Nature Therapy Online (Ecotherapy Podcast)

Final Episode: Death and Renewal (S2E9)

March 18, 2022 10:10 - 41 minutes - 37.6 MB

Welcome to the final (ever?) episode of Nature Therapy Online - The Podcast. Over the last (almost) two years, recording this podcast has been a therapy for me as much as it has been for the lovely people who have sent me such encouraging emails about the show. (You know who you are!) It is, however, time for me to move on to other nature therapy projects. Ecotherapy is my job but the podcast has been very much a labour of love, and I need to make a bit of room in my life for other labours...

Our Place in the World (Taking in a View) (S2E8)

January 28, 2022 07:03 - 47 minutes - 43.3 MB

In this episode of the ecotherapy podcast, we explore the power of a good view. I invite you to connect with a special view as we take a mindful walk together. For this episode, I took a walk in my village in Midlothian, Scotland, and I took in a view that mesmerises me. On a clear day, for miles into the distance, I can see forest, sea, mountains, hills and the magnificent city of Edinburgh. The feelings that arise in me when being present with this mighty view are inexplicable. There is ...

Rocks and Birds (S2E7)

December 31, 2021 07:59 - 51 minutes - 47.1 MB

Hello folks, and Happy New Year! For this wintery episode at home, I share some thoughts, meditations and music around the themes of rocks and birds, reflecting on some powerful rocks (past and present) from Scotland amongst other themes. In this month’s ecotherapy podcast, I reflect on the beauty of birdsong and the simple grounding power of rocks. I share three of my favourite rocky locations with you, all from Scotland: Isle of Barra, The Faery Stane of Midlothian and the Bass Rock in...

Mini Podcast: Tree Connection

December 09, 2021 13:31 - 10 minutes - 9.23 MB

Get your own mini-podcasts by supporting the podcast at https://www.patreon.com/naturetherapyonline

Mini episode for patron Eric Witt (food forest meditation)

November 26, 2021 11:00 - 10.2 MB

This is a mini-episode for patron Eric Witt. Eric asked me to create a guided visualisation for him so that he can begin to picture his food forest project which he is starting to work on. Here it is!

A Wild Goose Chase (S2E6)

November 26, 2021 06:55 - 1 hour - 66.6 MB

This month, I went in search of an elusive bird and here I share my process with you. Two years ago, I moved to the wee village of Temple in Midlothian, Scotland. In my first autumn here, I was mesmerised by the sight and sound of (quite literally) thousands of pink-footed geese feeding in the village during the autumn and winter. This year, they proved to be far more elusive. This lead me on an interesting process blending some slight climate anxiety with some appreciation of the other ...

Ruins (S2E5)

October 29, 2021 06:00 - 50 minutes - 46.1 MB

This episode is about a topic that I find very interesting and strangely moving. Have you ever stumbled across an old abandoned building, or even the crumbled remains of a simple structure, and felt something special? Ruins and abandoned human-built structures are often swiftly reclaimed by nature. It’s not unusual to see weeds growing through the cracks, grass moving ‘indoors’ or even trees and shrubs taking root upon structures that once were the domain of the human. Tune in to explor...

Old Tree, My Friend (S2E4)

September 29, 2021 13:23 - 1 hour - 55.7 MB

Hello, folks! This episode of the ecotherapy podcast is all about old trees and the ways in which we can connect to their beauty and wisdom. Join me as I tell a traditional tree story from Aberdeenshire in Scotland, encounter a giant sequoia tree in Midlothian, and lead a grounding tree-based meditation. In this episode, I was called to approach this topic from many angles. Regular listeners of my nature therapy podcast will know that I often like to share nature myths and stories. At othe...

Meditations on Water (S2E3)

August 27, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 64.6 MB

Hello friends! This episode of the ecotherapy podcast was just about my favourite ever to record so far: meditations on water. Join me as I encounter beautiful bodies of water and reflect on the power of water on our mental and spiritual wellbeing. In this episode, I recorded various sections in watery places that I love. I invite simple meditations or reflections on the sounds and scenes that I encounter. All places that I visited are places that I hold dear here to my heart, here in the ...

