Beneath the Healing Sky

Reconnect with Nature, Reconnect with Yourself

Outdoor Sessions

Leaving the Office Space

A deep yearning to integrate the transformative power of nature into the therapeutic process has blossomed this spring. I'm thrilled to announce that all my therapy sessions will be offered exclusively outdoors in South Devon.

For almost four years, my therapy practice has thrived within the familiar walls of the cosy office overlooking Courtenay Park. However, something exciting has been brewing – a shift towards totally incorporating the natural world into the therapeutic process. This isn't just about a change of scenery; it's about aligning therapy with something core to my own philosophy and, potentially, yours too.

This decision wasn't taken lightly. It stems from a deep belief in the transformative power of nature and its profound impact on mental well-being. As many of you know, I'm a strong believer in the power of energy healing and shamanic practices, which emphasise the interconnectedness of all things, especially the profound impact of the natural world.

Why Embrace the Healing Power of Nature?

Studies consistently show that spending time in nature reduces stress, anxiety, and even symptoms of depression. My own experience following my chronic pain diagnosis confirms this. Immersing ourselves in nature activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and a sense of calm.

In my case, nature became a refuge from the constant ache in my body. There was something incredibly therapeutic about sitting by a quiet stream, listening to the gurgling water and the chirping birds. The fresh air seemed to invigorate me, and the gentle breeze calmed my mind. I even found that short walks in nature helped me sleep better, which in turn, improved my pain management overall.

If you're struggling with chronic pain, I invite you to give nature a try. Even a small dose of fresh air and sunshine can make a big difference.

For some, therapy may conjure images of a particular style or type of place and while this traditional setting provides a valuable purpose, I've found that for some clients, particularly those drawn to holistic practices like myself, a different approach can be incredibly beneficial.

This is where outdoor therapy comes in. It's about removing the physical and sometimes even mental barriers of a traditional office and allowing the healing power of nature to become an integral part of the therapeutic process, to reconnect with ourselves and the world around us.

Aligning with Shamanic Practices and Energy Healing

As a therapist who incorporates shamanic practices and energy healing into my work, heading outdoors felt like a natural extension of those philosophies. Here’s why

• Nature as a Healer: For centuries, different cultures have revered nature as a source of healing. From the calming effect of a babbling stream to the grounding presence of ancient trees, nature can soothe the mind, body soul and spirit.

• Energy Flow: Shamanic practices often emphasise the importance of energy flow throughout the body and the environment. Being in nature allows us to tap into this flow more readily. Imagine the gentle breeze carrying away negative thoughts, or the sun's warmth rejuvenating our spirit.

• Reconnection with Self: The busyness of modern life often disconnects us from our inner selves. Stepping outside allows us to quiet the mind, reconnect with nature's rhythm, and gain valuable insights into our own needs and desires.

Benefits of Outdoor Therapy

Beyond aligning with my own therapeutic approach, outdoor therapy has numerous benefits for clients

• Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Studies have shown that spending time in nature can lower stress hormones and improve mood. The sights, sounds, and smells of the outdoors create a calming and grounding experience.

• Increased Focus and Clarity: Nature provides a natural escape from distractions. Removing ourselves from the constant stimulation of screens and technology allows for deeper reflection and clearer thinking.

• Enhanced Sense of Well-being: Being outdoors allows us to connect with our physical bodies. Immersing ourselves in nature can boost our energy levels, improve sleep quality, and enhance overall well-being.

• Deeper Connection with Therapy: Some clients find the traditional office setting can feel intimidating. The open-air environment of outdoor therapy can feel more relaxed and promote a sense of connection with the therapist.

Sessions

Based on your own therapy goals and how you would like to work with me during your session we could include

• Nature Walks with Intention: We can walk through parks, woodland trails or along the beach, focusing on specific intentions or themes relevant to your therapy session. This may involve incorporating elements of nature into your exploration, such as using the qualities of different trees, the flow of a stream, the way the sea has formed the sand on the beach as metaphors for your own journey.

• Grounding Exercises: Grounding exercises help to connect you with the earth's energy. We can incorporate activities like sitting with your back against a tree, feeling the roots anchor you, or spending time barefoot on the grass during your session. This can be particularly powerful for those working on issues related to anxiety or feeling ungrounded.

• Visualisation with Nature's Elements: Visualisation is a powerful tool in shamanic practices and energy healing. We can use natural elements like calming water sounds or the wind rustling through leaves to aid your visualisations, deepening their impact.

• Connecting to Power Animals: Shamanic practices, which often involve rituals and connection with the natural world, emphasise the concept of "power animals." These spirit guides, believed to offer personal wisdom and strength, can be found in the forms of animals, plants, or even the elements themselves. Connecting with these energies in nature can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and healing.

