MIndfulness and relaxation tips for the outdoors and every day life

How does if feel to come on a dark skies experience?

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 12:26:38 GMT

How does it feel to come on one of our experiences?

We’ve stood on this shoreline at night many times before and it’s taken our breath away……

Standing here, we’ve listened to the rhythmical sound of waves in the distance. Felt a cool breeze brush over our faces. Smelt salty sea air. Witnessed thousands of stars in the inky blackness or a huge moon reflected on the distant water.

The journey here brought us alive. Our worries suspended. Any thoughts of BAD NEWS gone.

Standing here, we’ve witnessed the miracle of LIFE. Felt deep AWE that stayed with us for days afterwards. It’s truly a precious and very special moment.....

We aim to create the same feeling no matter the event. Give you time out from your busy schedules to STOP. Take a breath and feel the wonder of this life.

If this feels like something you would like to experience - as well as learning more about the night sky, universe and a secret technique that makes you feel amazing - click here .

Find your wild

183:786676909 (Alison Goodwin) — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 17:09:58 GMT

Find your wild

There’s no doubt about it. Standing on top of a mountain in some far-flung wild place is good for your soul. That sense of majesty. Serenity. A profound depth of stillness. Feeling being part of something much bigger than your brain can comprehend.

It’s been proven immersing yourself in such wild places – and the exercise needed to get there – interrupts your mental ‘autopilot’. It gives you fresh perspective on life, slowing usual thought patterns. Focus turns to the present moment where you forget about your worries for a while.

What does ‘wild’ mean, however? Technically it can be defined as: (1) ‘a sparsely inhabited or uncultivated region or tract’. And (2) ‘a wild, free, or natural state or existence’. But what about when you can’t access such ‘wild’ places?

I discovered this when I fell ill many years ago. For years I’d been an avid fell walker getting out as often as I could at weekends. But then I couldn’t. Just walking from the shower to my bedroom was sufficient to put me back in bed. Longing to find my ‘wild’, I had to resort to finding it on my doorstep and tune into nature on a micro scale. ( You can read my full story here ).

This was when I discovered sensory nature experiences. I was blown away at how I could feel the same way I did standing on a mountain top. By paying close attention to everything around me, colours, sounds, smells became greatly enhanced. I started to access awe – an emotion scientists now say is more important than happiness.

Since then I’ve made a complete recovery and I now show others how to have similar small-scale experiences in nature. These may be short excursions up to a quarter of a mile or maybe even less. Or lower-level routes no longer than 3 miles or maybe up to 7 miles.

We haven’t built up to mountain level and true wilderness yet, that’s to come. But what’s really struck me is how much people get out of micro-level, nature immersion. Their wellbeing flourishes. They feel calmer, more expansive and less worried about life’s problems.

And what’s also wonderful, from doing these experiences, many have discovered a greater love and appreciation for the natural environment. And a desire to care for their local natural areas – as well as the wilder parts of this world.

So no matter where you are. Go and find your wild. You never know what might happen – or where it might take you.

Blog written for the John Muir Trust .

Check out This Expansive Adventure for more information on wellbeing in the outdoors too.

Benefits of a night walk

183:786676909 (Alison Goodwin) — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 20:54:31 GMT

Benefits of a night walk

Walking at night can feel a bit like a mini-adventure. Instead of succumbing to the settee you’re doing something different to your usual routine. By doing so, it opens up a whole new world both outside - and inside of you.

Believe it or not, it’s a fantastic way of combatting those winter blues as it expands your horizons. And this stimulates your happy chemicals. Even a bite-sized bit of time after dark makes you feel exhilarated.

This is because your primary sense - sight - takes a back seat while all your other senses become alive. The crunch of snow underfoot. Feeling the breeze brush lightly over your face. Watching silhouettes move in the wind. Looking up to a bright, full moon.