Nature and Spirituality (S2E2)

July 30, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 67.1 MB

This episode of the ecotherapy podcast is all about nature and spirituality. It’s a massive topic that I have wanted to feature for some time now. It includes voices from the worlds of Druidry, Buddhism, Catholicism and Tarot. In this episode of the nature therapy podcast, I speak with three people with very different spiritual practices about how their personal practice connects them with nature. I found that beyond the vast differences in the traditions themselves, there were some very b...

Nature and Music (S2, E01)

June 25, 2021 11:00 - 56 minutes - 51.6 MB

Welcome to Season Two of the Nature Therapy Online podcast! It’s so nice to be back after my break. The first episode of the season is all about nature and music. Nature can be therapy. Music can be therapy. Music that is inspired by nature – or music that incorporates nature – brings these two beautiful worlds together for a powerful therapeutic experience. That is what this month’s nature therapy podcast is all about! Nature music can come in many different forms; music that uses the so...

Episode 42. Season 1 Finale.

April 16, 2021 06:00 - 15 minutes - 13.8 MB

Episode 42 of the Nature Therapy Online podcast is the last of this season before I take a two-month break! As I record the podcast, I watch the sun setting over the Pentland Hills as the Sun sets on Season 1. Click on the slim black player above to listen. I will be back with a refreshed and new season at the end of June, friends. Please tune in to listen to my thoughts about the future of the podcast. It will return, but in a different form. To figure out what changes need to take place, ...

Episode 41: Daniel Allison Interview

April 09, 2021 05:59 - 40 minutes - 36.9 MB

In this week’s ecotherapy podcast, I am thrilled to present an interview with author and storyteller Daniel Allison. Daniel is a great talent — his gentle and moody style of storytelling captures the heart and imagination, and even more so when he tells nature myths, which account for a lot of his work. Daniel specialises in sharing Scottish myths and legends with the world. Daniel even shares a powerful story about ‘the most beautiful song in the forest’, and I encourage you all to tune in...

Episode 40: Shifting Attention

April 02, 2021 10:01 - 14 minutes - 13.6 MB

In episode 40 of the nature therapy podcast, I talk about our lazy minds when it comes to nature-connection, and how to shift our attention to notice the new. It’s something that I try to do as often as I can when I’m outdoors; notice what my mind seems to be pre-programmed to pay attention to, and deliberately shift my attention in other directions. Notice it next time you are on a walk somewhere you go regularly, or even just sitting still outdoors. My bet is that you will be drawn to th...

Episode 39. Spring and Growth.

March 26, 2021 12:00 - 17 minutes - 15.8 MB

In episode 39 of the nature therapy podcast, I share some thoughts and feelings around the mighty season of Spring, and I offer you a simple ecotherapy exercise to try inspired by the season. Despite our individual responses to seasons based upon our personal life stories, few can deny that there is something inherently uplifting and positive about more light, and more growth. In the spirit of the Spring arriving (even though the Scottish wind had me wearing two jackets whilst recording th...

Episode 38—The Buddhist Nun and the White Tiger

March 19, 2021 12:02 - 25 minutes - 23.6 MB

This week, I invite you to engage with a story in the way you would engage with a meditation. This is a story meditation—and the story is very close to my heart. It is a story that brings together nature, meditation, an ancient jungle and a modern spiritual teacher. Zen Master Jiyu Kennet founded the Order of Buddhist Contemplatives, and went through so many trials (many of which were a result of her simply being a woman) to bring Soto Zen Buddhism (Serene Reflection Meditation) to the Wes...

Episode 37—Out in the Darkness

March 12, 2021 06:00 - 14 minutes - 13.2 MB

In episode 37 of the nature therapy podcast I go outside at night and ponder on how some very basic, primal (or socially conditioned?) feelings arise when the Earth rotates away from sunlight each day. For this ecotherapy podcast, I went into my garden at night. I looked over the back wall at the fields and hills, and I listened to the owls (unfortunately you can’t hear them on the podcast….the modest things didn’t want to be recorded). I pondered on how safe I feel here, in my garden, com...

