Czech Conference 2 - 6IATC begins

The 6th International Adventure Therapy Conference held at Castle Hruba Scala in the 'Bohemian Paradise' or 'Rock City', an amazing area of sandstone pillars and outcrops shaped by millennia of rainfall, wind and human erosion, all in a forest setting, takes place every three years in a different region.

The conference attracts delegates from all around the world including Taiwan, Australia, the USA and Canada, Spain, Israel, the UK and many more. All with an understanding of the therapeutic benefits of nature and the outdoors and a desire to learn from others, share ideas and promote the awareness and use of adventure therapy in all its forms.

At such an event it's important to remember that being mindful includes caring for your own needs. So it has been important to establish a blend of exercise, reflection, study and conversation that is balanced, promotes learning, allows engagement but includes space for enjoyment and fun, just as any adventure activity would. Our lives too should have balance, perhaps with a similar blend, after all we are constantly learning, working, sharing even eating and sleeping. Being mindful means being aware of how much we do, whether too much or too little and whether we have the resources to manage this, responding to life and the issues that come along. In doing so it is important to remember to take the opportunity to engage with nature, whether that means a mountain trail or gardening on the allotment, kayaking or painting, is up to you. The key is to make sure we have time for what the poet Wordsworth called 'Tranquil Restoration'.

Czech conference 1

Travelled to the Czech Republic for the 6th International Adventure Therapy Conference, held in the spectacular setting of castle Hruba Scala in the 'Bohemian Paradise' or Rock City.

Interesting experiences on the way here. Trains late, people in 'quiet' carriages who don't get the concept of mobile phone use not being allowed. 'But it's my work phone and I'm clearly very important because I need to keep reminding my colleagues I'm on the train and they can ring me if there is something important that can't possibly wait or heaven forbid be done by them!'

Sorry, shouldn't rant, that's not what this blog is for, but it helps set the scene. Especially when the delayed trains were followed by 3 hour flight delay, arriving in Prague late at night, in the pouring rain.

So here is the mindful input. In my hotel room I realised I needed to relax so went for a short walk to relieve some physical aches before settling for a short meditation including being aware that all the problems had been shared by all travellers that day due to very bad weather and weren't aimed at me personally!

The next morning the sun was shining and after a run to get rid of cobwebs I went to the square by the opera house for breakfast and coffee. Here I was able to sit, be in the moment, appreciate the sun on my face, the smiles on people's faces, the antics of tour guides with colourful umbrellas, electric cycles, adults on push scooters going very fast through the crowds, the shouts of market traders and the gentle buzz of a city coming to life. A great reminder that being in the moment, engaging one's senses, being open to experiences is a great way to feel good, physically, mentally and emotionally.

And so on to the conference and the opportunity to meet old friends, make new ones, learn, share and be inspired, oh yes and be a little pensive as I'm presenting two papers and chairing part of the conference!

Look on the bright side

Rainbow over Loch Tay

Just recently I've been aware that a number of friends and colleagues have needed to take time to cope with the pressures they are facing. Interestingly many people are surprised by this, as they are seen to have idyllic lives, living in a beautiful place, working in a fantastic setting etc. But herein lies the problem - perception. What people see on the surface may not be what is actually happening underneath, metaphors about such things as ducks paddling furiously and icebergs being bigger under the surface abound for this reason.

We all face issues in our lives - illnesses, pain, family and friends, work and finance and yes mindfulness can help with all of these, as can being in nature. The key is that this will only happen if it is an active process. Being in nature is great, if you are aware of its benefits constantly. Like friends and colleagues when the issues in life counter the resources we use to balance them, then we will either be overcome or by being active we can add more resources. Mindfulness in and of nature is an essential part of helping us be active, be 'in the moment', appreciating what else is in our lives; counterbalancing issues even momentarily. Just as the unexpected view of a rainbow makes you pause and appreciate the sun and the rain that creates it, so mindfulness in and of nature encourages you to look, to see, to appreciate the beauty around us and keep a perspective, a balance.