Hello & Welcome!
This world in turmoil, this Earth being desecrated, this humanity of suffering, indifference and confusion, we live in an age where the collective human voice is singing a discordant song, disharmony rippling to every corner and height of the planet. Ecosystem collapse, massive species extinction, catastrophic climate change, irradiated and controlled people, plastics from food to ocean to plate to stomach, this is no sweet lullaby.
We have never been as interconnected and disconnected at the same time in history. Experiencing deep connectedness is essential for our mental and spiritual wellness and the NatureConnect Program can offer you this.
The NatureConnect Program can offer you an experience of profound connection with nature and deeper aspects of your psyche by offering perceptual, contemplative and nature-based experiential sessions that nourishes:
NatureConnect creates the inner and outer spaces that intertwine in a way in which the soul and ego may embrace. Within the embrace lies the seeds of healing and alignment. Through this ritual of depth connection I have been able to deal with my own challenges to penetrate the camouflage of reality and enter into the healing inner spaces of my being. Its a truly healing, grounding experience as many others have experienced over the past decade since I began NatureConnect.
The NatureConnect Program can help you create a life sustaining practice that enhances your sense of connection and all the benefits this brings. Through regular practice you can experience the mystery and awe of Nature, as captured in the classic poem, Auguries of Innocence:
To see a World in a Grain of Sand And a Heaven in a Wild Flower Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand And Eternity in an hour
NatureConnect is about:
Restoring meaning in a world gone crazy
Coming home to our wider being and family
Touching upon the sacred meanings of life
Engaging the beings and spirits of nature with heart and soul
Connecting with clarity, love and humility the inner and outer landscapes
Aligning with nature's wisdom
The Essence of NatureConnect: Release – Reengage – Reconnect
The Program is offered as a face-to-face guided experiential program in natural areas (primarily in Sydney & the Blue Mountains). Workshops and on-line experiential sessions are being developed at present.
It can help you to more effectively cope with mental health challenges by cultivating mindfulness, deep perception and heart-based approaches. Through the cultivation of a loving, compassionate and contemplative ritual, practiced every week or more frequently, you will develop a mastery of the essential life skills of mindfulness, compassion, reflection, wisdom and higher perspective taking that can be used in your daily living.
How can NatureConnect help you?
If you have:
then the Program can help you. Give it a try!
TIPS FOR EXPERIENCING CONNECTION
Here are some simple things you can do on your next walk to deepen your sense of connectedness
STEP 1
Before you start your mindful walk, find a quiet space to get your Breathing Space going. Spend a couple of minutes getting your diaphragmatic breathing rhythm going - inhale for 5s, hold for 2s then exhale slowly for 5s. Establish this pattern while becoming aware of your posture, state of mind and intent for practicing. Once you feel settled and breathing deeply, begin your walk.
STEP 2
If you are in a natural, safe and quiet place walking, then walk slowly, in a comfortable rhythm so that you can be mindful of your breathing, your walking and your mind. Do not focus on your surrounds so much as at this stage you are trying to NOT over stimulate the senses so you can maintain inner awareness. Once you have maintained your inner focus and breathing/ walking rhythm then you can begin to reach out perceptually and compassionately to the world.
STEP 3
As you mindfully walk use your senses to explore your surrounds for things that draw you to engage. It can be visual, auditory, tactile or any way. If its something you can easily touch, then position yourself adjacent to it and use your senses with an attitude of openness, compassion and child-like innocence to explore it. Take your time, keep your focus on the nature being while you maintain your mindfulness. See or feel or hear the beauty and wonder in it and be mindful of any feelings that arise. Treasure that subject, treasure this space of sharing before returning to your walk.
“Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.”
Thich Nhat Hanh, Buddhist monk, spiritual leader & peace activist