The activity totally focuses the brain, so you become more aware to the natural environment around you. All those things you may have missed before, suddenly grab your attention. When you’re less distracted, you mind is calmer too and troubling thoughts may just disappear.

Your capacity to feel awe increases massively. An emotion which many scientists now believe is more important than happiness ( read more about awe here ). This feeling not only makes you feel more positive, it helps you regain a sense of perspective on life.

Certainly I’ve stood on top of a wild moor and seen a huge star-filled sky and it’s taken my breath away. No matter how many times I do these experiences, I feel awe which stays with me for days afterwards. I feel more connected to this world and yet at the same time just a small part of life itself.

But you don’t need to be in the middle of nowhere to experience this. Take yourself to your nearest green space and look up. Or join us on one of our dark sky experiences .

A magical mystery twilight walk

183:786676909 (Alison Goodwin) — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 16:27:28 GMT

A magical mystery twilight walk

We set off just before sunset, travelling slowly along the edge of this ancient land, gently waking up our senses. Taking ourselves on an adventure that would calm the mind right down and make us feel more present. Doing this meant we could feel, hear and see so much more.

From this special place, the vistas are simply breathtaking. On a clear day you can watch the sun set behind the Yorkshire Dales in the distance. Below are expansive, flat plains that go on as far as the eye can see. The skies here are simply huge.

On this particular day the cloud started to roll in so our views were limited. Did that matter? Not one iota. Our senses had come alive and as we walked we heard wildlife around us. Bats flying above our heads. We chose to walk without head torches for longer so our night vision became stronger.

Our guide Fabian, brought our attention to visible land marks, stars, and spoke to us about the universe. It was utterly enthralling.

Meanwhile our bodies and mind felt alive. Zinging. Slightly altered from doing something different at night. And we all agreed we felt so much calmer.

Look here to find out when our next Magical Mystery Twilight Walk is happening.

From sunset to star light - a twilight nature sounds safari

183:786676909 (Alison Goodwin) — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 15:35:06 GMT

From sunset to starlight. A twilight nature sounds safari

Sitting, huddled around a fire, cosy in blankets, we looked in awe at the star-studded sky above us. Feeling alive and zinging from the twilight-cum-night walk we'd just done.

We'd set off just before sunset, travelling slowly along a babbling beck, gently waking up our senses. Taking ourselves on an adventure that would calm the mind right down and make us feel more present. Doing this meant we could feel, hear and see nature, and all of its wildlife wonders around us in more detail.

As daylight faded to night, we walked in dimmed light through a small woodland. Stopping to observe. Listen. Interspersed by fascinating wildlife information from our nature guide, Richard . We discovered bats, owls, migratory birds, woodland mammals. With our senses more focused we learnt, heard and saw so much more.

The event was held in a peaceful and idyllic valley few people know about in the North Yorks Moors. Our hosts, Lesley and Andrew from Gumboots & Wellingtons were wonderful hosts and offer the most gorgeous, rustic accommodation . And those toasted marshmallows and hot chocolate were totally gorgeous!

Look here for our next Twilight Nature Sounds Safari.

My story & why nature, mindfulness and yoga helped me heal

183:786676909 (Alison Goodwin) — Thu, 28 May 2020 13:43:22 GMT

My story - and why nature, mindfulness and yoga helped me heal

I think it’s about time I told you my story!

First of all - for those who don’t know me - I’m Alison. The person who’s been bombarding people with lots of nature images during lockdown! (Seriously, I hope you’ve found it a calming balm - and not too annoying!).

Why did I do this? I’ve experienced first hand how healing nature can be. Like the time I lost everything - and I mean everything: home, job, health, relationship - when I fell really ill a number of years ago. As I watched my life fall apart, I fell into a deep depression.

Being a lover of the countryside since childhood, I yearned to look at plants, trees and to see that luscious green colour. Since I was living in the city at the time, it wasn’t so easy, especially since my energy was so low. Just walking from the shower to my bedroom was enough to put me back in bed.

