Welcome to Joy in Nature!

At Joy in Nature, we are committed to honouring , developing and deepening the connection that we, as human beings, have with the natural world around us.

Join us as we explore and appreciate the wonder of nature and our integrated  place within it.  At the core of this exploration lies a truth universally acknowledged that  nature is multi-faceted: it is serene, tranquil, dynamic, nourishing, rebellious and ever-changing all at once. It is this spirit that we, at Joy in Nature work together with and develop as we open ourselves to the peace, dynamism and wisdom that nature permeates within us, around us and beside us. 

Read more about us and if you think you would be interested to join us for the activities we offer, we would love to hear from you. 

 

Our Philosophy

At Joy in Nature, we are committed to providing the experience of forest bathing that is centred around being present in ourselves and in our surroundings; connecting with the wider world and becoming mindful co-collaborators with nature. Being present in nature, often allows us to discover our sentient joy, an understanding of our place in the universe and develop a sense of serenity, joy and connection. 

Why

There are times in life when it is easy to forget that we are infinitely and divinely connected with nature. It is easy for us to forget that we, as human beings are from the forest, we are from nature itself. Truly, we are an integrated part of  nature. It is easy for us all to be consumed by our everyday lives - the responsibilities, the commitments, the routines-, our hopes for the future and the worries we carry with us. Often, it is interesting to consider and ponder how nature moves and transgresses.  Nothing remains static or unchanging.

How often I wonder does a new acorn growing  for the first time, know how to become an oak tree, a giant in the forest? It just does. It has an innate understanding and knowledge that it will grow and it will take its rightful place in the forest landscape.  At Joy in Nature, we are committed to being in nature and to surrendering ourselves to the natural rhythms that run through nature's and our veins. 

How

Nature shows us that there is always change: hand in hand together with time, it moves on regardless.  Nature is both serene and rebellious; dynamic and quiet; sublime and humble. When we spend time with nature, often close up, we can often understand this better.  

At Joy in Nature, we offer opportunities that allow us to embrace this philosophy, this mindfulness and this interconnectedness with nature. 

Explore our website and get in touch if you would like to join us for any of the activities that we offer. 

 

 

Activities we offer

Shinrin Yoku 

What is Forest Bathing?

Shinrin Yoku is a Japanese term which literally translates as being "a forest shower" or "a forest bath." In essence,  it encapsulates the idea of being immersed in the forest, in, within  and beside nature. Shinrin Yoku is profound in the spirit whereby we are encouraged and able to be ourselves in  the natural space of the woods, and of the forest.

A little history about it...

The first recorded Forest Bathe was in Japan in 1982. It originated as part of a government initiative to promote wellbeing among people who were working increasingly long hours during the seismic technological advances that Japan was leading on the world stage. 

What do we offer?

At Joy in Nature, we offer Forest Bathing as a small group activity in a natural areas of the woods, forest or open woodland space. These forest bathing sessions are two hours in length and  usually take place on the weekend.

 

Mindful Walks

Nature sees us as equals

In nature, we are all equal. This equality of place, space and experience is invigorating. Nature has an enormous capacity to hold us and to hold the experiences we create together with her. 

Being mindful

By fostering a sense of mindfulness in nature, we can begin to observe the profound serenity around us. Nature often is quietly changing before us and the each season has its own crooked beauty. A beauty that is neither aesthetically  perfect or perfectly aesthetic. But is, instead, beautiful in its imperfection, in its fallibility and in its crookedness.  Connecting with nature in this way encourages us to be more accepting of ourselves  and thereby perhaps, our own crooked beauties. 

What do we offer?

At Joy in Nature, we offer Mindful Walks as a small group activity in natural areas including parks and gardens.

 

 

Connecting with Water

Water as an element

As one of the four elements, water has the power to purify, change, refresh and deepen its own essence. The water cycle itself means that the bodies of water are always connected: a raindrop will eventually fall, it will then, without doubt evaporate and then will certainly condense to become water again. Water is incredibly agile and dynamic, always finding a way through.

Elemental power

Water has the capacity to beguile and fascinate us with its seeming fluidity, its practicality, seeming mundanity yet its enormous power. With water,  we can better connect and embrace the ever-changing landscape in nature and perhaps also in aspects within our own lives. 

What do we offer?

At Joy in Nature, we offer walks which are centred around connecting with water  as an element for change.  The walks do not require you to swim or paddle unless you wish to.  Warm clothes and a change of socks are recommended in the colder months. 

About Nikki 

About Nikki...

From a young age, Nikki has always loved being out in nature. Finding it an adventurous, curious and fun place to spend time, Nikki has enjoyed travelling to different natural places in the world. Of Northern European heritage, travelling has always come naturally to Nikki: from the sublime Siwa desert in Egypt to the invigorating  waters of the Outer Hebrides, from the lilac Kansai mountains in Japan to the rolling hills of the North Downs, Nikki embraces and connects with the awesome crooked beauty that nature offers in abundance.

Forest Bathing Guide

Nikki has recently trained as a Forest Bathing Guide with Nature and Therapy, an organisation deeply committed to the practice of Forest Bathing and Ecotherapy.  Nikki also leads Forest Bathing workshops at local festivals. 

As a Joy in Nature Guide, Nikki is looking forward to facilitate the activities we offer. Please get in touch to find out more details about the walks, locations and times. 

 

Discovering Crooked Beauty

In a world where our visual senses are so highly developed and often, centre stage, nature helps us to reawaken our other senses and to get in touch with our experience of the world in an excited, curious and adventurous way.  Nature is profoundly efficient - perfect in its imperfections and crooked beauties. 

Embrace the Beauty Around You

Explore the beauty of Surrey's landscapes and connect with the power of nature through our guided walks. Discover the joy of the natural world with Joy in Nature.

"Joy in Nature provided an incredible experience. The walk was beautifully curated, and I felt a deep connection with nature and the group. Highly recommended!"

"I absolutely loved the mindful walking session. It was a perfect way to de-stress and connect with the present moment.

Nikki is a fantastic guide!"

"It was my first time Forest Bathing and I really enjoyed it. It was an immersive experience and I felt that I recaptured my childlike wonder of nature.  I loved the experience and I can't wait for the next one!"

Get in touch with us at Joy In Nature

Location

Tandridge ,Surrey, United Kingdom