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Some ideas for improving access to nature connection if you or someone you are close to has an illness or disability, meaning they find it difficult to be outdoors.  Studies over the last few years have consistently demonstrated that being in nature is beneficial for both our physical and emotional health. From my own observations, I would also add that for many people connecting with the other living parts of Earth also brings increased levels of wellbeing to both the spiritual and social aspects of our lives too. In my work as a palliative care nurse and as an unpaid Carer of several family members I have witnessed many instances where being able to be creative about how to connect with nature can positively influence the quality of life for people who are too unwell or disabled spend time outside on a regular basis. Over the past year I have become very unwell and currently spend most of my time in bed. This has given me a great opportunity to reflect further about how poorly and disabled people who for whatever reasons find being outside challenging, can benefit from nature connection.  These are some of the ideas I have collated. Most of which I use in my own life too.
Being aware of any sadness, grief or loss you feel about not being able to connect with nature outdoors. Even just reading this short article may generate difficult emotions. And that’s ok. I’ve found that talking it through with someone close to you or writing, drawing or any other creative expression can really help, as do other ideas mentioned here. As well as hopefully providing some useful ideas relating to nature connection and immersion, an additional function of this article is to inspire further discussion about the urgent need for permaculture practitioners to address issues of privilege in accessing permaculture. Resources There are a huge diverse number of resources relating to the ideas I have written about in this article. If you need some extra inspiration or a starting point. Here are some of my current favourites. Dave Jackson Aromatherapist Writing by Flo Scott – Flo has written a number of articles in Permaculture Magazine and also has her own blog at http://permaculturedesigner.co.uk – In particular check out Flo’s most recent post “Top 5 things to do in an Indoor Garden” BBC Radio programmes – all of the following are available as podcasts (or on iplayer for those in the UK) Gardeners Question Time Open Country Tweet Of the Week Ramblings Alice Fowler’s regular column in The Guardian newspaper Plus books and YouTube films by Alys Permaculture Magazine – available via paper or digital subscription plus lots of free content Lots of fantastic books at Permaculture Market One of my current favourite books from Green Shopping, including many, many gorgeous photos, is No Dig Organic Home and Garden by Charles Dowding and Stephanie Hafferty ‘She Explores’ podcast Facebook Group - I have recently created a Facebook Group ”Permaculture, Chronic illness and Disability” for anyone with an interest in the topic to join. There is already a very friendly and solutions focused culture emerging there, so please come along and join in if you are interested.
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 Welcome to the first post in my new Blog, launched at the Pagan New Year, Samhain 2018. Here I will be writing regular short posts about how permaculture design can be applied to our everyday lives with the aim of healing and regenerating ourselves, communities and the planet. I'll be mainly focusing on my particular permaculture design interests in the image above, alongside reviews of permaculture resources, (books, websites, blogs, podcasts, social media, courses, events, permaculture demonstration sites...and more). I'll be sharing my blog posts on my own social media spaces, as well as in relevant permaculture Facebook Groups. To find me on social media or to contact me by email just click on the icons below. You can also email me via my Contact Me page
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