This week we have a post by Bird facilitator Jo Martyn. Jo is the founder and facilitator of Urban Hikes in London and she is guest blogging to share her recent insights around nature, how our mental health is benefited by engaging in nature, and the power of trying something new. Enjoy…
‘I live in London, and yet in the past few years have re-discovered a love of nature, hiking, wild camping and wild swimming. I have explored many of London’s walking trails, such as the Thames Path and the Green Chain Walk; and have become a regular at London’s outdoor swimming spots. I’ve experienced time and again the well-documented positive impact that walking, swimming and being in nature have – from increased physical and mental wellbeing; to greater connection with myself, others and the environment.
Today I decided to try a new urban adventure – Stand Up Paddleboarding, having never done it before. I booked an hour-long session with an instructor, and really enjoyed the experience. Reflecting afterwards, I realised that I learned more than just basic paddleboarding skills. Here’s what I learnt:
Commit to trying something new
It’s so easy to have in mind the something new that we want to try, and to think we will do it ‘one day’ – and then to find that day never comes. We actually need to commit to it, to book a day and time in and then do it! It’s so good for us to step outside of our comfort zone into the learning zone, which is where most of the joy and growth in life happens.
Be prepared to be bad at it
It’s easier to learn if we go into something new with a total beginner’s mind, without any expectations of ourselves to be any good at it. Of course, this also means being prepared to be bad at it – maybe for longer than we would like, to learn from our mistakes and hopefully improve. I fell in to the lake this morning – spectacularly – but then I learnt another new skill, how to get back on to the board. It’s actually liberating to free ourselves from having to do something well, and giving ourselves permission to be bad at it.
Being present
When we are absorbed in learning a new skill, it’s harder for our minds to wander or go into autopilot. We have to stay present in order to focus on what we are doing, and being present means that we notice more. As I was paddling, I noticed birds nesting in the reeds, bright blue flashes of dragonflies, the rustling of leaves and the warmth of the sunshine on my face and arms. As ever, I felt a sense of peace, calm and connection through being present in nature. This sense of presence is available whenever we are learning something new.
Learning is one of the five ways to mental wellbeing, which we talk about on Urban Hikes. Urban Hikes offer the opportunity to explore London’s urban and natural spaces on foot, participate in both mindfulness practice and guided conversations about mental health and wellbeing, and to connect with others. For more information and to book an Urban Hike this Autumn, go to Eventbrite. You can also follow the adventure on Instagram.’
With love as always, Hannah and Team Bird