The escape I seek outdoors isn’t simply about leaving behind my life, but about returning to a deeper sense of self and home. It was a feeling there in childhood, and now it's rekindled as an adult.
Nature has been and remains an anchor; a place where I can breathe deeply and find clarity amidst the hustle and bustle of life. At the same time, it also became an escape, a refuge when I needed space, quiet, and the freedom to simply be.
I loved that paragraph, you describe it perfectly. And the idea of walking home.
I think some people see it as a chore, yet another thing they have to do, and don't have the mental space to open to it and are stuck in a negative cycle. But once you reconnect truly, it adds so much value to your life.
I love how you've incorporated nature images (taken by you!) from the past and merged them with your current reflections. Last year we started offering (re)workshops: (re)connecting to the land, (re)awakening your senses, (re)wilding your spirit, (re)newing your sense of gratitude for living on Earth - and I'm pleasantly surprised at the synchronicity of your post. Thank you for writing this article!
Beautiful, thank you!! 🌿 I'm currently on a journey to connect with nature again after having lost this connection almost completely during my adult years (university, work, always busy, the usual ...). When I grew up, I was always outside, always a part of nature as nature was a part of me - without really noticing it. It was normal, my life - and I only realised a few years ago what I had lost (and that I was a little lost, too). Luckily, nature is always there and welcoming. It's so good to be back and feel this connection again!
Beautiful words David. You've captured how I feel about nature perfectly.
"I have come to accept that my need for the outdoors is non-negotiable." This is so true for me. Just yesterday I felt frazzled by a little too much time on the computer. I went outside, and felt 'out of sync' with the beauty around me. So I stopped, took of my shoes and stood on the grass for a while. It really helped me to feel calmer and more grounded for returning to my day.
These words touch my soul very deeply. You are so right - nature does call us back and will always be waiting. I love the photos. I too as a child had holidays in the Lake District and North Wales. Thank you 🌱🌻
Lovely piece of writing David. “For those of us seeking a slower, simpler life, a life that feels rich in meaning, perhaps the answer isn’t so complicated after all. Perhaps it’s found in our rekindling of this connection with nature, in stepping outside more often, in paying attention to the way the world changes with the seasons”. I’m 100% in agreement with you and I say this often in my own writing.
I like your point about being outside under an endless sky making us feel small but not insignificant. That sense of belonging to the whole is what I get from being outside in Nature. That feeling of connection feels like being in my true Home.
This is so lovely David, thankyou.
Nature has been and remains an anchor; a place where I can breathe deeply and find clarity amidst the hustle and bustle of life. At the same time, it also became an escape, a refuge when I needed space, quiet, and the freedom to simply be.
I loved that paragraph, you describe it perfectly. And the idea of walking home.
I think some people see it as a chore, yet another thing they have to do, and don't have the mental space to open to it and are stuck in a negative cycle. But once you reconnect truly, it adds so much value to your life.
Yes, absolutely 🙌 Thank you so much for reading 🙏🌿
I love how you've incorporated nature images (taken by you!) from the past and merged them with your current reflections. Last year we started offering (re)workshops: (re)connecting to the land, (re)awakening your senses, (re)wilding your spirit, (re)newing your sense of gratitude for living on Earth - and I'm pleasantly surprised at the synchronicity of your post. Thank you for writing this article!
Thank you so much for reading 🙏🌿
Beautiful, thank you!! 🌿 I'm currently on a journey to connect with nature again after having lost this connection almost completely during my adult years (university, work, always busy, the usual ...). When I grew up, I was always outside, always a part of nature as nature was a part of me - without really noticing it. It was normal, my life - and I only realised a few years ago what I had lost (and that I was a little lost, too). Luckily, nature is always there and welcoming. It's so good to be back and feel this connection again!
Beautifully written, David. I’ve noticed that desire to be in nature grow with age, especially in those heavier seasons 🌿
Yes, I think that’s very much been my experience too 🌿 Thank you for reading 🙏✨
Thank you for sharing, the great outdoors will always be there for you 💕
So beautiful and true 🧡
Thank you 🙏🌿
Beautiful words David. You've captured how I feel about nature perfectly.
"I have come to accept that my need for the outdoors is non-negotiable." This is so true for me. Just yesterday I felt frazzled by a little too much time on the computer. I went outside, and felt 'out of sync' with the beauty around me. So I stopped, took of my shoes and stood on the grass for a while. It really helped me to feel calmer and more grounded for returning to my day.
Nature remains such a wonderful antidote to the modern world 🙌🌿 Thank you for reading 🙏✨
So beautiful, David. I definitely value nature and being outside more as I’ve gotten older 💫
Yes, I think that’s s true 🙌🌱 Thank you for reading 🙏🌿
These words touch my soul very deeply. You are so right - nature does call us back and will always be waiting. I love the photos. I too as a child had holidays in the Lake District and North Wales. Thank you 🌱🌻
Aww, you’re very sweet, thank you 🙏🌿 I feel so lucky having those childhood experiences, and certainly, have never regretted not holidaying abroad ✨
Lovely piece of writing David. “For those of us seeking a slower, simpler life, a life that feels rich in meaning, perhaps the answer isn’t so complicated after all. Perhaps it’s found in our rekindling of this connection with nature, in stepping outside more often, in paying attention to the way the world changes with the seasons”. I’m 100% in agreement with you and I say this often in my own writing.
It’s so beautiful to sense all the deep connections which we find in the natural world ✨ Thank you so much for reading 🙏🌿
You’re welcome 😊
Such beautiful words 👏🏻❤️🙏🏻🌿🌸
Thank you for reading 🙏❤️
I like your point about being outside under an endless sky making us feel small but not insignificant. That sense of belonging to the whole is what I get from being outside in Nature. That feeling of connection feels like being in my true Home.
So true, and with that sense of belonging comes, to me, a true homecoming ✨ Thank you so much for reading 🙏🌱