When I regained enough strength I’d drive to a natural spot and just sit in the car. Seeing greenery through the window lightened how I felt. I’ve since read just looking at nature images has a massively calming affect on our brains, which would explain this (and why I've posted lots of nature images over these few weeks to help you guys - hopefully!)

Eventually when I felt stronger, I’d go and sit under trees. I loved feeling the breeze gently blowing through the branches. Hearing the cacophony of bird call. Smelling the perfume of flowers. I felt calmer from being there. Nothing else seemed to matter in that moment.

In amongst all of this, there was a deep faith that now I’m so grateful for. I’d been practising yoga and meditating for years. I’d also recently discovered Zen Buddhism, which followed a mindfulness path. By using these practises I found out I could calm the inner storm. They gave me great comfort.

Life felt much simpler living in the moment. I stopped agonising over what had happened. It had been and gone and there was nothing I could do about it. The future hadn’t yet arrived. But I could be present, now. When I did this, life wasn’t so heavy.

When I lived from this mindful place, nature became even more interesting. Colours turned radiant. Sounds more beautiful. Fragrances more exquisite. Being there calmed my nervous system right down. It was a wonderful way to de-compress.

Overtime, my faith proved correct. I got better. Totally.

This is why I include (indoor and outdoor) yoga and mindfulness in most of our experiences. Combining them with nature, can be truly transformative and a massive stress reliever. It also means you’ll find greater connection to the natural world too, which can only be a good thing.

Walking in woods boosts your immune system

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 12:43:49 GMT

Walking in woods boosts your immunity

I love this picture, taken by RJB Photographic. It’s of Staindale Lake in Dalby Forest.

Walking through woodland environments, noticing the colours, shapes and stillness really help calm the mind and body.

But did you also know walking in woods - in particular pine forests - are good for boosting your immune system? The trees release a natural aromatherapy called phytoncides. Scientific research has proven that inhaling these gives us a health boost.

Meanwhile being in any woods also help - and believe me there are lots in North York Moors. When we go for a walk, microbes are released and we breathe these in. The effect is greater happiness - as was discovered by Royal Hospital in London.

So if you can, get out into the woods. Your health and mental wellbeing will thank you for it.

If you can’t get out for whatever reason, look at nature images. Studies show it calms the mind and body right down as well as helping to boost immunity too.

Say YES not NO! Six benefits to trying new experiences

Thu, 09 Jan 2020 13:18:02 GMT

Say YES not NO! Six benefits to trying new experiences

You could see views like this one. Taken on a walk at Ravenscar, in the North York Moors National Park

Whether you realise it or not, we spend our daily lives approaching tasks the same way we’ve always done them. When this happens our life starts to shrink. We start to feel stuck, stale and stagnant. Very rarely do we try new, unique experiences.

But what would happen if you approached life differently? Here are 6 benefits to striding out and saying YES as opposed to NO to trying new things.

1. You overcome fear

Have you noticed how your brain plays out worst-case scenarios or you fear consequences? It pays to be cautious in certain instances. But there will always be fear when you try anything new. Your mind just exaggerates it. Over time if you keep pushing your boundaries, you’ll notice it will become easier.

2. You meet new, like-minded people

Have you ever wanted to go on an event, but decided not to because you wouldn’t know anybody? When you start to do #1 you’ll be more open to meeting new, like-minded people. I’ve seen men and women come to my events over the years make life-long friends. Perhaps you might too?

3. You expand your horizons

When you start to say YES to life as opposed to NO, your horizons expand. Life is less small. You’re more open to having a go.

4. You’ll see many more places

No matter what it is you decide to focus on more, you’ll see places you wouldn’t have seen before. Whether that’s walking different routes to work everyday, joining a walking group or going on a mini adventure.

5. Increases creativity

Taking yourself away from the norm, exposes you to new ideas. It could be you’ll witness something being done differently. Maybe by talking to somebody you’ll have a light bulb moment.

