Hello friends !
I hope that you have all had a wonderful week so far and enjoyed last week’s newsletter. As I mentioned in the introduction of the previous edition, I am being intentional with my writing with the aim being that when you read, or listen in each week, I am also inviting you to take a moment of reflection and consider the messages and lessons that you may have learned in your own life, whether similar to mine or not.
Whilst I am venturing deeper into the realms of self-discovery and personal growth, I decided this week to explore a topic that is relevant to my own more recent life encounters with taking time in finding my true self again and having space and time to reflect and just ‘be’.
This week, I wanted to write on how we can find peace and guidance from the natural world.
Finding Guidance in Nature
Do you sometimes feel lost and uncertain, seeking answers to life's complexities?
Nature has a way of providing solace and clarity when we need it most. I recall moments when I sat atop of a mountain, gazing at the horizon, and found a sense of peace that transcended all of my worries. Sitting by the ocean, I remember a calming yet also inspiring feeling, and sitting under a tree, watching birds fly, as long as they are at a distance, well that just makes me smile.
Nature speaks to us through its stillness and its constant motion. The visuals, sounds, touch against our body, and even smell can take us into a state of calm. It encourages us to slow down, to breathe deeply, and to be present in the moment. In all of its magnificent forms, nature has an innate ability to communicate with us in ways that transcend words. It whispers profound wisdom through rustling leaves, flowing rivers, and the songs of birds. It beckons us to listen and learn from its ever-changing landscape.
Nature Tends To Call Upon Us
I have always found myself yearning for a deeper connection with nature—a chance to unplug and embrace the serenity that only Mother Earth can provide. Whilst I never really made the time to do so when I was working a corporate job and raising a family, I did often lay awake at night and dream of just being somewhere amongst trees and natural water.
In more recent years however, now that my children are adults and I managed to escape the 18 hour a day job I had held down for 15 plus years, I decided it was time to prioritise and pursue that dream. I solo travelled a little and spent time alone amongst some of the most incredible nature in other countries such as New Zealand, Indonesia and Thailand. And when I returned to Australia, I made a decision.
I decided to build a campervan—a mobile sanctuary that would allow me to immerse in the great outdoors while also sharing this opportunity with others!
Embracing Clarity and Peace in the Van
As I ventured on the journey of building the van and more self-discovery, it became my haven. It was my focus on the path I had decided to take on being intentional to spend more time amongst nature and exploring the world outside of an office and away from a computer or phone screen. I won’t lie, the building of it was intense at times, but I knew it would be worth it.
Once completed, it became my gateway to immerse myself in nature any time that I wanted and provided the freedom to roam, to explore untouched landscapes, and to bask in the quietude that can only be found off the beaten path.
Every hour, or day I have spent travelling in the van, and stopping amidst the beauty of the natural world has brought me clarity and peace, washing away the noise and distractions that once consumed my life.
Sharing The Gift with Others
Part of my vision for creating this mobile sanctuary, was the opportunity to share the gift of having it with others. Through campervan adventures and nature retreats, I sought to offer fellow seekers the chance to escape the urban chaos of everyday life and embrace the serenity of being remote and out in the wild. To date, the transformative experiences of others who have hired the van, and their stories have not only deepened my appreciation for the profound connection we can forge with nature, but also how many of us don’t have the opportunity, or make time to do so, yet truly do need it.
The Wisdom of Mother Earth
As I myself spend more time in nature, I realise the wisdom that lies within its embrace. From the strength of ancient trees to the resilience of delicate flowers that bloom after a storm, nature teaches us the art of adaptability and perseverance. It reminds us that life is a continuous cycle of growth and renewal.
When we open our hearts and minds to the teachings of nature, we discover valuable insights that can guide us on our own paths of growth.
The Healing Power of Grounding
In addition to the wisdom we can find amongst nature there is a healing experience that occurs when we connect our physical bodies directly with nature—the practice of grounding.
Grounding, also known as earthing, involves physically connecting with the earth's surface, such as walking barefoot on grass or soil, or simply sitting with no shoes on, and having the soles of your feet on natural ground. If you have not heard of this, you should try it. Or look it up, studies have shown that this simple act has remarkable benefits for our mental health.
Research indicates that grounding can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by promoting a sense of calm and tranquillity. When we make direct contact with the earth, we absorb its electrons, which act as powerful antioxidants that neutralise free radicals in our bodies. This process can help reduce inflammation and restore balance to our physiological systems.
Taking time to sit, barefoot and have some quiet time?
Sounds very beneficial to us all!
As we navigate the complexities of life, we need to remember to tune in to the whispers of nature and embrace the practice of grounding. In its beauty, we can find the resilience to face challenges, the peace to find clarity, and the inspiration to embrace personal growth.
Nature's voice is ever-present, guiding us with wisdom, while grounding offers a profound opportunity for healing and restoration.
I hope that after reading this you are inspired to embark on your own journey of discovery in amongst nature and experience the transformative power of grounding.
Whether it's a stroll in a nearby park, a hike through bushland, or a moment of stillness by the sea, a river or beneath the night sky, may you find solace, inspiration, and the benefits to your mind and body that only nature can give.
With my gratitude as always,
Rebecca
P.S. I would love to hear about your experiences with nature, grounding, and if you have been on a road trip in a van! Please do share your stories and reflections in the comments with our community as I am sure other readers will love to hear about your adventures.
Or, if after reading this you decided to go out and about and have some nature time, let us know that as well. It is always nice to know as a writer if our words have inspired a reader.
Artwork
This weeks artwork is by Ukraine Artist and Illustrator Vita Kalmutska. I chose this art called Walking to the end of Summer as I felt it encapsulated everything I have written about today. Earth, grass, sky, stars and a human connected to the ground. It just drew me in. I hope you love it too !
Deep.. Emotional