Why Norway?

Most of you know I recently returned from leading my first retreat abroad in Norway. Several people have asked why Norway?

Here's the reason. I've been drawn to Scandinavian lifestyle and aesthetics for some time. I love the minimalistic approach. Use of wood and simple uncluttered design. Also their approaches to lifestyle. They have a much better work/life balance than most. Yes, they pay more taxes, but health and social care is better as are schooling and transport systems.

Scandinavian countries come at the top of the table according to the 'World Happiness Report'.

I went to Copenhagen last year with my daughter's and it did not disappoint! I was keen to discover more.

When I came across a post on instagram by a fellow yoga teacher recommending a retreat host company, I decided to check it out. This is when the centre in Norway jumped out to me.

I have 2 dogs and most days walk in the woods twice a day. I love watching the change of seasons, seeing different shadows, feeling the earth under my feet. Different smells and sounds of wind, rain and of course birdsong. It's hugely important to my physical and mental wellbeing to be in nature like this everyday. Without looking or listening to something on your phone. It's like a walking meditation.

This has been even more important to me following my husbands stroke 10 years ago, when everything changed. (See The No Pity blog for more on this).

Having researched more on this subject whilst thinking about Norway I discovered it is 'a thing'. Shinrin Yoku to be precise, which in Japanese means Forest Bathing or Walking In The Woods. The idea was introduced in Japan in the 1980's.

It is scientifically proven that spending time in nature, specifically Forest Bathing or Walking In The Woods, is hugely beneficial to our wellbeing. It reduces stress, blood pressure and allows our nervous system to function better. Here's a link to a lovely book, if you're interested.

https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/walking-in-the-woods-book-yoshifumi-miyazaki-9781783254149?sku=GOR011265431&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17428061177&gbraid=0AAAAADZzAIC1-l6V9ggeKQCWqHA4EzVzB&gclid=Cj0KCQjwxdXBBhDEARIsAAUkP6hvp6fA4sxgJ0G_PPOl780PR7kMKuSjE5re_QxsB7VRwfx_-Sf57QoaAq1ZEALw_wcB

So, last August I decided to go on a recce with my daughter to see practically if I could make it work.

Having visited Oslo, which you can see and feel is a destination city on the rise, it was the drive up into the mountains that got me hooked.

The scenery is breath taking, like the lake district with bells on. AND there's no one there!

Endless banks of beautiful trees. Fjords. Fresh running rivers, waterfalls and mountains. The air is so clear and clean, the colours are so vivid and the people are friendly. The Norway Retreat was manifested.

I'm hoping to go again next year, but not sure what season. I feel we should try and create a different experience and this one will be hard to replicate, as everything including the weather aligned.

However, we can all tap into a bit of Shinrin Yoku, even in London, with the huge expanses of heathlands, woods and parks. And if you're reading this elsewhere, the U.K. is a green and pleasant land.

Try to forget your phone (or turn it on silent mode). Touch the bark on the trees. Sit on a log for a few minutes. Maybe even take your shoes off. Take your time. And just be.

Have a lovely weekend. X