Wordsworth on daffodils

Wordsworth and nature

William Wordsworth wrote the poem, ‘I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud.’

It wonderfully captures how nature can have a positive impact on our well-being. Personally, it inspires me to head outdoors, no matter what my mood or what the weather’s like.

If you’re curious, you can find Wordsworth’s Daffodils poem further down this blog. Maybe it will inspire you to make time to connect with the beauty of nature too.

Durham and the outdoors

I live and operate my private therapy practice in the city of Durham. I consider myself fortunate to be surrounded by this scenic city and the surrounding tranquil countryside. The river allows me to immerse myself in the serenity of being by the water. Walking in the woods provides me with a sense of renewal. Standing at the top of one of Durham’s many hills offers views and a feeling of awe.

What elements of nature bring you a sense of calm, connection, energy, inspiration and groundedness?

If you're fortunate to have easy access to the countryside, the coast or forests, that's fantastic. However, if nature's embrace is not readily available, there are still alternative ways to foster a connection. Even in bustling cities, I find joy in spotting subtle signs of nature – from grass between paving stones to birds in the sky or moss on a wall.

I recognise that getting outdoors may not be easy for everyone, so I've also included some suggestions for connecting with nature from your indoor spaces.

Finding nature in a large city

Even in the built-up landscape of large cities, the natural world reveals itself in subtle ways. It requires a conscious effort and a bit of practice to notice aspects of nature in an urban environment. However, this increased focus can become a Mindful activity.

In an urban setting, you might discover nature in unexpected places, such as:

• A floral display in a shop window;

• Grass resiliently growing between cracks in the paving stones;

• Green spaces like parks and grass verges;

• Grass verges;

• The busy life of insects;

• Birds flying or sitting in unexpected nooks;

• Tubs of blooming flowers;

• Trees or plants on roundabouts.

Set yourself a challenge when you next walk around a city to find as many different forms of nature as possible.

Next time you stroll through a city, consider setting yourself a challenge to find as many different types of nature as possible. If you have a regular city route, notice how the scenery changes between seasons.

Photography can be a wonderful way to spot and appreciate nature in a build-up area. Having the intention of capturing the essence of nature may help you notice less obvious plants, insects, or animals. You might be surprised by some of the intriguing images that emerge, showcasing the contrast between the natural and man-made world.s

What if I cannot get outdoors?

If getting outdoors isn’t feasible due to factors like disability, illness, mental health issues, or unpleasant weather, there are still fantastic indoor activities linked to improved well-being. Some examples of these include

• Nurturing indoor plants - Cultivating a connection with nature by caring for plants;

• Watching nature programs - Explore the wonders of the natural world through documentaries and travel or nature programs;

• Sit by a window - Find a comfortable spot and try the following mindfulness exercise:

  • Take a few deep breaths;

  • Notice the colours and textures around you;

  • Notice if things are moving in a breeze or are still;

  • Look for any animals, birds, or insects;

  • Listen to the sounds (consider opening the window);

  • Feel the warmth of the sun or the cool air.

• Grow herbs - create an indoor herb garden;

• Press flowers - Preserve the beauty of flowers by pressing them;

• Listening to recorded sounds of nature - Immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of nature, whether its ocean waves, birdsong, or the patter of falling rain;

• Get creative - draw, paint, or make a collage using natural themes.

I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud - William Wordsworth

“I wandered lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,

When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host, of golden daffodils;

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,

Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine

And twinkle on the milky way,

They stretched in never-ending line

Along the margin of a bay:

Ten thousand saw I at a glance,

Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced; but they

Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:

A poet could not but be gay,

In such a jocund company:

I gazed—and gazed—but little thought

What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie

In vacant or in pensive mood,

They flash upon that inward eye

Which is the bliss of solitude;

And then my heart with pleasure fills,

And dances with the daffodils.”

Nature eases difficult emotions

In the lines of his poem, Wordsworth captures the transformative power of nature. He depicts a scene where loneliness is shattered by a breathtaking display of daffodils. This encounter with nature had a lasting impact on Wordsworth, with the mere memory of it filling him with joy. Have you had a similar experience with a memory of being in nature?

Spending time connecting with nature has been linked with:

• Lowering stress levels;

• Releasing physical tension;

• Improving mood and energy levels;

• Better sleep quality and duration;

• Feeling calmer and relaxed;

• Feeling more connected and less lonely;

• Reducing symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder.

About I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud

Let’s dive into a brief history of ‘I wandered lonely as a cloud.’ This timeless poem was first published in 1807 in the collection ‘Poems, in Two Volumes.’ Regarded as one of Wordsworth’s most beloved poems, it has continued to captivate readers throughout the years.

The inspiration for this poetic masterpiece traces back to a walk Wordsworth took with his sister, Dorothy, in the scenic landscapes of Cumbria. Their path led them to the shores of Ullswater, where they encountered breathtaking rows of daffodils. There was a gentle wind that caused the daffodils to sway as if engaged in a graceful dance. Dorothy wrote about this magical moment in her diary. This provided Wordsworth with the inspiration that resulted in the creation of 'I Wandered Loney as a Cloud.'

Summary

Connecting with nature offers us multiple benefits. Some of these are beautifully described by Wordsworth, in his poem ‘I wandered lonely as a cloud.’ This literary gem serves as a compelling inspiration to step outdoors and immerse ourselves in the natural world.

Even in a city, you can discover elements of nature. It often takes a conscious effort to notice the subtler presence of nature in urban areas. Look out for things such as moss growing on walls, grass growing between paving slabs or flower displays in shop windows.

Barriers such as disability, anxiety, or low mood may sometimes hinder outdoor exploration. However, there are still avenues to connect with nature indoors. Activities such as sitting by a window, nurturing a house plant or watching nature programs, can bring the essence of the outdoors to your indoor space.

If low motivation poses a challenge to venturing outside, you might find my accompanying article helpful. It offers practical tips for overcoming motivational hurdles. It offers suggestions to boost enthusiasm and set achievable goals.

Counselling

If you find yourself struggling with low motivation, low mood, or mental health difficulties therapy may be helpful. I provide face-to-face, online and telephone therapy appointments. If you have any questions about this or would like to book an appointment don’t hesitate to get in contact.