Landscaping Your Life with Alison Smith
67 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago -Using nature’s landscapes as metaphors for your life to help you see the wood for the trees.
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Episodes
Special episode: How to stop life feeling like groundhog day
February 02, 2024 00:01 - 6 minutes - 6.11 MBIt’s Groundhog Day and if you’re using the idiom to describe how you’re feeling then why not try this 5-minute technique to release the feeling and help you get you back on track. If after listening you would like more information just sign up for the Landscaping Your Life newsletter and the latest newsletter includes the pdf with more detailed instructions. https://mailchi.mp/8191a411923f/alisonsmith We’ll be back very soon with the 4th series of the Landscaping Your Life with Alison S...
Please join me for a online live event!
November 01, 2023 10:49 - 2 minutes - 2.65 MBJoin us at 6pm UK time on Monday, 13th November for an evening with Alison Smith. If you feel like you're talking to a brick wall in an area of your life, why not come along for this live, virtual event on Zoom. Alison will be using her poem 'Talking to the brick wall' as a basis for an interactive conversation, to help you to identify solutions and actions to resolve the situation. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-evening-with-alison-smith-how-to-talk-to-a-brick-wall-tickets...
#64 Drawing a line in the sand
October 01, 2023 23:01 - 19 minutes - 35.3 MBTo conclude series three we’re exploring ‘How do you draw a line in the sand and stop yourself from going back to your old way of behaving or relating to someone as you have on previous drawings of the line’? To help you get back on track we’ll be doing this using nature’s landscapes as a metaphor for the situation. You’ll find all links mentioned including the words of the ‘drawing a line in the sand’ poem here https://www.alisonsmith.co/drawing-a-line-in-the-sand/
#63 How to stop the circling
September 17, 2023 23:01 - 6 minutes - 14.4 MBAs a postscript to episode 36 Alison shares some additional insights to help stop you going round in circles in your life. She’s also written a poem on the subject which you’ll hear at the end of this very short episode. You’ll find all links mentioned, details of the Can’t see the wood for the trees book and the words of here https://www.alisonsmith.co/stop-circling/
#62 How to come out of the shadows
September 10, 2023 23:00 - 26 minutes - 44 MBIf you know you need to come out of the shadows in an area in your life you may it helpful to join Alison in nature and explore being in the shadows and non-shadows to get a sense as she does about your relationship to them both and to understand what stepping out of the shadows might require from you. You’ll find all the links mentioned, the book and the words of the poem here https://www.alisonsmith.co/how-to-get-out-of-the-shadows/
#61 What to do when you’re at a deadend in your life
September 03, 2023 23:01 - 14 minutes - 25 MBIf you wanted evidence that words have power then the use of deadend for this episode provided evidence of distractions, disruptions and avoidance at every turn – something I think we do when heading for a dead end because it’s always an end to something – even if by its very nature it’s also the path to a new beginning too. You’ll find all the links mentioned, and more suggestions on alternate words to being at a dead end here https://www.alisonsmith.co/what-to-do-when-youre-at-a-deadend-...
#60 How to influence others then you feel like you're talking to a brick wall
August 27, 2023 23:01 - 7 minutes - 15.8 MBAfter a very successful workshop entitled ‘Talk to the brick wall – how to influence those you’re struggling with’ I wanted to add a few postscripts to an earlier episode of the podcast and share a poem I’ve written on the subject. You’ll find all links mentioned and the poem here https://www.alisonsmith.co/its-like-talking-to-a-brick-wall/
#59 Happy 5th Birthday Can’t see the wood for the trees
August 21, 2023 11:01 - 14 minutes - 24.8 MBIt’s 5 years this month since Can’t See the wood for the Trees – landscaping your life to get back on track was first published. Its content has helped inform the structure of all of the podcast episodes. Do have a listen and see whether a snippet from one of the chapters might be just what will help you get back on track on a situation you’re grappling with.
