Nature

The wonders of Mother Nature can inspire and nourish your soul. Nature is available
in all parts of the world. Humans respond to her beauty often making us feel great we are alive on Earth.

City dwellers: Do you need to find some peace?

I live in the city of London. I would describe myself as a country girl wilting in the city.

In a city we have smaller homes which are often close together. Each day I take myself for a walk to find peace and to re-connect with my soul. Getting closer to Nature definitely makes it easier. Here are some of the things I do. They may give you some ideas:

  • walk alone, this is time for you and your soul.
  • look up at the sky and enjoy the panorama of clouds, sky and if you are lucky the sun.
  • Feel the sun on your face, close your eyes and enjoy it.
  • If its raining, use a hat or a hood and let the rain splash on your face – it’s cold and invigorating.
  • Find the times of day the park is quieter and try to walk at these times.
  • Observe the trees and plants around you, most cities have some. Notice the change of the seasons, especially the promise of the spring after a long winter.
  • Walk and talk to your soul.

Ask questions of your soul about how you may improve your life. Wait for the inspiration or suggestions to arrive.

Be creative on getting closer to nature. Today it’s pouring in London. I stood by a storm drain and listened to the water running down the side of the road and drop down into the drain. I felt it was my temporary ‘happy stream’ come to join my walk. read more

By Alison Wem, ago

Mindfulness: tips on how to maintain it at work

There is lots of dialogue about being mindful at work but what does this really mean?

For centuries mindfulness was only used in the domain of seekers and monks. However lately in companies around the world it is being used for Training & Development, relationship building and stress reduction.

What simple practices can you undertake to help you in the workplace?

We all need a good way of reminding you to stay in the present moment and be calm in the middle of a hectic, fast pace working day. read more

By Alison Wem, ago

Life is for living and enjoying

Everybody’s life has its ups and downs. Even in the hardest of lives you can take pleasure in small things.

In a the middle of a busy business day I stepped outside for a few minutes to get some fresh air. Unexpectedly I was given an amazing display of a hawk soaring and swooping in the sky.  I could feel the air rushing in his face and the power of his wings guiding the air current to send him soaring above the hills. It was exhilarating and energizing just to watch.

Of course the hawk was hunting totally oblivious to his audience.  He was doing it with such energy and elegance I am sure he was having a wonderful time. I had to smile at his prowess. read more

By Alison Wem, ago

Nature: why is growing your own food so beneficial?

Have you ever wondered why pottering in the garden is so popular? It does not look exciting, not much happens, so why do people love it so much?

For over 200,000 years humanity has been living and developing on Earth. It is not so surprising that even the hardest of city lovers gain great value in being with nature. Whether you believe in an ‘inner you’ and that you exchange energy with the world around you is immaterial. You are doing it all the time but may not be aware of it.

When you go out in the garden, to the park or allotment you are receiving soothing energy from the grass, trees and plants. They take your stress and give it to Mother Earth to deal with. As you tend your plants, watering and feeding them, your mind starts to slow and you enter that calm space within that brings so much clarity. As you breath out, the stress from the difficulties in your life leaves you. As you breath in, new energy and vitality enters you. What a great stress buster! read more

By Alison Wem, ago

City gardening: do you like to get your hands in the soil?

Humans were not meant to be so remote from Mother Nature as perhaps many of us are who live in towns and cities.  In the UK, councils have started to set-up allotments on spare pieces of land perhaps besides a railway or between roads.  Some councils have chosen to allow residents to grow vegetables where formerly municipal flowers were planted.

In London where I live, I have managed to get an allotment allocated to our family.  To help children learn where their food comes from, the allotment only allows 20% of your patch to be given over to flowers.  The council gardeners encourage you to grow flowers that attract bees such as sun flowers or nasterchiums whose flowers you can eat in a salad. read more

By Alison Wem, ago