"In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks" ~ John Miur

There is nothing quite like the sense of tranquil awareness that a walk with nature gives us. Although you may already know how important waking is to your health, growing research shows that natural surrounds can enhance these health benefits even more. Spend just 10-15 minutes in a natural space is one of the most effective ways to improve your mood, focus and physiological markers like blood pressure and heart rate. So, as often as you are able to, we encourage you to take a walk and reconnect with nature, your mind, body and soul.

"Only in the firelight can the soul truly be revealed"

The flickering light, crackling sounds, a distinctive smell, warmth, storytelling, s'mores.... there are so many reasons to love a campfire. And perhaps a fair amount of this enjoyment stems from a deep place within us, dating back to prehistoric times when men and women would gather around a fire to feel safe and warm. When winter encroaches at Londolozi, one of our favourite ways to reconnect with nature and each other during the cooler evenings is by gathering around the fire in the boma.

"I go to nature to be soothed and healed and to have my senses put in order." ~ John Burroughs

If you've ever spent time relaxing on a beach or fishing off a boat, you'll no doubt be familiar with the powerful calming effects of water. Hearing the sound of water induces a flood of neurochemicals in our brain. These changes in our brain waves lead us into a meditative state where stress levels lower, sleeping patterns improve and anxiety can lesson. Oh, the wonders of Mother Nature! One of the best spots to reconnect with nature at Londolozi is on any of the five main decks - with the healing power of the Sand River tumbling below. We encourage you to find a source of water you can relax next to - whether it's crashing waves on a shore, a water feature in your garden or a stream in a park.

Reconnect with nature by upping your recycling game. Effective recycling is incredibly impactful, but today we're specifically focusing on how it can aid in protecting our ecosystems and wildlife. Recycling reduces the need to grow, harvest pr withdraw new raw materials form the Earth. That in turn lessens the harmful impact on the natural world: fewer forests cut down, rivers diverted, wild animals harmed or displaced and less pollution of water, soil and air. So, today we encourage you to reconnect with nature through recycling.

"It is almost impossible to watch a sunset and not dream" ~ Bernard Williams

If you're looking for a reason to stop what you're doing and make time to watch the sunrise or set, here are three:

1. It will fill you with a sense of gratitude for this Earth
2. It gives you a reason to go outside and feel refreshed and centred
3. The mystical colours of the sky are bound to inspire you

The sunrise will bring you hope and the sunset will bring you peace, so find a few minutes to reconnect with nature and infuse your day with wonder.

Spending time in nature is linked to a greater sense of contentment, muck like meditation. So why not combine the two? When we sit on the ground during meditation in nature, our body's rhythms synchronise with the Earth's vibrations. Our senses are awakened; skin receptors become more sensitive and hearing is sharpened. The intricacies of the natural world call for soft attention. This allows us to disengage from overwhelming thoughts and distractions. Few of us are lucky enough to live in close proximity to magical wilderness areas. If you're in the city, it may be a lot harder to find a natural space to immerse yourself into. But you don't need much. All you need is a patch of grass, and perhaps a tree to sit under. Reconnect with nature, and experience how the Earth can change your practice.

Move very slowly, touching the trees, looking at colours and patterns and breathing deeply. Notice the dappled shades of light, it's almost as though the Londolozi atmosphere becomes tangible as we take it all in with intention. Gentle and quiet animals often join us: butterflies, grasshoppers, a dung beetle, and perhaps a hornbill. Then there are the ancient trees: 300-year-old Jackalberrys, Leadwoods and Fig trees and you find yourself wondering, "What have they seen? What do they know?". For a full guide on how to Forest Bath click here.

There are countless apps filled with calming sounds of the wilderness - a gentle breeze blowing through grass, the pitter-patter of raindrops, birds singing in the treetops. Researches have discovered that nature sounds lead to an outward-focused attention, as opposed to an inward-focused attention.  That feeling when you can't seem to quieten your mind? That's an inward-focused attention, and it's associated with anxiety, stress and depression - all of which can prohibit sleep. Listening to the sounds of the wilderness to help you sleep is one way to reconnect with nature if you're living in an environment with man-made noises.

"It's hard not to stand in awe and enchantment with the beauty in which nature expresses herself" ~ Steve Maraboli

We often overlook the natural world while we get swept up in the whirlwind of everyday life. One of the simplest ways to reconnect with nature, is to notice it. Notice the trees and how they blog in the wind, or how the sun-rays filter through the leaves. Notice the flowers and the butterflies that gently perch on their petals. Here at Londolozi, a firm favourite way to reconnect with nature is by taking photographs.

Journaling is an effective tool to connect to your thoughts, emotions and ideas. But these notebooks aren't just for philosophers amongst us. Historically, explorers and scientists have used notebooks to record their observations by taking notes, asking questions and gaining additional information. So, what happens when you combine the two ideas? Nature Journaling! Whether it's a detailed description of a plant or animals species you've never really noticed before. Or perhaps you'd like to write about the sights, smells and sounds you experience while on a hike, or simply in your backyard. There are no rules to journaling, you can be as detailed and as creative as you like. The bigger goal is that you are able to gain a better handle on your observation skills and connect to the natural world around you.

"The soul of the land can be best be felt through the soles of your feet"

Londolozi Sound master and Alternative Healer, BeJay Watson explains "Trees are the greatest teachers when it comes to grounding. They keep you earthed and connected to nature by allowing you to become deeply rooted".  Click here for tips on how to re-earth yourself.