Episode 36—‘Animal Friend’ Meditation

March 05, 2021 06:01 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MB

In episode 36 of the nature therapy podcast I share a nature-based visualisation/meditation with you. Come and meet a special animal friend. To get the most our of this meditation, listen at a time when you will not be disturbed. Choose a place where you will be comfortable for around 20 minutes. It is one of my favourite meditations where I help you to get you in touch with an animal friend hiding in your subconscious. I hope you enjoy it!

Episode 35—Non-Identification

February 26, 2021 06:05 - 16 minutes - 15.2 MB

In episode 35 of the nature therapy podcast I talk about the non-identification of Earth’s life. We spend so much of our time giving nature labels and names to identify things, but what happens when we try the opposite? What happens when we try to calm our minds for a little while, and take a non-identification walk in nature? By this, I mean trying our best to see everything as an expression of life, rather than applying names and ‘facts’ to everything we see; ‘an oak tree’, ‘a sparrow’ e...

Episode 34—A Greek Myth for Spring

February 19, 2021 12:55 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MB

In episode 34 of the nature therapy podcast I tell one of my favourite Greek Myths. It’s a timely tale for this time of year when Winter is slowly starting to meet Spring. As regular listeners of this ecotherapy podcast will be aware of by now, I’m a big promoter of the power of mythology and tales for nature connection. However, I have to admit that for the majority of my life, I found Greek Myths dull and uninspiring. I’m not entirely sure why that was; perhaps it was a misconception that...

Episode 33—A Magnificent Tree

February 12, 2021 06:01 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MB

When was the last time you really spent quality time with a tree? That’s what this week’s ecotherapy podcast is about. Trees are such a curious and beautiful life form. The way they reach to the sky, travelling their own path, with their history clear for all to see. We have no idea what it’s like to be a tree, and we so often take for granted what a pleasure it is to simply spend time with these steady, rooted friends.

Episode 32: Special Places

February 05, 2021 05:01 - 15 minutes - 14.5 MB

In episode 32 of the nature therapy podcast I take a walk in one of my special outdoor places; a little wooded area on top of a small hill. We often have special places outdoors where we like to revisit. Whether this is when we walk our dog, take a shortcut on a way to work, or even if it is somewhere we barely visit but have fond memories of, the chances are that you have a place or two in mind as you read this. What makes natural spaces feel special to us?

Episode 32: The Nature Poetry of Mary Oliver

January 29, 2021 06:05 - 16.6 MB

In episode 31 of the nature therapy podcast I share the beautiful nature poetry of Mary Oliver. Inspired by her simple and unpretentious poetry, I invite you to sit back and enjoy as I tell four of her classic poems about nature and animals. Mary Oliver was an American nature poet who moved thousands. She was a master at sharing the wonder of life through beautiful and uncomplicated poetry. In this episode of the ecotherapy podcast, I tell some of my favourite poems of hers and invite you t...

Episode 31: The Nature Poetry of Mary Oliver

January 29, 2021 06:05 - 18 minutes - 16.6 MB

In episode 31 of the nature therapy podcast I share the beautiful nature poetry of Mary Oliver. Inspired by her simple and unpretentious poetry, I invite you to sit back and enjoy as I tell four of her classic poems about nature and animals. Mary Oliver was an American nature poet who moved thousands. She was a master at sharing the wonder of life through beautiful and uncomplicated poetry. In this episode of the ecotherapy podcast, I tell some of my favourite poems of hers and invite you t...

Episode 30: Streams and Memories

January 22, 2021 06:04 - 16 minutes - 15 MB

In episode 30 of the nature therapy podcast, I revisit the South Esk River in Scotland. I invite you to share the experience of this powerful sound with me and ask the question: what happens to your body and mind when you hear the sound of moving water?

Episode 29: Nature Memories

January 15, 2021 06:00 - 24 minutes - 22.3 MB

In episode 29 of the ecotherapy podcast, I invite you to reflect on your most powerful nature memories. What are your most positive memories from nature, either as a child or an adult? I share some of my own special moments and I invite reflection on your most precious memories of the beautiful outdoors.

