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.

Tangled Webs

You may have heard the saying "what a tangled web we weave when we practice to deceive" and this has often been used to illustrate the importance of truth and simple communication. But we don't have to be trying to deceive, our whole lives are a tangled web, often with connections we don't see, aren't aware of. 

Being mindful helps us not necessarily untangle, but certainly see the web, understand that everything in our life is connected whether internally, to our background, experience, family, education and much more, or externally to the people around us, our work, reliance on gadgets, texting, the weather, whatever.

When we learn to look at the web, we see the connections much more clearly, recognise the strong, the tenuous, what is able to support and what needs to be strengthened or disregarded.

Being mindful in and of nature allows us to learn from all other life too, that things change, often aren't perfect but can still be beautiful.

Castles, money, celebrity and health

Lindisfarne Castle, Northumberland

There is an old saying that 'an Englishmen's home is his castle' and while the majority of us don't live in castles - did we ever?! where we live, where we are from, where we'd prefer to be, all play a part in our sense of 'self', our ability to feel comfortable, safe and happy with who and what we are. But our own sense of self also affects the society we are part of. Some complain about trends in society, especially behaviour but then just shut themselves away in their towers and do nothing to bring about change. 

The spirit of the Olympics , the work of volunteers and the support of the crowds reflects the true values we can have as individuals, while the greed of banks, the profiteering, high wage, bonus culture, money above all else attitude (just look at G4S, Banks, the damage caused by 'Big Oil' at the expense of our environment) doesn't. The ideals of a 'Big Society' laudable as they may seem are undermined by the large business interests behind them, such as SERCO taking over services that could be run by smaller charities if they were given the funding direct rather than the corporate 'top slicing' loved by the Government. The only way we will have a true legacy of the Olympics with improved health for all, is if there is grass roots interest in sport. Money should go to local authorities, schools and clubs to improve facilities and make them open to all. We should stop the craze for instant fame 'celebrity' status beloved of the media and focus on the determination and work shown by Olympic athletes. Forget the corporate image of sponsors and look at the dedication of our armed forces who've bailed them out. Forget the surgically modified bodies and look at the fantastic shapes of athletes. Once we start to believe in real people again, we'll be healthier as individuals and as a society and our 'sense of self' we be maintained by the reality around us, real people working for the best motives, helping others and protecting the places in which we live.

Depression and death

Big views can lift your spirits

Although the title of this post may seem depressive in itself, it reflects a growing problem in society that can be overcome by increased awareness, exercise and connecting with nature. A study, published in the British Medical Journal, is the largest so far to show an association between what was regarded as low level psychological distress or depression, and death. The need for increased use of  interventions such as mindfulness and activities in the outdoors is highlighted by the fact that the evidence suggests that treatment of what are regarded as common symptoms faced by 1 in 4 of the population can reduce this increased mortality.

While the medical profession still seem intent on the use of medication, prescribing a wide array of drug treatments for depression, lifestyle choices i.e. to be more active, to get out more, to eat well, to be aware of the day to day issues we face and how our responses affect our wellbeing are a cheaper, easier alternative that promotes self-managemetn of whatever condition we face. 

Engaging with life

Thanks to our friends at Earthlines we're reminded that these words by Wendell Berry emphasis how important it is to engage with our senses, to be aware.

'Until we understand what the land is, we are at odds with everything we touch. And to come to that understanding it is necessary, even now, to leave the regions of our conquest - the cleared fields, the towns and cities, the highways - and re-enter the woods. For only there can a man encounter the silence and the darkness of his own absence. Only in this silence and darkness can he recover the sense of the world's longevity, of its ability to thrive without him, of his inferiority to it and his dependence on it. Perhaps then, having heard that silence and seen that darkness, he will grow humble before the place and begin to take it in - to learn from it what it is. As its sounds come into his hearing, and its lights and colours come into his vision, and its odours come into his nostrils, then he may come into its presence as he never has before, and he will arrive in his place and will want to remain. His life will grow out of the ground like the other lives of the place, and take its place among them. He will be with them - neither ignorant of them, nor indifferent to them, nor against them - and so at last he will grow to be native-born. That is, he must re-enter the silence and the darkness, and be born again.'

