When it comes to mindfulness, we have so much to learn from the natural world, as Laura Coppock discovered during a trip to the Lake District
LAURA COPPOCK
Mindfulness with animals was not something I was familiar with until recently. But, as a lifelong animal lover, and someone who practices mindfulness (but struggles to switch off ) I jumped at the chance to combine the two when I was invited to try the ‘Rest. Restore. Rewild’ experience at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa in Cumbria. A first of its kind package in the UK, here guests can observe and connect mindfully with some of the world’s most beautiful wildlife at the Lake District Wildlife Park, which adjoins the hotel and spa.
The idea is to encourage relaxation and tranquillity by deepening our connection with nature, and it’s fair to say the idyllic scenery here was certainly conducive to helping me feel peaceful! Armathwaite Hall is set in 400 acres of deer park and woodland bordered by the calming waters of Bassenthwaite Lake, against the backdrop of the magnificent Skiddaw Mountain.
Forest bathing
The Rest. Restore. Rewild experience started with a guided forest bathing session led by the warm and infinitely knowledgeable Jen Grange, director at Lakeland Wellbeing (lakeland-wellbeing. co.uk). Jen told us all about forest bathing, aka shinrin-yoku, and its origins in Japan, explaining why it’s an ideal way to unwind and connect with the natural environment. “It allows us time to switch off from the pressures of life and simply be, surrounded by the healing energy of the forest,” Jen explains. “Engaging in sensory experiences allows us to connect with nature, connect with our intuition and find inspiration in the natural world.” The benefits of this practice alone include everything from reduced stress to improved sleep. “If you don’t have access to a forest, you can achieve similar benefits by taking a walk in your local park,” she suggests.
Jen invited us to walk around the woodland slowly and feel the ground beneath our feet. She then led a short mindfulness session where we all sat down and listened to the sounds of the forest. Next, we were encouraged to feel the tree bark, leaves, and textures of the wood and really zone in to the sense of touch. Then we explored other senses, looking at the different coloured leaves, gazing upwards at the tree canopy, seeing how the sunlight casts dappled shade; noticing the scents around us and so on.
There was also lots of time to be still and reflect. We finished with a guided body scan meditation – b