#58 If your problem was a landscape what sort of landscape would it be
August 13, 2023 23:00 - 24 minutes - 38.1 MBRather than venture outside into nature and the rainy weather for this episode Alison uses drawing as another means of using nature as a metaphor for a problem you’re grappling with. So, get your pens and paper ready and be open to something a little unconventional to enable that breakthrough you’ve been searching for. You’ll find links mentioned in the podcast here https://www.alisonsmith.co/if-your-problem-was-a-mountain/
#57 How to go for a walk and find solutions to a problem you’re grappling with
August 06, 2023 23:01 - 27 minutes - 46.6 MBIn the majority of episodes Alison invites us to join her to find solutions in a landscape that represents how we’re feeling whether that’s when we can’t see the wood for the trees #28, are treading water #23, or life feels like an uphill struggle #25. In today’s episode she shares with us a more general technique she uses called a Landscaping Your Life walk that can be applied to any situation you’re stuck about. You’ll find links mentioned in the podcast here https://www.alisonsmith.co/...
#56 What not to do when testing the water about a situation in your life
July 30, 2023 23:01 - 18 minutes - 34.3 MBIf you’re thinking about testing the water about something you’d like to do in your life you may want to have a listen and see what insight you can get as you hear me testing the water at St Andrews beach, Fife - because it’s the unexpected that can catch us out. You’ll find the podcast episodes mentioned, words of the poem, book, and how to sign up for LYL newsletter and other links mentioned in the podcast here https://www.alisonsmith.co/what-not-to-do-when-testing-water/
#55 Stop planting more trees in your life
July 23, 2023 23:01 - 9 minutes - 18.8 MBWhy it is when we can’t see the wood for the trees, are overwhelmed and already too busy with too much to think about we keep planting more trees. In this episode we explore why we wouldn’t do this in nature and why it’s counterproductive in our own lives too. You’ll find the words of the poem, book, and how to sign up for LYL newsletter and other links mentioned in the podcast here https://www.alisonsmith.co/stop-planting-more-trees-in-your-life/
#54 How to get beyond the story you’re telling and see the situation from a higher vantage point?
July 16, 2023 23:01 - 20 minutes - 35.9 MBWhen we’re caught up in the story we’re telling it can be hard to see the wood for the trees and identify a strategy or action plan for getting unstuck and back on track. That’s when taking to a higher vantage point to see all 360 degrees of options comes in, and that’s what we explore in more detail in this episode. You’ll find the words of the poem, book, and how to sign up for LYL newsletter and other links mentioned in the podcast here https://www.alisonsmith.co/getting-to-a-higher-v...
#53 Do you need to let the mud settle before taking action?
July 09, 2023 23:01 - 8 minutes - 17.2 MBIt’s perhaps a little too easy to get frustrated when things aren’t happening as quickly as we’d like – however nature teaches us that patience and timing are everything – sometimes we just need to let the mud settle, or wait for the next tide before we get the clarity we need. You’ll find the words of the poem and how to sign up for the newsletter and other links including an index of all the podcast episodes here - https://www.alisonsmith.co/do-you-need-to-let-the-mud-settle-before-ta...
#52 Stop walking half a path and commit to the whole path
July 03, 2023 09:09 - 25 minutes - 45.2 MBAn exploration in nature of my belief that “It doesn’t matter how long or short a path we walk as long as we commit to walking the whole of it.” An episode that provides the insight needed to commit to a goal and not go back and forth worrying it might not be the right one. https://www.alisonsmith.co/half-a-path-gets-you-nowhere/ You’ll find the words of the poem and how to sign up for the newsletter and other links including an index of all the podcast episodes here https://www.alisons...
#51 From not knowing to knowing what to do
June 25, 2023 23:00 - 21 minutes - 37.2 MBNot knowing what to do can be frustrating – not least if you’ve circled around not knowing what to do for some time. That’s where the Landscaping Your Life toolkit can really help. Today’s episode shares more about how to use the toolkit to help you move from not knowing to knowing what to do. You’ll find the words of the poem and how to sign up for the newsletter and other links including an index of all the podcast episodes here https://www.alisonsmith.co/how-to-get-the-most-from-t...