― Wendell Berry, The Art of the Commonplace: The Agrarian Essays

Mindfulness in Action

Poster for tonight's event, exhibition open until end of August

Tonight a photographic exhibition opened at the Coach House, Ford Park, Ulverston, part of a funded community project. We've been pleased to help at Ford Park over the last few years, running mindfulness and other courses, supporting people and taking part in projects. The photographs and films were all taken / made by volunteers who support the Park. But the Park also supports them. Some come to the Park as part of a rehabilitation process following health or other problems. Some are retired and value the opportunity to support the community and make friends. Others, especially younger people, see it as an opportunity to help others while at the same time gaining valuable work experience. What they all have in common is that they are supported by the environment and community of Ford Park. The gardens, fields, trees, allotments and open spaces all have an impact and this is illustrated in the exhibition itself. The images reflect the interests of the volunteers, but also show what has been important or memorable to them, what they were mindful of, helped by. Whether it was a particular view, the smile of another, a flower, an activity, it doesn't matter. Instead what the images clearly show are the importance of looking, noticing, being mindful of self but also of connections, to nature, people and place. Try it, carry a camera. What do you look at, notice, record and reflect on?

Raining

It's raining, the grass looks lush, vivid green. The birds strut across the lawn finding worms, all focused on food not each other. The corrugated iron roof has a symphony playing as the raindrops splash creating rippling rings in the puddles on the roof, the flowers in the pond are coming to life. Being mindful means seeking out the pleasant! There's so much to see, being in nature means being in the moment, so many fleeting glimpses, activity everywhere regardless of the weather. By watching, seeing, we can for the moment appreciate beauty, harshness, the world around us, that we are part of, no matter what else we're dealing with.

Essence of Mindfulness

At the UK Mindfulness Trainer's Network meeting we've been discussing the qualities of the people we train - the mindfulness teachers working with the public. We've talked about trust, respect, compassion, integrity, connectedness and many more. Yet these are not just the qualities of a good teacher, they are the qualities we all need in everyday life; trusting and respecting those around us, showing compassion for others, having a connection with people, other living things, the planet. Without them we become shut off, scared of others, uncaring, miserable.

The tide goes out in Morecambe bay

Being in nature can help, seeing that things change, appreciating the beauty of a wild animal while understanding the viciousness of its food gathering, understanding the weather, the rain stops, plants grow, life goes on. All help us appreicate the life we have, the need to care, the ability to change.

Connecting with Nature - a group in our local park

Tomorrow we'll be joining friends and colleagues at the annual UK Mindfulness Trainer's Network meeting near Crewe. We'll be discussing developments in practice including the success of the UK Mindfulness Teacher guidelines established by the network.

This article, written by great UK adventure racer Fi Spotswood captures the benefits of being active outdoors and shows how resilient someone can be with help of friends, exercise and nature.

http://www.cyclistno1.co.uk/features/rides/lejog-off-road-mountain-biking-therapy.htm

The BBC have just aired a great programme about the work we're involved in. Just check out this link:

All in the mind

Sense of Place 8

Kayaking on Loch Lomond

So the tour draws to a close, but rather than one long drive back we decide to stage the trip by stopping on Loch Lomond for two days. 

The loch was at times a bit choppy

We were at times drawn to walking rather than bouncing about on the water. Though our campsite was secluded next to a small bay with launching from the back of the van there were also plenty of footpaths including the West Highland Way just a couple of hundred yards away. This meant we quickly discovered that although looking remote, the local area was in fact a hive of activity, especially as we stayed into the weekend, finding that the area became an obvious escape for the citizens of Stirling, Dunbarton and Glasgow. What does continue to puzzle though is the perceived need for people to bring all their belongings. It seems that instead of enjoying this place they are simply transferring their home space temporarily to the countryside, with large caravans with satellite TV, loud music, barbeques, well stocked fridges of beer (or are we in danger of becoming 'countryside snobs'). We need to be mindful of the fact that while the parents are watching their tv's and cleaning their gas guzzling 4x4s at least the kids are climbing trees, enjoying their time in open space!

