Connecting with nature

Mental Health Awareness Week causes me to reflect on the therapeutic nature and benefits of my connection with nature.

I’ve always found comfort in nature. Over the years, I relished being exposed to the challenge and calming influence of the elements. As a boy, I became a proficient paddler, keen to find solace in a canoe to escape my troubles, whether that was some tough times at home, being bullied at school, or living through the troubles growing up in Northern Ireland. Battling against nature, learning self-responsibility, alone with my thoughts, this was precious time.

As I grew older, paddling in some form remained a backstay, whether canoeing, kayaking, sculling or rowing in a crew, mostly I preferred being alone. These days I’ve taken up stand-up paddleboarding. It’s great fun, and it seemed like an obvious thing for a canoeist! On Sunday evening, I nearly had the river to myself as I paddled downstream through several bridges over the River Wear in Durham and then increased the effort on the return against the flow. Alone with my thoughts, and at the time, a form of great preparation for the prospect of another tough week at work.