6. You grow as a person

It goes without saying, items 1-5 on this list will make you grow as a person. You might have seen countless tales of people changing their lives simply by taking their first steps.

So why not make it a habit to say YES as opposed to NO to life. As the saying goes, feel the fear and do it anyway……….. One step at a time.

Feel free to sign up to my newsletter . There are lots of soulful adventures coming soon. And you’d be very welcome too – whether you come alone or with a friend.

The precious Present

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 13:34:10 GMT

This precious Present

Christmas is nearly upon us and the air seems to be alive with excitement and anticipation. Gifts will soon be exchanged. But for me, there is one gift that is way more important than any other. This precious Present.

What do I mean? In other words this moment of time. Or the ‘Now’ – as it’s sometimes called. This is the cornerstone of mindfulness.

The beauty of this practise, is it can be done literally anywhere. Whether you’re opening presents, eating Christmas lunch, or out walking. And it enhances your enjoyment tenfold – as well as reducing those stressful moments.

All you need to do is become aware of what is happening in this present moment. Feel the wrapping paper in your fingers. Notice your breath as you’re making the Christmas gravy. Taste those Brussels sprouts (and perhaps spit it out – if you’re like me!) and that rich, red wine. Focus on your feet as well as your breath on your Boxing Day walk.

And if you forget all of that just take three conscious breaths. This will help calm the mind down and interrupt those thoughts before getting carried away by them.

Happy Christmas everybody, and if you can, remember the best gift of all. This precious Present.

Move over happiness. Make way for awe!

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 21:09:15 GMT

Move over happiness and make way for awe. Six benefits to this incredible emotion

Dark skies at Dalby Forest, North York Moors National Park. Image: Classlane Media/NYMNPA

Seek out experiences that give you goosebumps. Scientific research now has proof awe provides profound benefits that far outweighs happiness. Some even say it’s an essential part of life.

But what is it? Have you ever looked up in wonder at a star-filled night sky? Or stopped in your tracks to witness an incredible sunset? Watched autumn leaves falling and been ‘wow’ed’ by the colours? You’ve experienced awe.

Many of us only associate this long over-looked emotion with extraordinary or transcendental events. Easily done since we live largely absorbed with our screens, disconnected from nature and people. But scientists reckon awe-some moments happen roughly every 3 days - if we pay attention.

Being more open and mindful of subtle episodes in your daily lives – especially while spending time outdoors – evokes awe. And with it come a whole host of delights.

1. Increased physical health

Feeling wonderment is linked to lower levels of inflammation-producing proteins called cytokines. This is a good thing as they have been linked to diabetes, Alzheimer’s, depression, and cardiovascular disease.

2. Reduced stress levels and increase in feel good chemicals

Studies show when encountering this state over a period of time, you have lower stress levels and higher oxytocin. This feel-good chemical – also known as the love hormone – is linked to faster healing time too.

3. Increased sense of belonging

Amazement stimulates the idea you’re part of something bigger than yourself – such as a community – or even the universe. Brought about when you let go of your own concerns, it stimulates greater connection to others and nature.

4. Increased pro-social behaviours

When you’re captivated on a regular basis, you can feel more generous-spirited to others. Lots of research shows positive social relationships decrease inflammation, increase health and longevity.

5. More creativity

Rapt awareness triggers a desire to understand more and learn new things. As a consequence it makes us want to create.

6. Immersion in the present moment

Have you ever felt time stood still when you’ve encountered a jaw-droppingly beautiful view? You were immersed in the Now – a place where there is no future or past. This is where life truly happens.

So, go seek out those goosebump moments – and revel in all its gifts!

We include mindfulness in all of our experiences so you can encounter life in a different, amazing way. You’ll find a list of what we're doing here .

5 ways to have a mini adventure - in the dark!

Thu, 21 Nov 2019 22:41:37 GMT

5 ways to have a mini adventure - in the dark!

