After a wet, grey weekend I was in need of some colour, so instead of the usual dog walk after school drop off I tapped ‘The Vyne‘ into the sat nav and off we went…

My boy, Mizu, keeps me busy when my other half is at work and Little Miss is at school, daily walks in all weather and picking up dog poop were not things I ever envisaged doing a few years ago but now I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m sure pre-pooch I would’ve just taken myself to an outdoor coffee shop or wander to a park to enjoy the autumnal sunshine, but now I take the time to indulge myself in nature and a often a drive out of town is worth it.

During my time in Japan I realised how important nature and seasonal change is in Japanese culture and have brought the concept home with me. I’m sure the locals here think I’m a bit odd when I stop to take photos of a tree that’s changing colour or when a flower is in bloom but I don’t care, I love the colours and beauty that many pass by.

The National Trust properties and woodlands across England are bursting with colour and life throughout the year and I find a sense of calm when wondering around their vast grounds, walled gardens and along the leaf covered paths in the woods.

Among the trees I indulge myself in shinrin-yoku (森林浴), which literally translates to ‘forest bath’, a term introduced by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in the early ’80s. Soaking up the atmosphere and forgetting about my to-do list for the week ahead it’s easy to see how surrounding yourself with nature can benefit both mind and body.

British weather is known to be unpredictable and this morning was no exception, on the way back to the car the blue sky turned dark grey and it started to rain, but today my life was to be truly filled with colour as a rainbow appeared before us.

Categories: Health & Well Being, Outdoor LifeTags: autumn colours, calm, shinrin-yoku