#50 Using nature as our coach - where it all started
June 18, 2023 23:00 - 23 minutes - 39.8 MBThe podcast is two years old this week and to celebrate I thought I’d share more about where the idea came from to use nature as a metaphor for our lives, and also a few of my favourite examples of the sorts of solutions people have found by taking a problem they’re grappling with out into nature. You’ll find more about my book, and how to sign up for my newsletter and other links mentioned in the podcast here https://www.alisonsmith.co/landscaping-your-life-with-alison-smith-podcast/
#49 What to do when you don’t know what to do
May 07, 2023 23:00 - 3 minutes - 10.1 MBShort and sweet again this week. Due to unexpected family issues today’s episode simply shares two poems that have helped me in recent weeks to sit with the ambiguity when I haven’t known what to do. Do let me know what you think. You’ll find the words of the poems, my book, and how to sign up for my newsletter and other useful Landscaping Your Life resources here https://www.alisonsmith.co/what-to-do-when-you-dont-know-what-to-do/
#48 What to do when you’re beating yourself up
April 30, 2023 23:00 - 3 minutes - 8.59 MBShort and sweet today. Due to unexpected family issues today’s episode revisits the I reclaim all my parts poem shared in more detail in episode #45 with reference to episode #29 where you’re asked to put the stick down you’re beating yourself up with. You’ll find the words of the poem, my book, and how to sign up for my newsletter and other useful Landscaping Your Life resources here https://www.alisonsmith.co/landscaping-your-life-with-alison-smith-podcast/
#47 What to do when you’re disappointed with lack of progress
April 23, 2023 23:00 - 19 minutes - 34.1 MBToday’s episode helps you when you’re feeling disappointed with the progress you’re making – you may even feel like giving up because all the effort is seemingly getting you nowhere. I’ll be sharing 2 poems and a short story inspired by the sea that I’ve written to help you to see the situation from a different perspective and for you to identify potential action steps. You’ll find the words of the poems, my book, and how to sign up for my newsletter and other links mentioned in the podc...
#46 Earth Day: the day the Earth cried
April 16, 2023 23:00 - 23 minutes - 40.5 MBToday’s episode shares two poems I’ve written about our relationship with the Earth and then turn that inwards and explore how that relationship is a mirror for our relationship with ourselves. A reminder of our own brilliance and uniqueness that’s been dampened by all the musts, oughts and should. You’ll find the words of the poems, my book, and how to sign up for my newsletter and other links mentioned in the podcast here https://www.alisonsmith.co/earth-day-the-earth-cried-the...
#45 An uprooting & lack of confidence in myself
April 09, 2023 23:00 - 29 minutes - 52.1 MBToday’s episode provides insight when you’re feeling ungrounded, out of sorts and lacking confidence in yourself. Where that ungroundedness is providing a disconnect between you and your life. Or you may simply want a different perspective about a situation you’re grappling with. You’ll find the words of the poems, my book, and how to sign up for my newsletter and other links mentioned in the podcast here https://www.alisonsmith.co/landscaping-your-life-with-alison-smith-podcast/
#44 Paths or destination that is the question
April 02, 2023 23:01 - 28 minutes - 49 MBToday’s episode uses the premise that when you’re stuck and don’t know what to do it’s often about the paths and destinations – you may not be clear about the destination or goal, or you’re not on the right path to get to your destination or perhaps you’re even judging the path you’re on because you don’t know where it’s headed, or fear it won’t get you where you want to go. You’ll find the words of the poem, signing up for my newsletter and other links mentioned in the podcast here https:...
#43 Stand in nature and hear your inner wisdom’s whispers
March 27, 2023 00:01 - 18 minutes - 34.1 MBToday we dive straight into the heart of Landscaping Your Life – using nature as a means of hearing your own inner wisdom. You’re asked to consider “if your life was a landscape what type of landscape would it be?” and to “stand in nature and see your own inner wisdom reflected back at you” in that landscape, and to then make changes to that landscape to release the stuckness and even overwhelm you might be feeling about a situation. You’ll find the words of the poems and other links ...
