The great outdoors and well-being

[Graham Thompson]

As part of keeping a balance in my well-being I like to go hillwalking, especially in north Wales. If I cannot get out to the hills I find reading about the outdoors helps to some extent, as does watching a television programme or  CD; however, for me the next best thing to the original is attending a presentation to hear and see another person's perspective about the great outdoors.

A couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to see a presentation by John Beatty, the acclaimed nature, travel and adventure photographer, at Rhyl Pavillion theatre. To quote his advertising flyer: "Stunning images and captivating story-telling leave audiences infused with energy and wonder at the beauty of our planet." I fully agree with this comment as it was an excellent presentation, which left me with things to ponder regarding my attitude to the wider and wilder aspects of the world environment.

If you enjoy expertly crafted presentations then this is one for you - details regarding John Beatty and his wild vision, plus dates and venues for his tour can be found at: www.speakersfromtheedge.com

[Patrick Tomlinson]

Thanks for that Graham.  Ever since my son persudaed me when he was around 10 years old i have become a regular fisherman.  Catching fish is one thing, but being that close to nature, seeing the mist rise in the morning, watching the night fall and observing the minutae of nature is a wonderful stress reliever.  I read a while ago that it was number one this respect.  One's mind is taken off everything besides what is going on in that small environment - i've had some great encounters with huge dragonflies, croaking frogs, water snakes, all manner of birds and other creatures.  One of the most amazing experiences (and a little scary at the time!) was on a winter afternoon in complete solitude by the River Severn - without any warning a huge Cormorant rose from deep out of the water in front of me and in one movement took off!  Anyway, like you suggest there is something fundamental to our connection with nature.  I started my work in a therapeutic community for boys, which was based on a working farm. The cycle of the farming seasons had a calming and stabilizing influence on the chaotic worlds of the children - though i'm not sure the farmers always saw it that way round!

[Elizabeth Hunt]

Hello,

I read the two contributions about the great outdoors and well-being, and definitely heard two kindred spirits there.  I have recently moved house Cumbria which is my favourite place to walk, especially in the Lakeland fells themselves.  I have found that ascending while walking (and doing anything, in fact) adds so much to the experience.  Ascending is something like meditation.  It is a technique designed to take one inwards, which allows you to be more present.  Being more present in a place like the Lake District can only be good.  I took some photos of ice around Ullswater in February, and they are amazing...well I like them.  Brilliant sunny blue sky, crisp clear day and I must have been in a really good place because the photos seem to say that in light and colour.  I will have to post one to the gallery to show what I mean.  But if you could take a photo of 'well-being' some of these might be candidates.

How are you Neil?  Your comment about 'not all of us being shy' stung me into action to contribute here.

Liz Hunt

[Roy Wallace]

I have just responded to Andy's point about environmental well-being being connected with other forms of well-being. Your comments, Liz, about walking and the whole theme of the great outdoors seem to chime well with the need for us to be tuned into environmental issues if we are to promote individual well-being. Interesting stuff.