Our ancestors survived by working with nature, with the land. They, like Nature, didn’t take ‘holidays’, but saw, felt, listened to and honoured what Nature was guiding them to do for their survival, and indeed for their Well-Being.
In the Northern Hemisphere right now Nature has brought us into Winter. What is that telling us to do?
Think about it for a moment - Winter is a time of cold, of limited sunlight and where the energy of the world around us has gone within the belly of the earth. All those seeds deposited during the autumn are now being cradled by the rich deposition of the fallen leaves and mulch, providing the necessary warmth, space and stored nutrients for when those seeds need them. The energy of the plant world has slowed, now keeping its energy held fast within its root system, waiting for the sunlight to increase once more. This is a time of stillness, of preparation, of holding and nurturing.
It is a time when traditionally animals or humans snuggle up to stay warm in the cold weather, using food from our harvests. In our time of longer dark nights and 'hibernation' we can reflect on the months past, dream about the months coming, and prepare for the burst of energy and growth that comes in Spring.
More than anything, Winter is a time to rest, to restore. Are you ready to embrace it with a 10 day Challenge? Sign up now, and start whenever you are ready.
Daily emails with activities
Recorded meditations
Plant & Animal connection guidance
Detailed instructions for each activity
Lifetime access to content
I live in Somerset, UK, and connecting with nature and the cycles of the seasons is an integral part of my life and how I support my own well-being.
I have designed this challenge based on my own long-established personal practice.
Around the ancient festival of Yule and the Winter Solstice, when the days are short, I take time to rest and to give myself some extra care, reflecting Nature's time of hibernation. I call this my 'Radical Rest', and it is so important for my health and happiness. It helps me to keep calm, more centered and energised, and gives me an amazing sense of clarity for the year ahead. It is the best gift I can give myself.
I invite you to embark on my Radical Rest & Restore Challenge this Winter.
Radical Rest & Restore Challenge details
The word ‘Radical’ means reaching or changing something at its most fundamental level.
My 10-day challenge is radical because it is based on the neuroscience behind how people can use meditation and sensory connection with nature to ‘reset’ our stress levels. It is simple but powerful and works at the deepest cellular level. I aim to challenge your understanding of ‘rest’ at the busiest time of year, inviting you to expand your awareness and be open and responsive to a very special source of support - Mother Nature.
In our busy, modern world and on-the-go culture, the end of the year can often be the busiest time of year. It can be truly joyful and uplifting but the ‘holiday’ season is for many anything but. The shopping, visiting, parties, cooking and hosting can be fun but it can leave us feeling exhausted, with little chance to replenish your energy.
It takes only 10 days…. But it takes commitment - By You, To YOUR Self-Care.
Activate the Radical Rest & Restoration Challenge on a date to suit you and I will email you with activities to complete each day for the following 10 days. Each email will provide you with meditations, visualisations, journaling, and other practices designed to nourish and support you.
This years' challenge will follow the same format, as it reflects my own tried-and-tested practice, but I have reworked and revised it, offering some new meditations.
You will also find that, as you are a different person a year on, your experiences and connections with Nature will be different. Complete the challenge and then revisit your journal from last year!
I set up CANAT as a non-profit organisation to enable me to raise funds and offer Animal and Nature Assisted Therapy to young people and adults struggling with their mental health.
Donations are processed through the 'localgiving' fundraising platform, allowing CANAT to claim back gift aid.
Click here to Help CANAT... and yourself.... Sign up for Radical Rest !