#42 Grappling with the known and unknown, certain and uncertain
March 20, 2023 09:23 - 28 minutes - 52.6 MBToday’s episode explores the real reason you might not be able to see the wood for the trees and invites you to face your fears and accept the “known and unknown, certain and uncertain”. To stop allowing the wood and trees to distract you and instead look to greater horizons beyond the wood, and not trying to do it alone but with others by your side. You’ll find the words of the poems and other links mentioned in the podcast here https://www.alisonsmith.co/blog-insight/
#41 Highlights from series 2 to help you get unstuck
August 07, 2022 23:00 - 32 minutes - 47.9 MBToday Alison shares highlights from this second series of the podcast where she went into nature to discover insight when you’re stuck and off track. Because putting distance between you & a problem is a great means of finding solutions currently hidden from view. You can buy Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees, from all online stockists. You can find useful references and blogs mentioned in the podcast here https://linktr.ee/landscapingyourlife
#40 What to do when you’re feeling ungrounded
July 31, 2022 23:00 - 29 minutes - 48 MBToday Alison shares insights from nature about different perspectives available when you’re feeling ungrounded. Because putting distance between you & a problem is a great means of finding solutions currently hidden from view. You can buy Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees, from all online stockists. You can find useful references and blogs mentioned in the podcast here https://linktr.ee/landscapingyourlife
#39 How to get back on track
July 24, 2022 23:00 - 27 minutes - 48.2 MBToday Alison shares insights from nature about different perspectives available when you’re off track and want to get back on it. Because putting distance between you & a problem is a great means of finding solutions currently hidden from view. You can buy Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees, from all online stockists. You can find useful references and blogs mentioned in the podcast here https://linktr.ee/landscapingyourlife
#38 How to bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be
July 17, 2022 23:00 - 27 minutes - 48.6 MBToday Alison shares insights from nature about different perspectives available when there’s a gap between where you are and where you want to be. Because putting distance between you & a problem is a great means of finding solutions currently hidden from view. You can buy Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees, from all online stockists. You can find useful references and blogs mentioned in the podcast here https://linktr.ee/landscapingyourlife
#37 What to do when you’re lost
July 10, 2022 23:00 - 22 minutes - 40.1 MBToday Alison shares insights from nature about different perspectives available when you’re lost & explores the difference between being physically, mentally, emotionally & spiritually lost. Because putting distance between you & a problem is a great means of finding solutions currently hidden from view. You can buy Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees, from all online stockists. You can find useful references and blogs mentioned in the podcast here https://linktr.ee/landscapi...
#36 What to do when you’re going round in circles
July 03, 2022 23:00 - 23 minutes - 38.8 MBToday Alison shares insights from nature about the options & different perspectives available when you want to stop going round in circles. Because putting distance between you & a problem is a great means of finding solutions currently hidden from view. You can buy Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees, from all online stockists. You can find Alison’s blog & other means of keeping in touch with Alison here https://linktr.ee/landscapingyourlife
#35 What to do when you want to turn a corner in your life
June 26, 2022 23:00 - 17 minutes - 25.5 MBToday Alison shares insights from nature about the options & different perspectives available when want to turn a corner in your life and are resisting doing just that. Because putting distance between you & a problem is a great means of finding solutions currently hidden from view. You can buy Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees, from all online stockists. You can find Alison’s blog & other means of keeping in touch with Alison here https://linktr.ee/landscapingyourlife
#34 What to do when you feel like you’ve missed the tide
June 19, 2022 23:00 - 24 minutes - 41.8 MBToday Alison shares insights from nature about the options & different perspectives available when you’re feeling like you’ve missed the tide – that one perfect moment to take action. Because putting distance between you & a problem is a great means of finding solutions currently hidden from view. You can buy Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees, from all online stockists. You can find Alison’s blog & other means of keeping in touch with Alison here https://linktr.ee/landscapi...
