Peak experiences

Following on from an earlier blog on combating the symptoms of SAD I thought I’d remind us as the end of the week (and my Netwalk) is coming up about the benefits of getting out in nature. Those in “the scientific know” have finally caught up with what us nature lovers have been raving on about for a fair while now.

Although I’m rarely surprised, it still always pains me to hear of the number of my clients, who work corporately in particular, that don’t take a lunch break. Either they don’t have time, or worse still don’t see it as important. As winter draws closer, the likelihood that many of us will be travelling to and from work in the dark increases. Would you stick your favourite pet in a dark box all day? As I encouraged you to do in my earlier blog (sorry for sounding like a scratched record) Get out and take a break in the sunlight – even if it’s not a blazing sunny day, the natural light will make a difference to your mood. If you can combine it with time in a green space all the better as this has even further beneficial effects.

In a report by Dr William Bird, A GP and Strategic Health Advisor to Natural England, entitled “Natural Thinking” published June this year he clearly states that “access to green space can also help alleviate a range of mental health problems. Contact with nature reduces stress within minutes, increases the elderly’s satisfaction and with where they live and improves children’s concentration and self-discipline, including the symptoms of attention deficit disorder (ADD).

Scandinavian studies indicate that playing in nature has a positive impact on children's social play, concentration and motor ability (Bang et al, 1989; Grahn, 1991; Fjortoft, 1995, 1998, 1999; Grahn et al ,1997).

A recent American study confirmed that green play settings improved children's concentration: children with Attention Deficit Disorder were found to function better than usual after activities in green settings (Faber Taylor et al, 2001).

As highlighted last year by John Davis, Ph.D.of Naropa University nature is also a trigger for what Maslow describes as Peak Experiences. (Experiences of optimal mental health, comparable to intense spiritual experiences or mystical experiences. Maslow also talked about plateau experiences characterized more by a sense of tranquillity and serenity, lower intensity, and often, longer duration.)

Some of the most profound experiences in my life have been in natural settings. Earlier this year I was moved to tears and had astounding personal revelations, while I watched the natural wonder of dawn breaking over the completely cloudless peak of Mount Kenya.
Davis goes on to say that: Anecdotal evidence suggests that many spiritual leaders had key mystical experiences in wilderness settings, e.g., Moses, Jesus, Buddha, Mohammed, Black Elk, et al. Of course, many people have used nature experiences as paradigmatic examples of spiritual or transpersonal experiences. In a psychological context, the integral theorist, Ken Wilber, is notable for referring to "nature mysticism" in describing transpersonal experience. Survey results on frequency and triggers for peak experiences (Davis, Lockwood, & Wright) shows that nature is the most common trigger for peak experiences
I adore England not least because of the spectacular diversity that it’s natural environment abounds.
Here’s some of my favourite spots around England and Wales (I haven’t spent enough time in Scotland yet!), if you fancy planning a natural peak this weekend.

Forests
New Forest – Knightwood Oak
http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-6a5kvg
Burnham Beeches
http://www.timetravel-britain.com/05/fall/beeches.shtml

Rivers
New Forest – Adventures on Beaulieu River
http://www.newforestactivities.co.uk/beaulieumain.htm


Seaside
Beachy Head
http://www.beachyhead.org.uk/about_the_area.html

Isle of Purbeck
http://www.isleofpurbeck.com/corfe.html

Hills & Mountains
Snowdonia National Park
http://www.geocities.com/rainforest/1098/Eryri.html
Scafell
http://www.bbc.co.uk/cumbria/webcams/scafell.shtml
South Downs
http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/Southdowns/index.asp

Enjoy the great outdoors!
Warm regards
Elizabeth