It’s easy to succumb to the settee when it gets dark. Days are shorter and there’s less time to get outside. Perhaps your exercise routine suffers too. Maybe you feel just plain blurgh.

Mini adventures might just be the ticket for combatting those winter blues. Your horizons expand when you break away from your usual routine. And your happy chemicals get stimulated.

The beauty of a mini adventure is you don’t need to wait for that longer summer trip. You can do a small, bite-sized experience right now – and still feel exhilarated. You don’t need a large amount of time to do it either.

Why not have a go at one in the dark? It’s unusual. It takes you out of your comfort zone. And you’ll feel fantastic afterwards. Here are 5 ideas for you to whet your appetite.

1.Go on a night hike

Walking in natural surroundings is good for you physically and mentally. But doing it in the dark takes you to another level. Feeling cool air on your face and hearing leaves crunching underfoot focuses your mind. It might be a little scary, but at the same time it’s invigorating.

Using all your senses in this way makes your experience more mindful. You become aware of your here and now. And thoughts that were troubling you earlier, may just disappear.

Obviously, you need to take the same precautions as a daytime walk – with a little more preparation. If you’re new to doing this, perhaps head out with others who’ve done if before first. Or do something really small, like walk up a country lane and back. It still feels fabulous!

2. Head out to a wild moor on a clear night and look at the stars

There’s nothing quite like a starry sky to make you feel more alive and at one with the Universe. It’s an incredibly powerful way of reconnecting you to nature. Viewing the night sky from the top of a hill or wild moor, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe. This definitely gives you a mental boost!

You can find a hilly spot and glance upwards. Or take a guided night hike that’ll lead you to the best places. And you’ll learn about the constellations at the same time.

3. Take a night wildlife safari

Wonder out into the countryside after dark, and you’ll come across nocturnal goings on. Foxes, badgers, owls and hedgehogs are just some of the species you might come across. Even better find your local Wildlife Trust – or a nature tour operator - and book on one of their experiences. You’ll learn so much!

4. Go out before dusk and wait for the sunrise

Set your alarm early, pack a flask and blanket and find yourself a hill or other high vantage point away from light pollution. While snuggled under a warm blanket, sipping your hot brew, watch the stars slowly disappear and the sun rise. Awesome.

5. Cook dinner under the stars

This is a wonderful thing to do to escape the Christmas madness. Pack warm gear, a camping stove, a tent (for shelter) and easy-to-cook yummy food. Enjoy feeling cosy under warm blankets, sampling your cooked delights while watching shooting stars. Can life get any better than this?

Look here for more details of our next dark sky experiences.

5 reasons why being in nature is good for you

Tue, 05 Nov 2019 13:54:10 GMT

5 reasons why being in nature is good for you

Been feeling a little frazzled lately? Maybe a little down, or sluggish? Stressed?

It’s not surprising. Many of us sit in un-natural surroundings, in front of computers and under fluorescent lights at work. Our hunter-gather ancestors existed for thousands of years in outdoor environments. It’s hard-wired in our DNA to have an affiliation with nature.

Researchers are now even saying it’s essential for your health to get outdoors. With so many scientific reasons why you should go outside and enjoy the natural world, it’s hard to ignore.

1. Being outdoors reduces stress

This is a biggie. The buzzing of people, cars and flashing billboards are all part of the urban environment. Add our working environments to the mix, and you get the picture. Our brains, senses and nervous system are constantly stimulated, leading to increased stress and feeling frazzled.

But when you spend time in nature, stress levels decrease. One such study at Chiba University, showed spending just 15 minutes in a natural environment reduced the stress hormone cortisol by 16 per cent. They pointed out our senses are adapted to spend time in nature - not traffic and high-rise buildings.

2. Spending time in nature decreases anxiety, depression and boosts self esteem

Being in nature can even help you with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. And when you exercise outdoors – called green exercise - the benefits increase.

