Mend our Mountains

Getting out walking is good. It clears your mind, your body feels stronger and energised. We have a wonderful selection of mountains to walk in Scotland, England and Wales, each with their own flavour. Different seasons bring different views. The opportunities and infinite if you want to go walking.

The other night I joined 600 people in the Peak District to make a huge piece of human art that stretched the length of the ridge you see in the picture. People had travelled from all over the country to show they value the mountains and want to make sure they are properly cared for. This raised awareness and funds to maintain to footpaths. You can find out more, donate and see the pictures of our head torches lighting the ridge at: https://mendmountains.thebmc.co.uk/

A free mind

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I wanted to understand the history while exploring South Africa, so I took a tour to Robben Island. The maximum security prison that held Nelson Mandela for 18 Years of 27years in prison is here. We saw the tiny cells, the blinding white rock they had to quarry all day and talked to tour guides, who were political prisoners there. It makes you think, what would you stand up against? What beliefs would you go to prison for?

Our tour guide explained that even though they had done 12 hours of hard labour in the quarry, in the evening they would come back and spend time in lessons. Some would teach, others would learn to read and write. Now that is incredible, they may have been in an external prison, but they were free to choose what to do with their minds. They were civilised and spent time improving themselves from the inside out. How honourable! Remember this story when you are struggling with a difficult situation and you feel you have no choice. You always have choice, a choice in how you react. If they can do it, then you too can act with dignity and come out of it a better person.

Exploring by canoe

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Exploring by travelling down the local rivers is a different view of my local area. Being low in a Canadian canoe is such a different perspective. The magical moments are the flash of blue of a kingfisher or the whistle of an otter. Travelling nearly silently, we slip in to the natural world as a privileged guest. Its fun to immerse ourselves in this world, have a swim at lunch time, skinny dipping in a secluded spot. These are magical days that feed your soul.

Ancient trees mini-adventure

I can’t imagine the changes this ancient tree has witnessed over its 2400 years. Sometimes we need to step out of our normal everyday life and visit something awe-inspiring. We give up our seniority and become humble. This was the oldest yew tree in England and it was so vibrant! It had fresh new leaves and looked so healthy. It’s girth was huge, it was such an old being but had the sparkle of a young child. I hope we all have that sparkle in our old age.

Ancient trees have been moved. In 1880 an ancient yew with a girth exceeding 6 metres, was moved in a church yard in Buckland, Kent. St Andrew’s church steeple had been damaged by lightening and they decided they wanted to extend the church, so the tree was carefully dug up and moved. The first set of chains broke under the strain of 55 tons. Stronger chains had to be sought and it took 2 days to move the ancient tree. Spectators were allowed to watch for a fee, this helped to pay for the work along with income from reporting and publicity. Despite the cynics, the tree stands testimony as it survives to today. What may look impossible to one person is possible to another. We all need to be aware of the limitations we put on ourselves, because of the way we see the world.

We also went to meet the greatest maiden oak  (that’s unpollarded). In 1994 it had a girth of 12 meters and a height of 20 metres (you can see it in the picture). It was such a majestic tree. It was the perfect time to meet it as it’s new little leaves of bright acid green were coming out, showing life and vibrancy in such an old body. Being near such a big tree is very calming and reassuring. It was a five and half hour drive down to Kent to meet this 1000year old oak and it was worth it. This tree had such a beautiful presence, it felt like meeting a loving old grandparent.

Whatever interests you, plan a mini-adventure. Just go and do it, with a friend or on your own. You can find local accommodation, we stayed at Canterbury Youth Hostel. Hostels are great places to meet other travellers. You can easily start up a conversation in the kitchens and social spaces. We slept in a cabin outside, (a modern hobbit house) which was fun in itself. Get more fun in your life and go on a mini-adventure!

Soul Journey – Members Group

Are you thinking of jumping on board?

