Not only is water essential for survival, but it has the added bonus of being considered cleansing, healing and redeeming! Turn on the tap, visit Lourdes or simply immerse yourself in baptismal waters, and the results can be potentially life changing!
Unsurprisingly, scientific research over the past decade has been praising the restorative properties of water for the body and mind. Proximity to water is attractive; whether it be a fountain, a stream, a pond or an opportune muddy puddle, we all have an innate desire to wade, splash, dip our toes in the cooling ebb and flow of a current, or simply run our fingers under cascading rivulets! Water is hard wired into our DNA, and we seek it out to connect with its life and energy. Our ancestors prioritised water for settlement; ironically, locating water for survival doesn’t feature amongst first world priorities ... yet! We are still fortunate enough to enjoy the luxury of this precious resource for a myriad of recreational purposes.
Coastal activities in particular, are associated with many benefits including physical and mental well-being. A visit to the beach can be tremendously cathartic and therapeutic; we look upon an endless vista of water, consciously exhale and subconsciously let go. Proximity to ‘Green Spaces’ is no less beneficial, but it would seem that ‘Blue Spaces’ are eclipsing other outdoor environments because of the psychologically restorative effect that water embodies.
Whilst Instagram travel may tempt us into believing that exotic turquoise locations are the only remedy for ‘winter blues’, the truth is you don’t have to venture very far to enjoy the mood enhancing benefits that can be gained from our own varied coastline. Our autumn beach school visits have been tremendously diverse and uplifting. We have witnessed murmurations of dunlins, hypnotic formations of countless migrating geese, and the ‘kleep kleep’ call of oystercatchers under skies stirred by artists. We have basked in brilliant sunshine, felt the advance of autumn breezes and braved sudden squalls. We have searched for hidden treasures, marvelled at surprise discoveries, and dipped our buckets in advancing tides. We have imagined and collaborated, but most of all, we have experienced tremendous satisfaction by simply being, and getting lost in memorable moments.
Outdoor education switches on the senses and awakens our innate desire to return to a simpler authenticity. By removing the clutter of modern distraction and embracing a ‘less is more’ approach, true freedom is experienced, and it is in this moment that we find real beauty and peace.
Miss Iona Carmody
Head of Lower School