Blog
I ran away to the woods…
24 January 2025
Sarena Mason
From a young age, my sister and I would hop over our garden fence and disappear into the woods. From making dens in the roots and branches of old rhododendrons to imagining faeries living in the silver birch and bracken-filled clearings. Finding wild, alpine strawberries, shunning mushrooms for fear of death from our mum rather than the actual poison we might ingest, we scattered rabbits as we crashed through the undergrowth, whooping with delight. We grew up running free in that woodland.
Last year I re-visited my childhood happy place in Northamptonshire – of course it’s changed; trees have come down, some pathways no longer exist, and a huge area is now fenced off for a luxury resort ☹. But I did find my favourite clearing! Turning slowly in a circle, I could have been 7 or 8 again as the silver birches whispered, “welcome home”.
I have known for a long time that nature is the source of my peace, inspiration and creativity. When upset or distressed I run for the woods, lean against a tree trunk and silently ask for help. Truth is, when I was going through my divorce, I think I ran way to the woods most days…My body relaxed, a sense of trust returned. Standing on the Mendip Hills overlooking the vast expanse of the Somerset Moors and Levels gives me a similar sense of peace – but also inner space from which I gain perspective, insight and (again) trust that all will be well.
Engaging with Nature is a sacred practice that awakens something deep within my heart, my belly. Sensing the rhythm of the earth, the energy of the land, there is a visceral response, an itch…to put paint, charcoal, ink onto paper. I’m no traditional “drawer” – rather I am expressive, intuitive, messy. How liberating to no longer care what it looks like, to no longer care if someone likes it or not.
We ARE Nature…
“Everything in nature is coming alive and awakening. The Sun is gaining strength, and the days are longer and warmer. Blossom and catkins are on the trees, buds are bursting, seeds are germinating. Everywhere is evidence of life’s ability to regenerate.” (Glennie Kindred)
It’s important to remember that we are all part of something larger, something that nourishes, nurtures and supports us. The more time I spend in nature (rather than on my phone, watching TV or mindless scrolling) the deeper my connection is to the land and in turn to myself.
For thousands of years, across the globe, our ancestors’ lives were guided and driven by the seasons, by the natural wheel of the year. Each turn of that wheel called for a celebration, an honouring of the energies at play. We have lost that connection – and yet it is vital to our wellbeing and our sense of self. Our True Nature is bound up with Mother Nature.
Would you like to connect to the rising Spring Energy, your innate creativity, and align with the energy of renewal and growth?
Do you crave a deeper connection to our Land, to ancestral wisdom?
Are you curious to learn and experience new ways of accessing your inner creative-soul – to bring more joy into your life?
If the words “I can’t draw” ring true for you…the invitation is to let that go and come and play!
Take the opportunity to really Celebrate the Spring Equinox – through both ancient and creative practices, with like-minded people
Our Spring Equinox Retreat nr Charmouth, Dorset (Thursday 20th to Sunday 23rd March) offers a unique opportunity for those who want to connect more deeply, more authentically with the land and with themselves. Our theme for this March retreat is the Sun, Surya. Without the Sun we have no life so it really is a celebration!
The poetry dive…was so much fun! I wrote a poem for the first time in my life, and it was inspired by our mindful walk to a Holy Well. Paula.
Further details are HERE – but feel welcome to contact me too.
Our physical, mental and emotional health is the poorer without a genuine connection to nature; yes, research is backing this up in abundance now, but there’s a huge difference between “going for a nice walk” to really immersing and communing with the energy of Mother Nature and recognising that She is living, breathing, alive and a part of you too.