Episode 28: Stillness, Zen and Nature

January 08, 2021 06:01 - 15 minutes - 13.8 MB

In episode 28 of the nature podcast, I introduce the simple practice of finding stillness within nature. I take some quiet time in my snowy garden to simply be with the sound of the winter birds. I also offer you some simple nature-based meditation techniques inspired by Zen Buddhism.

Episode 27: Moon Watching

January 01, 2021 04:58 - 11 minutes - 10.3 MB

In episode 27 of the ecotherapy podcast, I have a night-time ponder in my garden to contemplate the final full moon of 2020. I suggest some simple ways to connect with the Moon as one of nature’s most magnificent mysteries. The Moon has associations with the nighttime, and therefore, the time when we can’t see our surroundings, perhaps bringing a sense of danger. At the same time, it can provide the light in the darkness for us, potentially bringing safety. Gazing up at the glowing globe...

Episode 26: Christmas, Snow and Nature

December 25, 2020 05:00 - 23 minutes - 21.7 MB

Episode 26 of the Nature Therapy podcast falls on Christmas day 2020. So for all of you who ‘do’ Christmas….Happy Christmas! And for those of you who don’t (or who are listening retrospectively), tune in for some thoughts around seasons, festivities—and a little snow meditation! In episode 26 of the ecotherapy podcast, I share my thoughts around nature and the many ways in which it interacts with cultural festivals such as Christmas. No matter where you live, or which cultural festivals are...

Christmas, Snow and Nature

December 25, 2020 05:00 - 21.7 MB

Episode 26 of the Nature Therapy podcast falls on Christmas day 2020. So for all of you who ‘do’ Christmas….Happy Christmas! And for those of you who don’t (or who are listening retrospectively), tune in for some thoughts around seasons, festivities—and a little snow meditation! In episode 26 of the ecotherapy podcast, I share my thoughts around nature and the many ways in which it interacts with cultural festivals such as Christmas. No matter where you live, or which cultural festivals are...

Episode 25: Indoor Ecotherapy

December 18, 2020 05:00 - 21 minutes - 20 MB

In episode 25 of the ecotherapy podcast, I respond to a great question from Colin in Calgary, Canada. Colin emailed to ask what kind of indoor ecotherapy activities are suitable during the winter—when the far north is simply too cold to be venturing outdoors. For many of us, staying indoors for long periods of time is not a question of choice. Whether it is because of extreme weather conditions, disability or life circumstances, it’s sometimes just not possible to go outside to experience n...

Episode 24: Hills and Mountains

December 11, 2020 05:00 - 13 minutes - 12.8 MB

In episode 24 of the ecotherapy podcast, I reflect on the magic of hills and mountains. I discuss and introduce ways of getting to know your favourite hills or mountains a little better (without climbing them). Hills and mountains are dominant, unique formations that tower above the landscape. We are so often aware of their presence, but how often do we pay attention to their individual structures and quirks? In this week’s nature therapy radio show, I walk and reflect on my local hills—The...

Episode 23: Who lives with you?

December 04, 2020 07:30 - 17 minutes - 15.7 MB

In episode 23 of Nature Therapy Online, I take a walk around my house looking for signs of other life forms. What might I find here—and who, I ask, is living with you without you knowing about it?! In this week’s ecotherapy exercise, I decided to try an exercise that I am often inviting others to do, yet haven’t done in a focused way myself before. As I encounter signs and sounds of other life forms here within my home, it strikes me how much of my personal history is tied in with my respon...

Episode 22: Nature Conversations

November 27, 2020 02:30 - 20 minutes - 18.6 MB

In episode 22 of Nature Therapy Online, I take a sunny Autumn walk here in Midlothian, Scotland. I ponder on the topic of simple nature-based conversation. I ask: does simply talking about nature have therapeutic effects? Something has been occurring to me more and more this year about ecotherapy. I’ve noticed that when people talk about nature they feel good, and their mood seems to improve. I’ve learned this from working both online and with people in-person. Isn’t that interesting?