#33 Happy First Podcast Birthday – 7 of the highlights
June 12, 2022 23:00 - 33 minutes - 48.4 MBCelebrating its 1st birthday Alison shares 7 highlights from the last year including 2 poems & 5 idioms we use when we’re stuck. You can sign up for Alison’s free webinar on 20th June @ 1900 UK time https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/new-opportunities-metamorphosis-for-solstice-tickets-339788736257 You can buy Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees, from all online stockists. You can find Alison’s blog and other means of keeping in touch with Alison here https://linktr.ee/landsca...
#32 How to stop feeling like you’re talking to the brick wall
June 05, 2022 23:00 - 23 minutes - 40.9 MBToday Alison shares insights from nature about the options and different perspectives available to you when you’re feeling like you’re talking to a brick wall and would prefer to be listened or paid attention to. Because putting distance between you & a problem is a great means of finding solutions currently hidden from view. You can buy Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees, from all online stockists. You can find Alison’s blog and other means of keeping in touch with Alison h...
#31 How to put your head above the parapet
May 29, 2022 23:00 - 16 minutes - 24.8 MBToday Alison shares insights from nature about the options and different perspectives available to you when you’re afraid to put your head above the parapet. Because putting distance between you & a problem is a great means of finding solutions currently hidden from view. You can buy Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees, from all online stockists. You can find Alison’s blog and other means of keeping in touch with Alison here https://linktr.ee/landscapingyourlife
#30 What to do when you feel like you’ve been pulled through a hedge backwards
May 22, 2022 23:00 - 18 minutes - 30.9 MBToday Alison shares insights from nature about the options and different perspectives available to you when you feel like you’ve been pulled through a hedge backwards. Because putting distance between you & a problem is a great means of finding solutions currently hidden from view. You can buy Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees, from all online stockists. You can find Alison’s blog and other means of keeping in touch with Alison here https://linktr.ee/landscapingyourlife
#29 What to do with the stick you’re beating yourself up with
May 15, 2022 23:00 - 11 minutes - 20.5 MBToday Alison shares insights from nature about the options and different perspectives available to you want to put the stick down you’re beating yourself up with. Because putting distance between you & a problem is a great means of finding solutions currently hidden from view. You can buy Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees, from all online stockists. You can find Alison’s blog and other means of keeping in touch with Alison here https://linktr.ee/landscapingyourlife
#28 How to see the wood for the trees
May 08, 2022 23:00 - 24 minutes - 39.8 MBPutting distance between you and a problem is a great means of finding solutions currently hidden from view. Today Alison goes back to a topic she first shared in her book, Can’t see the wood for the trees (available from all online stockists), and shares insights from nature about the options and different perspectives available to you when you can’t see the wood for the trees. You can find Alison’s blog and other means of keeping in touch with Alison here https://linktr.ee/landscapingyou...
#27 What to do when you’re at a crossroads in your life
May 01, 2022 23:00 - 15 minutes - 25.8 MBPutting distance between you & a problem is a great means of finding solutions currently hidden from view. Today Alison shares insights from nature about the options and different perspectives available to you when you’re at a crossroads in your life. You can buy Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees, from all online stockists. You can find Alison’s blog and other means of keeping in touch with Alison here https://linktr.ee/landscapingyourlife
#26 How to build a bridge with another
April 24, 2022 23:00 - 26 minutes - 44.5 MBPutting distance between you & a problem is a great means of finding solutions currently hidden from view. Today Alison shares insights from several bridges from recent walks to help find metaphorical insight you can apply to a situation where you want to build a bridge with another person. You can buy Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees, from all online stockists. You can find Alison’s blog and other means of keeping in touch with Alison here https://linktr.ee/landscapingy...