One study found walking in the forest – or other natural area - decreased levels of anxiety. They even suggested outdoor walks could be useful alongside treatment for major depressive disorders. While other researchers noticed improved self-esteem in participants – regardless of the type of ecosystem.

Meanwhile Stanford University scanned the brains of 38 volunteers before and after they walked for 90 minutes. One group walked around the city while the other walked in a large park. The part of the brain associated with depressive thoughts changed in the nature walkers, showing decreased activity. The walkers also said they were less hard on themselves.

This wasn’t the case for city walkers.

3. Being in natural environments reduces mental fatigue

When your brain is constantly bombarded with stimuli it gets tired. By slowing down and taking in beautiful natural surroundings, you feel restored.

David Strayer – a cognitive psychologist –reckons being in nature allows your brain’s command centre to relax. It’s akin to resting an over-used muscle.

4. Exercising in nature increases mental performance and concentration skills

When you’re feeling sluggish and can’t concentrate, find a green spot and go for a walk. It’ll improve your mental performance – as was discovered by the University of Michigan.

They asked their students to do a brief memory test. Then they divided participants into two groups. One group took a walk around an arboretum, and the other took a walk down a city street. They repeated the test and found those who had walked among trees did 20 per cent better than before.

The people who had taken in city sights didn’t improve.

5. Being in nature elicits feelings of awe

There are things in life that seem to more frequently elicit feelings of awe. What do I mean by this? Have you ever seen the most amazing view or a beautiful sunset, which stopped you in your tracks? You couldn’t help but be ‘wow’ed by what you saw? You felt wonder and awe.

Stanford University concluded that awe expands people’s perception of time, and increases wellbeing. Nature is one area of life that consistently elicited feelings of awe in their research. It resulted in giving participants a mental boost. Undoubtedly, it also made them feel more connection to this world we live in too. Which is no bad thing.

So the next time you’re in need of a little lift, head to the outdoors and enjoy a bit of nature. You can also come and join us on one of our experiences too. We're sure you'll leave feeling refreshed and renewed.

Slo-ooow down with a mindful walk

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 20:34:50 GMT

Slo-oow down with a mindful walk

How often do we rush around? Thoughts focused on a future destination, our inner voice drives us forward. We use phrases such as 'I must'….'I’ve got to'……'I should'. When we use language like that, we’re usually giving ourselves a hard time - and probably feel anxious and stressed too.

But there is a different way. Have a go at this simple mindful walk and see if you feel any better afterwards.

First up, go outside and find a bit of nature. Even if it’s a garden, a city park, a row of trees. Research has now proven that being out in nature has many benefits. Calming the mind, and helping us feel more grounded – are just two such benefits.

When outdoors, allow yourself to sigh lots of times. This starts to calm the nervous system. Now start to take some long slow breaths. If you can, try and extend your exhale a little more. It’s even more effective if you purse your lips together when breathing out. If you’re unsure what I mean, imagine you’re blowing gently through a straw.

Now feel your feet in contact with the ground when you walk. Slo-ooooow down. Way down. This will help concentrate your mind. If lots of thoughts are still racing, try not to engage with them. Instead, bring your attention back to noticing your feet. It’s okay if you have to do this many times – you’re not doing anything wrong. The mind will jump around. Most importantly be very kind with yourself. Stay with this exercise for roughly 2 minutes.

Keep walking slowly, but now be aware of your hands. Stay with your focus here and notice any sensations, eg, tingling, temperature, tension. Do this for around 2 minutes. If your mind tells you to hurry up (and you don’t need to), bring your attention back to your hands. With kindness.

Bring all of this together now, focusing on your breath, feet and hands. Stay doing this exercise for as long as you need to. I’d recommend doing this last part for at least 2 minutes - longer if you can for greater benefit. Hopefully you’ll find your brain has calmed down and you're feeling less stressed by doing this exercise.

Want more practise? Lots of our experiences feature a bit of mindfulness in them. You'll find all details right here .