Sense of Place 7 - sea eagles

White tailed or Sea Eagle

Walking around Glenuig today we stopped for lunch overlooking the bay and were fortunate enough to see two white tailed or sea eagles take off and fly low directly in front of us. The trip became even more special when we spotted golden eagle soaring the slopes of Rois Beinn.

It is easy to see how such sights can make a place feel special for the visitor, but if you've lived in an area all your life do you appreciate the same sites, are they simply part of the fabric of your daily life and if not these what are you mindful of? What do you connect with?

When we get so involved with our everyday existence do we need to adopt specific practices to help us maintain a connection with the natural place around us and if so what form do these take?

Sense of Place 6

Our campsite launch area

From Mallaig we head south, hoping to find a campsite that 'feels' right rather than having decided in advance from a list of sites from the tourist information and some recommended by friends. In the end we nearly got to a site a friend told us about but were instead attracted by a new site with obvious access to the sea. This proved a great location, with sheltered launch point and attractive routes North and South around the coast. Even at this site we met people who were 'incomers'. The owners were a husband and wife team, she had first visited working in hotels before moving to to the South Coast of England. She missed the hills and rugged coast so much she'd always wanted  to return. He was a former Glaswegian builder who sold his business after twenty years to move to the area he'd also holidayed in.  The owners of the local hotel were English (though they contended well with the nationalistic banter of other locals during our visit) who'd also sold up to start afresh in the area.

Talking to people it seems that many try to earn a living but move away due to family / low income and other pressures, while others move to the area having identified new opportunities (the campsite) or being able to work to different levels now the family had grown (the hoteliers). Interesting to look at how external pressures influence these decisions. There appears to be good technological accessibility with people working as software designers, authors, publishers from home, connected by broadband services that equal those of cities where speeds often get reduced due to volume access requirements. There are good roads, local rail services, links that are rare in areas such as rural Cumbria. So do people need stronger family ties including family businesses e.g. fishing, to encourage them to stay or is it natural to want to move away - to see the 'big wide world'. Are there consumerist pressures that make city life more attractive at a certain age with people returning to their roots or the place they make a connection with as they get older? All issues to examine in order to understand 'sense of place' and how it effects ourselves and others.

Sense of Place Tour 5

Final views as we leave the Summer Isles

Moving from the Summer Isles to Arasaig we decided to 'cut the corner' by driving over the bridge from Kyle of Lochalsh to Skye and then drive down to Armadale to catch the ferry to Mallaig. Stopping in Kyle of Lochalsh it soon became apparent that that is all many people do - stop rather than stay. There seem to be streams of coaches which step, jettison their passengers for a short while of coffee breaks, photo opportunities and shopping (for nothing that is really needed!), missing the time needed to spot the harbour porpoises, the seals, otters and all the scenery that is part of 'place'.

Moving over to Skye we decide to stay overnight (not having a fixed itinerary has meant having a greater sense of freedom, the opportunity to really explore) and drive to a campsite near Dunvegan. Although we stay on an award winning site at the side of a loch we notice we must have been spoilt by the fantastic views and drama of the highlands as we feel the whole area seems flat and grey. We address this by lochside walks (the winds are too high to be on the water) and the next day tour some of the remoter parts of NW Skye - great walking areas and back into mountains. We then move to Kylerhea where we walk into the nature reserve over looking the sea to spend a few hours seal watching.

Seal watching

From here it is a short drive to Armadale for the ferry. It has been interesting talking to 'locals' about their life here. Many of those we speak to are 'locals' only in terms of now living in the 'place' rather than familial or other ties. They are 'incomers' who having visited, have decided to stay (or at least move to here!), some from other parts of Scotland or England, others from much greater distance such as New Zealand, all attracted by the 'place' and what makes it special for them, even if they struggle to define what that is in our short discussions. This obviously opens up areas which can be explored in more detail on another occasion.

