Jul232024
Team Blogsthe-healing-power-of-compassion-in-nature

Nourishing the Givers

In our fast-paced world many of us find ourselves feeling drained and in need of our own nurturing. When I feel this way I head to Aconbury Wood, near my home because I know that one powerful and deeply enjoyable way to replenish energy and restore balance is through seeking solace in nature. The combination of mindfulness, compassion and nature immersion offers a myriad of benefits, backed by both ancient wisdom and contemporary research.

I am always a little surprised, though perhaps I shouldn’t be, by how some timeless, relaxed time in nature seems to set me to rights. I don’t have to make it happen – apart from getting myself to Aconbury Wood. Once there, nature does the work of untangling my mind and softening my muscles. I return to work or parenting or supporting parents with a touch more resilience and a sense of perspective. This has the power to make all the difference.

And I find that if I practice with a compassionate intention in nature the effect is magnified. It’s all about dropping out of my head and into my heart. The world really does look different from here, but I often forget this until Aconbury Wood works its magic. When facing moments of tension in my home, or the suffering of my parents, I then have the ability to remain open and kind, and not be swallowed up by it all.

For those who spend much of their time working hard and giving to others, practising mindful compassion in nature can be especially rejuvenating. This practice can prevent burnout, enhance emotional resilience, and provide a fresh perspective on roles and responsibilities when returning home.

Mindfulness, the practice of staying present and fully engaging with the moment, helps us to calm our minds and reduce stress. Compassion, the act of recognizing and wanting to alleviate the suffering of others, is a cornerstone of many spiritual and philosophical traditions. When combined, mindful compassion not only enhances our well-being but also deepens our connection to ourselves and others.

Nature, with its inherent tranquility and beauty, provides the perfect backdrop for mindful compassion practices. The natural environment encourages us to slow down, breathe deeply, and immerse ourselves in the present moment.

The benefits of this immersive experience in nature is not just anecdotal but is supported by scientific research both in terms of mindfulness and compassion. For example the Journal of Environmental Psychology revealed that individuals who engaged in mindful walks in nature experienced improved mood and emotional well-being compared to those who walked in urban settings. This suggests that nature amplifies the benefits of mindfulness, making it a potent tool for emotional regulation. Research published in Frontiers in Psychology indicates that practicing mindfulness in nature can increase feelings of connectedness and compassion. The study found that nature exposure enhances our empathy towards others and fosters a greater sense of community.

So if you feel that your batteries are running low and that now is the time to gift yourself the space and time to breathe deep and reconnect with yourself, join us in the beautiful surrounds of Samye Ling for a compassion and nature bath!

 

Fay

Join Fay for a weekend of compassion in Nature in the beautiful and gentle surroundings of Samye Ling in the south of Scotland. 16-18 August.

Author: Fay Adams

Fay Adams trained to teach mindfulness under the guidance of well-known teacher Rob Nairn, whilst living on the Holy Isle retreat island off the west coast of Scotland. She now teaches courses and retreats in mindfulness, compassion, insight and engaged mindfulness around the UK with the Mindfulness Association and she is a tutor on the University of Aberdeen's Studies in Mindfulness MSc. Fay is a dedicated meditation practitioner of 15 years. Fay was originally drawn to mindfulness in her twenties because of her chronic pain. Throughout her 6 years of living on Holy Isle in a small meditation hut, she immersed herself in discovering what the pain was all about. In the process she began to find a new way to inhabit mind, body and community. Ultimately, as well as (mostly) freeing her from the pain, this has become a deeply rich basis for living life fully. Her practice was formed and matured within a Tibetan Buddhist context. More recently it has been influenced by Reggie Ray's somatic practice and is now also coached in a love of nature and the Earth and she finds that deep ecology, as taught by Joanna Macy and others, is a path towards wisdom. Fay now lives on the Staffordshire/Cheshire border with her partner and son.