The benefits of ‘blue space’ and of nature, adventure and connection are increasingly being recognised. Wise to the health advantages of time outdoors, a group of reflective explorers on a ‘sea kayaking retreat’ left a huddle of wheelchairs sat on the shore beside the waters of Moray, Scotland. A diverse set of adventurers, we were delighted to explore beneath cliffs, archways and geological beauties of the coastline, treated to rich bird life, pods of dolphins and the inspiration of a great group of people.
The Moray coastal area is a hidden gem, a ‘blue zone’ of Scotland with its picturesque and rugged coastline, a tapestry of rock and rolling natural beauty that etches a line between the North Sea and restorative countryside. We had five days together on the water, and we could feel our bodies and minds release and reset. Blue spaces in nature provide a calm and healing environment. The world’s ‘Blue Zones’ illustrate that the combination of nature, activity and connection with others in meaningful ways is crucial to our health and longevity.
The sea is ever-changing, a reflection of the expansive sky that shifts from moody greys to brilliant blues, merging to sky, magical light cast over the landscape. Dolphins and seals play in the waters, and charming fishing villages with unique character punctuate the hues of blue.
The water-based retreats had sea kayaking as a focus and were inspired by my own reverence for nature. I’ve always found nature to be like the CEO of my life. If I ever feel unclear, overwhelmed, stressed and even physically injured, relaxed time outside always seems to rebalance me. I contributed a chapter about the healing power of nature to the book ‘Wilder Journeys: True Stories of Nature, Adventure and Connection (Watkins Publishing, 2023).
Being paralysed from the chest down can make accessing nature more challenging, but finding ways to be in these blue spaces has been fundamental to my wellbeing. I spent over a decade committed to a Paralympic cycling career, led primarily by my desire to spend more time outside and to move my body. Now spending time in these restorative blue spaces helps me navigate through life with a sense of balance and peace.
There are plenty of possibilities out there for water-connected time out. Finding a way to enjoy the benefits of blue space in a way that suits you is likely to elevate your health and sense of wellbeing, be it wild swimming, paddleboarding, surfing or simply being beside a body of water. Whatever you do, you’ll be enhancing your immune system and supporting your metabolism and mitochondria. Do it with a few other lovely humans and you’ll also be helping your health with important feelings of belonging and connection.
Nature restores us. If connected ‘time out’ in Scotland or Mallorca appeals, either as part of a retreat or one to one, drop me a line. I would also like to acknowledge a very special organisation I am collaborating with, whose lens on nature mirrors my own. THE BLUE DOT – providing Eco Therapy for humans of the modern world – whose mission is to help people draw on the 4.5 billion years of nature’s unparalleled wisdom. As the team there highlight,
“Extraordinarily creative; Nature has no ego, never judges, criticises or neglects. Transcending our politics and interpersonal conflicts, Nature provides a powerful mirror for us to reflect on ourselves, others and the world around us – challenging us to expand our awareness and commitment within our healing process.”
