Outdoors

“The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.” – Alexander Supertramp Mccandless

The phrase that has helped me most in times of sadness has been “This, too, shall pass.” It was a revelation to me when, in one of my talking therapy sessions, my counsellor talked about emotions being like the weather. There is always sunshine above the clouds. The storm always moves on, however powerful it is.

I can’t imagine how I would feel if I couldn’t get outdoors. There are many days when I don’t feel as though I’ve got the energy to leave the house. But when I do, and I make the effort to go for a walk, I always feel better. Sometimes, it’s just making 10 minutes to walk the dog round the block. Sometimes it’s taking an hour or more to wander on Cannock Chase. I love standing on a hill and watching the sunset. Or finding a good tree for Philip to climb, or a stream where we can make a dam or a bridge.

Last year, I bought a hammock that I can hang from the climbing frame. I haven’t managed to relax in it yet, because whenever I get it out, the kids start fighting over it! I know very little about gardening, but with advice from the guy in charge at the local nursery, I planted flowers that I could enjoy looking at. I adjusted the birdfeeders so I could look through kitchen window watch the birds. One of my favourite tricks is to stand or walk on the grass barefoot for a while. There’s something healing about the connection to the Earth.

Whether it’s sitting by an open window, or in a garden, visiting open spaces, or walking, cycling, or running, being outdoors it’s good for us. It’s good for our minds and our bodies. If you’re looking for a little extra happiness in your life, try to find a way to spend at least some time each day outdoors.

© Sue Palmer, The Horse Physio, 2021

Treating your horse with care, connection, curiosity and compassion