A connection with nature

From a very young age I have always felt a deep connection with Nature. I remember my parents taking me for long walks in the aromatic silence of the Black Forest in Germany – the smell of pine needles to this day evokes a strong emotional response in me and I love the peace and tranquility of forests.

Throughout my life I have made it my mission to engage with nature on a day-to-day basis, even though I have spent the last 20 years living in the heart of London. I find the earth, plants and elements very grounding and a source of great calm and balance. Given the chance I always walk barefoot – on earth, grass and sand - and there is much research about the health benefits of doing so. But for me it’s about feeling connected with the planet I inhabit.

Part of my daily routine is to get up early and walk in the early morning light. Again, research suggests that this is good for your mood and energy levels. For me, it’s about starting the day feeling ready to take on whatever emerges. 

When I travel it is invariably to a place where I can walk, climb, swim or just admire the power of our natural surroundings. Recently I’ve started wild swimming, and apart from being very invigorating (especially in the British sea!), it is just such a different experience to swimming in a chlorinated pool. 

Wherever you live, find a place where you can spend a bit of time with the elements – it could be a garden, allotment, park or the countryside – take in the air and let nature embrace you. For me, its all part of living well.