

Looking across to Whitfell (the turnround point) from Buckbarrow this morning

How often do we really engage with all our senses? We sit at a computer, in the car, working a piece of machinery, responding (or reacting!) to what we see, what we feel. But how much of these responses are singular - the look of the words in a document; habitual - the same thing everyday; and how many engage our emotions? Perhaps when we go home and the aroma of a good meal wafts through the hallway or the perfume worn by a partner may engage us, but all day, everyday?

That's why it is important to get outside, practising mindfulness in nature, when all our senses can be recognised and yes all at the same time! With just the sense of touch on this mornings walk I was simultaneously aware and engaged by the feel of the rock I was scrambling up, the warmth of the sun on my face, the coolness of the strong wind, the movement of my jacket, an appreciation of the protection it offered. Then the other senses, the taste of unpolluted air and the warmth and smell of the rising mist, the fantastic long views rather than just to the other side of the street. By engaging fully with our senses we can't help being fully in the moment, mindful of everything that is going on. By noticing so much it's also difficult to slip into 'judgement' mode as by being fully aware we appreciate that everything is constantly changing. It's also difficult to keep your mind cluttered with the schedules, plans, demands and stresses of our 'normal' yet surely 'less natural' life.

connecting with the Earth, views of a Zen Master

In a recent Guardian article, well known meditation teacher and Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh spoke of the increasing evidence that mindfulness can help people to reconnect to nature by encouraging them to slow down and appreciate all the gifts that the earth can offer.

"Many people suffer deeply and they do not know they suffer," he says. "They try to cover up the suffering by being busy. Many people get sick today because they get alienated from Mother Earth”.

He discussed how the practice of mindfulness in nature helps us to develop body awareness and a connection with all around us and that the healing of the people goes hand in hand with the healing of the Earth. 

He also spoke of how an improved connection with nature helps protect the environment too.

"This kind of enlightenment is very crucial to a collective awakening... to be awake to the fact that the earth is in danger and living species are in danger."