Introduction

At Home with Nature

‘Nature is not somewhere to visit, it is home.’

Gary Snyder,Practice of the Wild

Nature is an essential component in all our lives. It is the basis on which civilisation is founded, yet sometimes we can forget this essential connection. Recognising and honouring our interdependence with nature is key to re-establishing a meaningful relationship with ourselves and with our environment. Direct interaction with nature can also be a grounding force amid the ups and downs of our daily lives – it brings us down to earth and reminds us that we are a part of the natural world. The vibrant green scent of aromatic herbs; the brilliant radiance of a vase of fresh flowers; the grainy textural feel of wood; the enveloping warmth from the flickering flames of an open fire – all these sensory experiences raise simple but primeval emotional responses within us, which are comforting, nourishing and reassuring. By surrounding ourselves with elements from nature in our homes, we are simultaneously elevating our senses and soothing our souls at a primal level. Bringing plants and greenery indoors is one of the most effective ways to create a healing environment – a well-being sanctuary in which to regenerate and recharge from the overload of our modern lives.

Scientific studies are increasingly demonstrating that contact with nature is inherently therapeutic, whether this is by walking in a forest or park, or simply by seeing a garden or some greenery through a window. If we live in an urban environment this is not always so apparent, but even the most basic relationship with the natural world, such as caring for a house plant, can have a profound impact on our sense of well-being and help lift our spirits. Plants play an indispensable role in our lives because without them we would not even have oxygen to breathe. In fact, plants and humans live in a natural synergy – we breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide while plants breathe in carbon dioxide and breathe out oxygen. Some house plants can even help to purify the air within our homes, reduce toxins, remove airborne mould or damp and improve sleep quality.

Throughout these pages, we will explore lots of ways through which we can create a healing sanctuary by inviting nature into our homes. This means incorporating design features that blur the division between the inside and outside, so we enjoy living in a green haven – a place in which to retreat from the world, providing refuge and protection. By embracing nature in all its aspects, our home can become a source of well-being where we feel nourished and uplifted, a sacred space that nurtures our entire being. In symbolic language, our home represents our inner psyche, so it is important that we feel comfortable and at ease within our dwelling and that we take care of it.

When we combine the benefits of natural aromatics with the power of ritual, we can effectively purify and sanctify a space, on both an outer and an inner level. Fragrant plants and incense have been used for thousands of years to elevate our consciousness and make a direct connection with the divine. Recipes created in a modern stillroom provide multiple natural ways to cleanse, enhance and look after our homes us