If you’re a at crossroads in your life and you want to get moving in the right direction you’ve come to the right place. We all need a bit of help and support within our lives sometimes. We need someone that’s walked the route to show us the map of the way. This is the Soul Journey Membership Site, it has resources to support your personal development. This isn’t about just getting you back “on track”, you are looking to improve your life, upgrade and move to the next level. That means change!

Change may seem scary, but it’s just a process of letting go of what no longer serves you and moving on. You get to drop the baggage that you drag around with you! How good does that sound? You will feel lighter and more positive about yourself and your life.

The backbone of the program is built upon the 7 levels of The Architecture of Magnificence. Progression through all these levels will enable your unique expression to blossom.

  • GROUNDING: stillness, home, embodiment, health, stability, freedom, wealth
  • PASSION: Vocation, vitality, creativity, wildness, exuberance
  • POWER: Strength, confidence, magnetism, courage, presence, leadership
  • LOVE: Relationships, intimacy, openness, philanthropy, sensitivity
  • COMMUNICATION: Honesty, authenticity, emotional intelligence, delegation
  • VISION: Goals, imagination, intuition, decisiveness, aspiration,
  • ILLUMINATION: inspiration/guidance, purpose, spiritual connection

This is a journey of transformation and it helps to have a community with you as you journey. People who understand, your need to change and develop in to a better version of yourself, taking the lessons from your life and weaving them into a new creation. I am here to guide you to your truth and joy.

Firstly we work on the roots, the bigger the roots, the better the fruits.


HOW DOES IT WORK:

Each monthly there will be a new bundle of resources. We will work with this material together in the Facebook Group.

Members can dip in and use what they want, go for what you need support with at that moment in your life. The community in the Facebook is there to support you and you can get in touch if need extra help and resources. I encourage you to share your experiences and get support from the other members in the Facebook group. Your Soul Journey Tribe are here for you!

Experiences

What better way to celebrate your first steps to independent travel and graduation from the Adventurous Spirit online course than a trip to either Valencia or Florence!  Enjoy these vibrant cities, experience new food and explore to your hearts content safe in the knowledge you can meet up with like minded aspiring adventurers along the way at pre defined meeting points.

Overcome your fears and blocks to travel on your own terms – whether solo or with others.

Adventurous Spirit is an online course for aspiring travellers wanting to go on their first independent journey, or their first adventure in many years. Take a look at the online course here

Celebrate with adventure!


Fallas bonfire festival of San Jose, Valencia, Spain

15th – 19th March 2020

  • Marvel at the incredible sculptures at the Fallas bonfire festival of San Jose, Valencia
  • Watch the firework displays
  • Vote for your favorite creation
  • Be part of a huge festival! Start spring with a buzz! Other attractions in Valencia…Valencia has beautiful beaches with golden sands and views of the Mediterranean.  For art lovers and science fans, a visit to the expansive City of Arts and Sciences is recommended. Foodies looking for a real taste of Valencia should try sampling some fresh produce from the Mercado Central. Alternatively, join a cookery class and learn how to make Paella.

Florence, Italy

24th – 26th March 2020

  • Do you want to explore the streets of Florence?
  • Visit the magnificent churches?
  • Eat gelato at one of the oldest and best gelato shops in Florence?
  • Learn to make pasta?
  • Admire the classical sculptures?

Everyone wants to see the Duomo and gaze at the statue of David before heading to the Uffizi galleries to soak up the Renaissance splendor of the artworks. The historical centre is a UNESCO Heritage Site, and traffic is restricted from entering. The heart of Florence is compact, and you can easily explore all that the city has to offer on foot. If you’re bored of museums, then try out paddleboarding on Arno River and you’ll be able to pass under the renowned Ponte Vecchio bridge.


Guest Speaking Events

Sarah has presented at the HUBBUK (Horizons Unlimited Meeting for adventurers). Opening the possibility of cycle touring to the audience in her talk “The Mekong by bicycle”.

If you’d like  to about booking me for an event, please do get in touch  contact us.