What to Expect from an Outdoor Therapy Session

I prioritise creating a safe and comfortable space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings. Outdoor therapy sessions with me are designed to be a collaborative experience. Here's what you can expect.

• Discovery Call: We'll discuss your individual needs and comfort level with outdoor sessions. This also allows us to determine if outdoor therapy is the most appropriate approach for your needs.

• Creating a Sacred Space: We'll create a comfortable and sacred space for our work together.

• The Session Unfolds: Our sessions will combine traditional talk therapy techniques with the power of the natural environment. We might use mindfulness exercises, guided visualisations based on the surroundings, or gentle body movement practices, energy healing and EFT practices.

• Flexibility: Depending on the weather and your needs, we may adjust the session format. For example, we could sit on a bench, walk slowly on a woodland path, or even find a quiet spot to lie down and connect with the earth.

• Respecting the Environment: We'll minimise our impact on the chosen location.

• Weather: We'll closely monitor weather forecasts and have options for locations that offer some degree of shelter.

• Physical Limitations: We'll work to find accessible locations and tailor sessions to your physical abilities.

• Privacy: We'll ensure the chosen locations offer adequate privacy for our sessions.

• Suitable clothing: We’ll also explore appropriate clothing and footwear for your session.

Who is Outdoor Therapy For?

This approach may not be for everyone, but it can be particularly beneficial for those who:

• Feel a strong connection to nature

• Are interested in exploring shamanic practices or energy healing

• Struggle with traditional therapy settings

• Find traditional therapy triggering or anxiety-provoking

• Want to incorporate holistic practices into therapy

 A Natural Path to Wellness

Transitioning to outdoor therapy might seem like a leap, but it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. I will continue to offer the same level of personalised support and compassionate care you've come to expect from me, just in a more natural setting.

Remember, therapy is a journey, and sometimes, the most empowering discoveries are made under the open sky. Are you ready to embark on this adventure with me?

Your Healing Journey in Nature's Embrace

Whether you've been a client or are curious about exploring outdoor therapy for the first time, we'd love to hear from you! Contact us today to schedule a discovery call and discuss how I can help you achieve your wellness goals in the great outdoors.

A Spark in the Winter - Embracing Imbolc and Candlemas

As the days begin to lengthen and the first whispers of spring creep into the air, we find ourselves on the cusp of Imbolc (pronounced IM-bolk), a festival steeped in ancient magic and modern hope. Celebrated around February 1st (or February 2nd in some traditions), Imbolc marks the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, offering a glimmer of light in the midst of the darkest and often the coldest season.

 A Journey Through Time

Imbolc's roots lie deep in Celtic and Gaelic cultures, where it was associated with the goddess Brigid, a powerful figure of fire often represented by the hearth within the home, healing, and craftsmanship. The festival marked the emergence and awakening of spring, the return of light, and the stirrings of new life in the earth. Traditional celebrations included bonfires, purification rituals, and offerings to Brigid, requesting her blessings for fertility and prosperity in the coming year.

A Bridge Between Worlds

While Imbolc's pagan origins remain strong, the festival has also resonated with Christian traditions. In the 5th century, the Church adopted February 2nd as Candlemas, commemorating the presentation of Jesus at the temple and the purification of Mary. This fusion of pagan and Christian customs created a unique blend of symbolism, further enriching the meaning of the festival.

Modern Echoes of Ancient Magic

Today, Imbolc continues to inspire a diverse range of celebrations. For many, it's a time for personal reflection and renewal. We can use this potent energy to clear away the remnants of winter, both physically and emotionally, making space for the seeds of new beginnings. This might involve decluttering our homes, setting intentions for the coming months, or engaging in creative projects that spark our inner fire.

Celebrating Imbolc in Your Own Way

Here are a few ideas to bring the magic of Imbolc into your life:

• Guided meditation to connect with Brigid and the Imbolc energies - A recorded meditation in resources.

• Light a candle: Honour the symbolism of light and Brigid's flame by lighting candles at home or joining a communal fire ceremony. A green candle is often used to represent growth.

• Make a Brigid's Cross - instructions in the resources section. Plant a seed: Sow the seeds of your hopes and dreams for the year ahead, whether it's a new hobby, a creative project, or a personal goal.

• Cleanse and purify: Declutter your physical space and engage in rituals that cleanse your energy, such as taking a salt bath or meditation.

• Offer gratitude: Reflect on the blessings of the past year and express gratitude for what you have, setting a positive tone for the future.

• Connect with nature: Spend time outdoors, feeling the first whispers of spring in the air and appreciating the earth's renewal.