Episode 21: A Japanese Cat Story

November 20, 2020 02:31 - 20 minutes - 18.7 MB

In Episode 21 of Nature Therapy Online, I tell a classic nature story from Japan. This story is part myth, part meditation, and it explores themes around pet-friendship and nature-connection. I have deliberately not given a clear title to this story, as I would like to keep an element of surprise as to where the story goes. I hope you find it inspiring, relaxing and enchanting.

Episode 20: Cycles of Life and Death

November 13, 2020 02:28 - 21 minutes - 19.3 MB

In Episode 20 of the Nature Therapy Online podcast, I take a walk in a local graveyard and woodlands here in Midlothian, Scotland. I talk about the joy that can be found in noticing and accepting Nature’s natural cycles of life and death. In this week’s ecotherapy radio show, I take on a big topic: death. This theme was suggested to me by Deirdre in Long Island, New York, and I thought it was a great idea for a show. Thanks Deirdre. It’s not an easy topic for any of us. There remains such ...

Episode 19: The Element of Air

November 06, 2020 02:30 - 13 minutes - 13.3 MB

In this episode of the ecotherapy radio show, I slow down a little and talk about the air we breathe. How often do you think about the air around you? How often do you stop to consider how the wind feels blowing against your ear, how reliable it is for a flying animal, and how is keeps us alive every second that we breathe? If you’re anything like me, you probably take it for granted every day. In this episode, as an ecotherapy exercise I invite you to spend a little time giving air all of ...

Episode 18: A Trip to the Water

October 30, 2020 02:29 - 13 minutes - 11.9 MB

In Episode 18 of Nature Therapy Online, I take a trip to a wild running river near my home in Midlothian. I reflect on the effect that water has on our emotions and wellbeing. Human beings feel good when we are near water. It is in our programming. It’s where we come from. Deliberately spending time near open water (be it a river, ocean, or even a small stream or pond) improves our happiness and wellbeing, and that is what this week’s episode is all about!

Episode 17: Alasdair Taylor Interview

October 23, 2020 01:30 - 39 minutes - 36.3 MB

On this week’s ecotherapy podcast I interview the inspiring founder of PRANA Ecotherapy—Alasdair Taylor, from Sydney, Australia. Alasdair tells us about his past work in Scotland and current work in Sydney. He touches on important themes around ecology and what we can learn from indigenous cultures from across the world. We also touch upon themes of creativity, culture, history and health; all shared lovingly with Alasdair’s friendly, approachable and down-to-earth attitude. Alasdair is a ...

Episode 16: Rocks, Crystals, and Solidity

October 16, 2020 01:30 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MB

In episode 16 of the ecotherapy podcast, I talk about about rocks and crystals whilst standing under an umbrella in my rainy garden. As I watch the sheep and listen to the sound of crows and raindrops, I ponder on the power and beauty of rocks and crystals. Finding, pondering on, and meditating with rocks is a powerful act. Focusing on such solid, strong earth-y matter can really ground us back into the world around us, and help us to settle our busy minds. Tune in to find out more.

Episode 15: The Story of Fox and Dog

October 09, 2020 01:30 - 20 minutes - 18.6 MB

In episode 15 of the Nature Therapy Online podcast, I share a nature story/tale with you. Fox and Dog is a story that was originally told by the Scottish travelling community. Just a few days ago, I recently told my first ever public story at an event for the wonderful Scottish Storytelling Centre. I told this story which I am sharing with you today; the story of Fox and Dog. This simple and gorgeous tale captures the struggle between the need for wildness and freedom, and the comforts of d...

Episode 14: Encounters in Nature

October 04, 2020 01:30 - 21 minutes - 19.7 MB

In this episode we go for a Scottish ecotherapy walk. We explore how we can use mindfulness to truly have fresh encounters with nature. Those of you interested in forest bathing (otherwise known as shinrin-yoku), may be particularly interested in this episode. Today we go for a walk together in the South Esk Valley in Midlothian, Scotland. It’s a very green Scottish ecotherapy experience—I instantly started getting attacked by falling Autumnal pine cones! I encounter the calming sound of th...