#25 What to do when life feels like an uphill struggle
April 17, 2022 23:00 - 20 minutes - 32.4 MBPutting distance between you and a problem is a great means of finding solutions currently hidden from view. Today Alison walks up a hill to find metaphorical insight you can apply to a situation you feel is like an uphill struggle. You can buy Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees, from all online stockists. You can find Alison’s blog and other means of keeping in touch with Alison here https://linktr.ee/landscapingyourlife
#24 What to do when you want to see the light at the end of the tunnel
April 10, 2022 23:00 - 11 minutes - 22.2 MBPutting distance between you and a problem is a great means of finding solutions currently hidden from view. Today Alison goes back and forth with eyes open and closed through a tunnel obtaining metaphorical insight you can apply to a situation you’d like to see the light at the end of tunnel about. You can buy Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees, from all online stockists. You can find other means of keeping in touch with Alison here https://linktr.ee/landscapingyourlife
#23 How to stop treading water in a situation in your life
April 03, 2022 23:00 - 9 minutes - 14.1 MBPutting distance between you and the situation you don’t know what to do in is a great means of finding solutions currently hidden from view. Today Alison goes swimming in the sea in Fife, Scotland to discover metaphorical solutions when you resonate with either feeling like you’re treading water or are trying to keep your head above water. You can buy Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees, from all online stockists. You can find other means of keeping in touch with Alison he...
#22 What to do when you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place?
March 27, 2022 00:00 - 19 minutes - 27.4 MBIn this series of her podcast Alison is visiting the landscapes within the words you use when you’re stuck and don’t know what to do to help you find solutions and alternate perspectives currently hidden from view. Today she’s helping you get back on track when you feel like you’re between a rock and a hard place. You can buy Alison’s book, Can’t see the wood for the trees, from all online stockists. You can find other means of keeping in touch with Alison here https://linktr.ee/landscap...
#21 How to use these episodes to get unstuck and back on track
November 08, 2021 10:34 - 21 minutes - 27.5 MBIn today’s episode Alison shares insight from her book Can’t see the wood for the trees – landscaping your life to get back on track. Insight that uses the landscape within the words you’re using when you’re stuck to find metaphorical solutions to help you get back on track. Words and sayings such as: Stuck in a rut Can’t see the wood for the trees (also see episode 1) Up the creek without a paddle (also see episode 6) Like a fish out of water (also see episode 7) Head in the sand ...
#20 Can’t see the wood for the trees and other idioms that keep you stuck
November 01, 2021 00:00 - 18 minutes - 24.6 MBIn today’s episode Alison shares insight from her book Can’t see the wood for the trees – landscaping your life to get back on track. Insight that uses the landscape within the words you’re using when you’re stuck to find metaphorical solutions to help you get back on track. Words and sayings such as: Stuck in a rut Can’t see the wood for the trees (also see episode 1) Up the creek without a paddle (also see episode 6) Like a fish out of water (also see episode 7) Head in the sand ...
#19 How autumn can be your coach and help you get back on track
October 24, 2021 23:00 - 10 minutes - 16.3 MBWhat do you need to let go of – or perhaps you need to turn over a new leaf – or be a little colder with someone? All potential insights from patterns in nature during autumn. As always, it’s certainly preferable to think of a situation you’d like more insight on to have at the back of your mind as you listen to Alison sharing hints, tips and tools about how to see situations from different perspectives. Otherwise, it’s a little theoretical and doesn’t give you an experience of how transfo...
#18 When doing nothing is doing something
October 17, 2021 23:00 - 1 minute - 4.81 MBTalking about this episode Alison said “I could have pushed on, I could have waffled and said something, and yet the words wouldn’t form. A great reminder, like in episode 16 when I was headed for that crossroads, that impatience and the ought/must/should/need to make progress is not always our best friend. Today I am honouring the fact that nothing came, no great idea, no fabulous insight. Just an invitation to sit with the doing nothing and that be ok. After all, a seed knows when it...
#17 How to use nature as your coach
October 10, 2021 23:00 - 26 minutes - 34.7 MBYou can of course just go for a walk in nature and find that when you return that the situation you’re grappling with feels different. As Alison shares in today’s episode there are, however, numerous other ways you can proactively invite nature to be your coach to help you get insight about challenges or problems to help you get back on track. As always, it’s certainly preferable to think of a situation you’d like more insight on to have at the back of your mind as you listen to Alison sha...