Loneliness and isolation affect many of us at some point in life, but there are places that provide comfort and connection. Hawkwood Centre for Future Thinking aims to be one of those places—an oasis of well-being and nature.
Nature is known to soothe troubled spirits, as Wordsworth described in his wandering "lonely as a cloud." Here, away from the noise of urban life, our heart rates slow, and the beautiful views of trees, gardens, and landscapes uplift us in gentle ways.
It's not just the sights and sounds that bring calm. The air is remarkably fresh, with prevailing southwesterly winds, and the rustling leaves shelter a variety of creatures. Birdsong fills the air, even the hoot of owls at night. The distant traffic sounds like a soft memory or ocean waves.
"Hawkwood is like a sustainable eco-system," says Katie Lloyd-Nunn, programme manager and garden volunteer coordinator. "Working together outdoors every Friday benefits everyone. Our volunteer team includes those with special educational needs, people in life transitions, those in recovery, and local friends who want to help. I experienced mental health support myself one day when I felt unusually low. During a tea break with the group, we began laughing together, and it was truly therapeutic."
Silence, rest, and renewal are key themes in the Inner Life autumn-to-winter retreats. "Deep winter is a time for slowing down, becoming still, and moving toward contemplation," says Mel Skinner, who leads the Rest and Restore retreat in early January 2020. "The goal of this retreat is to let yourself move at your own pace. You may be surprised by how tired you really are!"
Working with the hands, through crafts or painting, can also aid those experiencing anxiety, depression, or chronic pain. It can improve hand-eye coordination, ease stress, increase happiness, and protect the brain from aging. Hawkwood offers a range of arts and crafts courses, from one-day tasters to immersive retreats in icon painting or life drawing.
More information
For more information about Hawkwood's programmes, click here. Additional information can be found on Hawkwood's YouTube channel and at our future-thinking events.
© Image by Henry Kenyon, Seed Festival 2019