A little bit about how Tangled With Nature began
My life is a quirky mix of highs, lows and many in-betweens, of unexpected challenges and amazing surprises, of that tricky work / life balance thing and those annoying self-doubts and insecurities. I’m kind of introverted and a little bit kooky. I have a fierce mama bear protectiveness of my son and a determination like no other to help him create the life he deserves. All mums will understand this, but perhaps especially those, like me, who have kids with additional needs who have maybe had to fight that little bit harder, and at times a fair bit louder for their little bears!
With my twig filled curly hair, my battered purple DMs and a tendency to get more covered in dirt, paint or food than most toddlers, the uplifting and healing spirit of nature - the woods, trees and plants that surround us - provides me with a smile when I am feeling down, some space when feeling trapped and a sense of calm and happiness.
I think everyone should be able to feel comfortable in their skin, have space to develop and grow at their own pace and have tools to work through the trickier times in life. Harnessing the power of nature can bring so many benefits to us all and working with this as well as my own experiences and skills I want to help people learn, develop, heal and grow.
When I decided to train as an aromatherapist nearly 30 years ago I felt like I had fell upon something I was destined to do. However nervous I was on joining that first class (I am still the same on every course or event I attend now!) all those years ago I don’t think one day has gone by when I haven’t used essential oils in some way – whether for myself or those around me. It may seem cringey but it’s like it’s just in my blood.
When I signed up to my Forest School Leader course I had no idea I would get the same feeling again and how much it would impact on my life. The feeling I got during my first practical skills week was nothing short of miraculous. I felt so at home in the woods. Although I love wandering around a woodland, garden or open space the feeling I got spending the week learning new skills, building my knowledge, taking part in activities and getting to know the group of women on the course with me was a mixture of inspiration, calmness and excitement. I never imagined that learning to light campfires, building dens, creating leaf mandalas and making mud faces would fill me with such joy and a sense of satisfaction.
And I want everyone who comes to Tangled With Nature, no matter what their age, to feel that, in their own way. To feel the connection with the world around us. To feel lost in a woodland craft, to without knowing you are doing it practise simple mindfulness, to slowly build up your confidence, to try things you never thought you’d try or that you were nervous to try, to physically challenge your body, to let those worries that eat away at you leave your head, even if only for a moment, to just be yourself.
The first tiny spark towards what is now Tangled With Nature probably started many, many years ago when my Grandma first introduced me to my first Body Shop product in the late 1970s. From that moment my interest in all things cruelty free and natural began. Bringing together my own life experiences along with my natural therapy and forest school skills and experience has created the unique business that is Tangled With Nature.
Spending time outside brings so many benefits, more than we may ever know. Whether it is learning outside, doing a bit of gardening, climbing a tree, reading a book, forest bathing, toasting a marshmallow, swinging in a hammock, going for a walk (or a run if you are that way inclined), wandering through a meadow, having a picnic or star gazing with a hot chocolate, more often than not, time outdoors surrounded by our amazing natural world gives us a mental, physical and emotional boost.
Tangled With Nature is forever evolving and growing and I’ll be giving regular blog updates on how our story is developing.
I hope you’re able to join us in our woodland soon x