I was thinking recently about how much my life is well insulated from the weather, seasons and nature. A lot of the time I’m in a bubble of my well insulated and centrally heated house (something I definitely appreciate) with electric lighting, working at my computer with internet or in my car (ironically I drive more and walk less now I live in a rural area rather than a city). There are definitely plenty of benefits to these things. I have no desire at all to go back to cold draughty homes. Transport improvements and the internet create so many opportunities. Having said all that, I wonder whether it is too easy for me to spend too long in my well insulated bubble (often without really realising it) and what I am missing. While I am already doing plenty of things like going for walks, perhaps I need to make a conscious effort to build more of these things into my routine, to keep poking holes in the bubble.
- Putting on waterproof and wellies and going for walks even when it’s raining. Needing to take a dog for a walk helps with this (although my parents’ dog, Barley, isn’t very keen on the rain either).
- Making a point of looking at the flowers and trees on walks and noticing the changes as the seasons move. Doing the same local walk regularly helps with spotting the progression.
- Noticing the moon phases when I go outside in the evening and enjoying looking at the stars.
- Recognising the solstices and equinoxes. Is there a way that I can mark the passing of the seasons at these points?
- Staying in a tent or caravan.
- Climbing hills or mountains and looking out across the view. They can also remind you how powerful and unforgiving (and often unpredictable) weather can be, so adequate skills and equipment are essential.
- Spending time next to, in or on the water. I enjoyed kayaking at university, even though it was very cold activity! Again, often an unforgiving and challenging environment.
- Making an effort to buy seasonal food and change what I cook depending on the season.
- Growing plants (whether fruit, vegetables or flowers) requires working with the seasons and weather and is a good antidote to the feeling of needing to rush everything.