Sense of Place Tour 4

Ecohome

Having been in the Summer Isles (though actually also picking up on what we've seen and heard as we travelled) for a short while, we're noticing people seem more connected to the place, to their environment. The books in the bookshop we thought were aimed at tourists but apparently books on nature, philosophy and local history are more likely to be bought by locals. There are strong community groups, campaigning, lift sharing, activities, people taking responsibility.

As kayakers using the beaches we've helped with a beach clean, locals coming together to protect their environment. We've met people who have settled here from other areas not just for the views, or connections with nature, but the sense of community, the sense of warmth and safety and though many have 'downsized' they say the quality rather than quantity of life is better.

We're also noticing the flexibility, seeing the same person doing a number of jobs in order to be sufficient, the person who spends time as warden of a hostel during the summer and coordinating a footpath scheme in the winter. The person who writes software from a croft  with a view of the bay, while looking after the sheep too. People seem to have a greater sense of themselves, a confidence in their choices and less dependence on big brands, TV, having more. A community influenced by and for its members rather than external pressures. And this isn't painting a 'rosy' glow. In winter it's hard, longer periods of darkness, roads blocked, bad weather but still people do things and while some move away some communities are stronger with 'incomers' contributing rather than trying to change things to suit themselves.

Sense of Place Tour 3 - Summer Isles

Heading into the bay after a squall, waves breaking over rocks

Our first time in new touring kayaks (other than test paddles pre & post purchase). Initial feelings of nervousness - argh they're wobbly! Then we remember the instructions that we should 'wear' our kayaks, positioning ourselves well, locking into the boat and allowing it to respond with our movement rather than our reacting to every wave, swell, ripple. Typical instructions for mindfulness too, being aware, noticing how we're feeling, connecting, allows us to make choices - to respond rather than react.

Before coming to the Summer Isles we were warned not to expect summer! and today is a great example, we have all seasons in one day, and it's great to notice this, be comfortable with it (we are after all well equipped - believing there is no such thing as bad weather just inappropriate choices of clothing and activity!). So walking up to a cuckoo and the sun this morning, then kayaking in a breeze and light rain, then a walk and it's hailing, but no the sun comes out again and it's really warm, but then in the middle of our walk it gets cold and we're in a blizzard. But we get back to road and a cafe just as sun comes out and we sit outside in T shirts. Strange world. 

Bring on the elements!

Sense of Place Tour 2 - Summer Isles

First View of the Summer Isles

A long but very pleasant drive via Inverness and food in Ullapool - good cafe/bar/bookshop see http://www.theceilidhplace.com  

We drive past Stac Pollaidh with its stunning rock ridge and finally come over the crest to approach Altandhu and our first view of the Summer Isles - breathtaking! When we're mindful of a view, a scene, what is it that so engages us we are lost for words, breathless, tearful?

Park the van in the campsite and settle in, cup of tea looking at the view, very relaxing,

Campsite and view - Altandhu

is it the tea or simply that we've stopped, have the opportunity to take in our surroundings and be mindful of ourselves in this place.

The 'Tengrian' approach, that of the nomadic culture of Kyrgyzstan, would suggest we find it easy to relax here because we can 'centre' ourselves in this place easily. There is water to connect us to our experience, ancestors, past teaching; mountains and trees to connect us to the sky world, the future and we can see in all directions. Be at one with the place.

Sense of Place Tour 1 - Loch Ness

The locks at Fort Augustus

Travelling on the first leg of our 'sense of place' tour I'm struck by how disappointing 'social housing' is. Surely planners can commission designers with some skills so that housing can be somewhere people are pleased to call 'home'? We passed through Dumfries where it was immediately obvious when we passed over the bypass into an area where there was less care, less interest in how the place looked. This was then mirrored by the litter, graffiti shops etc. It isn't difficult to encourage people to respect the 'place' they live, lots of areas manage it. The new housing scheme in Aviemore is a great example of rented, shared and full ownership in houses that look good, aren't all the same and are surrounded by green space.

Travelling on to Fort Augustus at the side of Loch Ness I'm struck by how much easier it is for people who travel light to get through from the loch to the canal. The large power boats have to wait and take a long time to progress up or down. The canoes, kayaks and cyclists on the great glen train simply pass in minutes. Is this an example of less is better?