The Consolations of Nature

Whenever the cares of life seem to be pressing the very air from my lungs, I go outside and breathe. No matter how stressed or frustrated or flustered I am, a dip into the natural world always makes me feel at least a bit better. Often, I take a little turn around the garden and look for new arrivals (whilst averting my eyes from the weeds), or I take Hermione out to play. At the weekends, I’ll venture further to the coast or the Downs. Whatever the landscape, Nature provides a healing balm to life’s scratches.

Gifts

Nature doesn’t wait for any festival to bestow her gifts. She is generous in providing to anyone who takes a moment simply to appreciate her. This last week I have enjoyed all the usual joys of late autumn blooms, but there have been some more unusual sightings too: of a peacock butterfly that rested a few yards from where I was sitting; a rainbow arching into the sea by Beachy Head and a flock of starlings feeding on the tiny berries of my cabbage tree (palm).

Whatever the weather

The blue skies above are a rare treat, but then, the benefits of Nature are available in all conditions. After a day of being enclosed in the house, there is no better tonic than a sea breeze to blow the blues away.

These last weeks, we seem to alternate from late summer, to high winds, to torrential rain in a matter of hours. As a friend said, ‘English weather always gives you something to talk about.’ Yet, all of these weather conditions have their charm. While sitting in the shed and supervising Hermione, the heavens opened and she ran in to join me for shelter. The rain battered the glass and the wind threatened to lift the shed off its foundations (Wizard of Oz style), but I would not have wished to be anywhere else. There are few things more comforting than being in the dry looking out at the rain and our proximity made our shelter all the more precious. Experiencing extreme weather is also a necessary reminder of all that we have to be grateful for. I never see a day like this and not think of those less fortunate who have nowhere to shelter in a storm.

Investing in clothing that protects us from the elements is always a good idea. The Scandinavians know this and maintain their outdoor pursuits throughout the most adverse conditions. We once visited Copenhagen in mid February. It was so cold that even breathing was painful, yet, the streets were filled with cyclists and we passed several joggers on our walk around the city. They are wise these Danes. In addition to the usual benefits of exercise, doing it in the colder weather also enhances your mood and boosts your immune system – vital with the prevalence of germs and viruses from autumn onwards.

Unfortunately, long walks and normal exercise are no longer an option for me, but I can always make it to a bench or employ my scooter to take me further into the natural world. Even enjoying the garden from the window has its benefits and always fills me with joy. I love to watch the sun set in the evenings and the subtle shifts in colour as dusk ushers in the night. When I take Hermione out for her final toilet trip, I look up to see the moon and stars. If it is clear enough, I am rewarded with the most glorious skyscapes. Though brooding clouds with the moon peeping through thrill me also.

With the recent harvest moon, my husband drove me down to the beach to see it round and fat and setting the sea alight with silver. Other days, I have watched it wax and wane, sometimes proudly holding its place in the sky and at others struggling to peek through the clouds.

And when you are unable to go outside, it’s good to know that even looking at pictures of nature will have a soothing effect. A Dutch study in 2015 found that contemplating natural images reduced stress. So if you find yourself in a windowless office, photos or posters of natural scenes will give you the boost you need.

Back to Nature

With our sophisticated lives and temperature controlled homes and buildings, it is easy to forget that we are the products of Nature. Our lives may be far from those of our ancestors, but we still need to reconnect with the earth from which we came and which sustains us. I love the image of Mother Earth. It is so warm and comforting to think of her this way. And good mother that she is, when we need her, she is always there and ready to soothe our souls.