Episode 13: Andy McGeeney Interview

September 27, 2020 01:29 - 39 minutes - 36.3 MB

In this week’s podcast, I interview the inspiring ecotherapy author Andy McGeeney about his life with nature. Andy McGeeney has been promoting nature as therapy for years, from back when few people in the mental health world were willing to consider the benefits of nature as therapy. In this week’s ecotherapy podcast, Andy shares the story of his unique journey with mental health and nature, as well as sharing some beautiful nature therapy exercises that you can try for yourself at home. I...

Episode 12: The Sound of Birds

September 20, 2020 01:30 - 18 minutes - 16.5 MB

In episode 12 of the Nature Therapy Online podcast, we talk about how powerful the sound of birds can be. The idea for this episode was sent to me by Deirdre from Long Island, USA, and I thought it was a wonderful idea for an episode! Today I start by talking a little about birds, and reflecting on the potential therapeutic effects of the sounds they make, whether singing, cooing, tooting or crawing! We listen to various different birds whilst I offer you gentle invitations to reflect on the...

Episode 11: Stephanie Whitelaw Interview

September 13, 2020 01:30 - 35 minutes - 32.3 MB

In episode 11 of Nature Therapy Online, I interview the wonderful ecotherapist Stephanie Whitelaw about her work with art and nature. In this week’s episode, I have a treat for your ears! Stephanie Whitelaw is an artist and ecotherapist who lives and works in Edinburgh, Scotland. She is involved with a series of fascinating projects which weave together art, therapy and nature in some very interesting and beautiful ways. Stephanie is a good friend of mine. We trained as ecotherapists toget...

Episode 10: Nature Myths from Childhood

September 06, 2020 01:30 - 17 minutes - 16.1 MB

In Episode 10 (Season 1) of the nature therapy online podcast, I talk about nature myths and tales from childhood. Nature therapy/ecotherapy is not just about applying mindfulness techniques to experience the beauty of nature. As humans, stories and myths are such a big part of how we see and experience our world. It’s probably one of the most defining things about our species (for better or worse!). Does the landscape that we inhabit inspire our local stories, or do our local stories sh...

Episode 9: Overcoming Stereotypes in Nature

August 30, 2020 01:30 - 17 minutes - 16.3 MB

In episode 9 of Nature Therapy Online, I talk about cliches and stereotypes within nature. I recently got back from a trip to the Isle of Barra in the Western Isles of Scotland. What a beautiful place! Despite living in Scotland for over a decade, I have never seen the Western Isles before. It was like visiting a big floating rock of paradise. It got me thinking about stereotypes in nature, and how we view certain landscapes in a certain way. That's what this episode is all about!

Episode 8—Beach Visualisation Meditation

August 23, 2020 11:03 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MB

Visualisation nature-based meditations are a part of my approach to nature therapy/eco therapy. Whilst the aim of eco-therapy is always to connect deeply with outdoor life and the nature that is around us, I believe that using our imaginations to visualise natural settings where we feel safe and at peace help us to foster a deeper connection to nature. When we visualise, we plant seeds that help us to connect with nature when we step outside of our front doors for other ecotherapy exercises.

Episode 7—Nature, Photography and Impermanence

August 16, 2020 07:00 - 11 minutes - 10.5 MB

Nature is showing us every day how the world never stays the same. In every second, the nature around you has shifted. One moment, there’s a wind. The next, a small bird flies by. The next moment, a leaf falls from a tree. Next, it’s raining, or the clouds clear to let in the sun’s light. All of this—and so much more—can happen in the space of just a few moments in one single place where you stand. How much of this do we really pay attention to though?

Episode 6 - The Nature Twin (A Scottish Mythology Story)

August 09, 2020 13:21 - 20 minutes - 18.6 MB

In episode 6 of Nature Therapy Online, I discuss how nature, stories and our imaginations are deeply intertwined. I invite you to create your own simple, nature-inspired stories whilst you walk, simply for the joy of using your imagination. I share a nature story of my own, The Nature Twin, which is both dark and light. I hope inspires your imagination when out experiencing nature.

Nature Therapy Online (Ecotherapy Podcast)

Episodes