Imbolc, with its blend of ancient traditions and modern significance, offers a powerful opportunity to embrace the light within and around us. As we move into the brighter days towards spring, let us carry the spark of Imbolc's magic in our hearts, reminding us that even in the darkest times, new beginnings are always possible and allow ourselves to gently awaken.

Imbolc Blessings

Jane x

Cyril the unicorn weaving a tapestry of hope

Life can be a curious tapestry, woven with threads of joy, sorrow and everything in between. For me, the years of writing my Holistic fibro Fighter Blog have been a whirlwind of swirling emotions, coloured by the vibrant hues of chronic pain, the menopause and the somber tones of loss. Yet amidst the storms a beacon of shimmering hope has always remained Cyril the unicorn.

Cyril’s arrival back in 2017 was as unexpected as it was magical. The day before my father died, a dear friend gifted me a handmade unicorn, he wasn’t a grand, prancing creature from myth. He was a humble hand-stitched creation, crafted by herself and her daughter-in-law, who had woven their own magic into his very being. This wasn’t just any unicorn; this was Cyril, a whimsical creature with blue eyes and a mane of purples, pinks and a vibrant aquamarine. In that moment of profound grief, Cyril became my anchor, a symbol of hope amidst the crashing waves of loss.

Cyril became a constant companion, weaving his knitted magic into the fabric of my grief and my fight against fibromyalgia. He sat beside me as I gave my first radio interview sharing my experience of living with fibro and how I was healing myself holistically. He seemed to absorb the raw emotions of my recent grief and his gentle gaze a silent cheer as he accompanied me to yoga classes his hooves nestled in my yoga bag, his presence adding a touch of whimsy to the downward dogs and wobbly warrior poses I was trying to bend my body into. He often encouraged me to laugh at the most inappropriate times, mainly at myself. He was a gentle reminder to breathe, to move, to flow even through the pain. He braved the sonic waves of gong baths and the ethereal realms of shamanic journeys, his button eyes wide with wonder as I explored the depths of my being.

Cyril isn’t just a cuddly toy or a witness, he is an active participant; he is a testament to the boundless power of love and friendship. He is a reminder that even in the darkest time, a little bit of sparkle can go a long way. He nudged me to step outside of my comfort zone to embrace new experiences and find moments of joy, even when the world felt heavy.

We ventured to sun-drenched Ibiza, my husband was surprised to find Cyril gazing out of the plane window where he had appeared from my bag, the island's vibrant energy echoing the rainbow hues of his mane and tail. We listened to drumming on the beach as we watched the sun go down, a silent celebration of life and its precious moments. Cyril was my talisman, my knitted guardian angel, reminding me that even in the throes of grief, pain and living with Fibro, there was still magic to be found, adventures to be had, and laughter to be shared.

But as time spun its inevitable web, my life has shifted once more, the grief quieter, my healing journey evolving and the need for Cyril’s constant presence less urgent. He found his place on a shelf, watching over my changing landscape. Yet even in his knitted stillness, Cyril’s magic endures. He is a silent sentinel, a reminder of the strength and hope that flickered even when the world seemed shrouded in grey, the rainbow glinting through the fibro fog, the spirit of the magic I have been able to weave into the tapestry of my life. He is the love that carried me through, the friendships that held me up, and the laughter I shared. For that, I will forever be grateful.

Cyril’s story is not just mine; it is a testament to the transformative power of love, friendship, healing and a little bit of glittery magic. It’s a reminder that even in the face of loss and illness, hope can flicker, joy can bloom, and adventures both big and small, await.

So, to you, when you find yourself facing your own storm or simply seeking a little extra magic in your life, remember even the smallest dose of hope can make a world of difference, that even the smallest spark can ignite a flame and that even in the quietest corners, love, hope and healing can bloom. A Cyril is waiting to be discovered, find your own source of hope, your beacon of light and weave your own magical tapestry one sequin-stitched step at a time and let that shimmer light the way.

Don't forget to sprinkle some of your own magic into the world! You never know who might need a little unicorn sparkle to brighten their day, for you may be the warrior of light that they never knew they needed.

And who knows, maybe one day, Cyril and I will embark on another adventure, his multicolored mane catching the sunlight as we dance towards a new horizon. Until then, he sits on his shelf, as a silent beacon of hope, reminding me that the magic never truly fades, it simply waits for the right moment to shimmer one more.

May this coming year, be the one in which you begin to sparkle. With love and a touch of unicorn magic.

Jane The Holistic Fibro Fighter. xx

Ps This blog is dedicated to all of you who have and still continue to support my healing path, because sometimes the most powerful magic isn't in the grand gestures, but in the quietness, the silent support, the unwavering presence of you being there, and of course to Cyril, the unicorn who reminds me that even in the darkest times, there is always a rainbow waiting to be discovered.