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Rave review of ‘Being in Nature’

man speaking on stage with plants and screen

Jonathan Passmore is Professor of Coaching at Henley Management School, and Senior Vice President at Ezra Digital Coaching Solutions. Writing on LinkedIn, he presented a rave review of ‘Being in Nature’, saying:

So, what’s so great about this book? What I liked, apart from its beautiful presentation, were the simple and easy to use exercises, ones I can use myself or use in an outdoor coaching session with a client. While I work for a the leading innovator in digital coaching, EZRA Coaching, and know the power of digital coaching (the ability to offer coaching at scale), I also love getting out into nature, if possible for a lunchtime walk each day, and certainly with a client once or twice a week on a Thursday or Friday.

Professor Jonathan Passmore

Prof. Passmore quoted from the ‘autumn leaves’ practice, and concluded that:

This book is beautifully written, beautifully illustrated and beautifully designed – in short it’s a little treat.

Professor Jonathan Passmore

Buy ‘Being in Nature’ here.

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‘Being in Nature’ authors attend major events this summer

About Nature Connection Books, Nature Practices for Wellbeing

‘Being in Nature’ authors James Farrell and Lee Evans will be attending two major UK events on people and nature this summer.

Both will be attending the University of Derby’s ‘Nature Connections Conference’ on 24-25 June.

The University is leading the world in the science and psychology of nature connection – the many ways in which becoming closer to the natural world is both good for us and our human communities, and inspires individuals to take more action for the environment.

The authors’ consultancy, The Human Nature Partnership, is the only consultancy listed in the groundbreaking new publication ‘Nature Connected Organisations Handbook’. You can get your copy here: https://findingnature.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/nature-connected-organisations-handbook.pdf

James Farrell will be attending the first festival of outdoor coaching at Henley Business School on 12 July.

James will have copies of ‘Being in Nature’ for sale on the day, and will be running a workshop on the value of compassion in nature coaching. This is inspired by the practice ‘Be Kind’ in the book.

Inspire your staff and colleagues with your own event

If you would like us to run an interactive nature connection event for your organisation, do get in touch.

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‘Being in Nature’ book inspires ‘wilding workshops’ with NHS staff

wooden cards printed with nature images in colour

A new collaboration between The Human Nature Partnership, University of Brighton and Culture Shift has been bringing nature engagement to the NHS. Recent ‘Wilding Workshops’ have been inspired by the book ‘Being in Nature’ by James Farrell and Lee Evans from The Human Nature Partnership / Nature Connection Books.

The University design team created tactile prompt cards using images and words from the book, and others inspired by nature. Interactive workshops facilitated by Culture Shift CEO Julia Roberts helped staff from a range of NHS functions explore their own relationship with nature, and begin to envision outdoor spaces at NHS sites that benefited staff, patients, community and wildlife.

Staff also spent time outside in a brief ‘nature connection’ session led by James Farrell – and reported increased feelings of closeness, calm and peacefulness, and positive memories of being in nature as children. This ‘self coach’ is a feature of the ‘Being in Nature’ book.

The vast majority of NHS staff surveyed by The Human Nature Partnership said they wanted to see more natural spaces at work, including wildflowers, birds and sheltered spaces to rest and collaborate outdoors. 75% of staff wanted to learn more about how to incorporate nature into their work.

Why not get a copy of ‘Being in nature’ and see for yourself the benefits of a closer relationship with the natural world.

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Celebrating the winter solstice – a time of connection and compassion

frosty leaves

Here at Nature Connection Books we’re celebrating the winter solstice, a time of connection and compassion.

Today at 9.48pm GMT/UTC, the sun will be exactly above the Tropic of Capricorn, and will seem to ‘stand still’ in the sky. Solstice is a Latin combination of ‘sol’ (sun) and ‘sistere’ (stand still). Tomorrow the days will be getting longer again and the darkest days will be behind us.

For nature in the northern hemisphere, it’s still winter of course. But with the additional light and warmth every day, new growth can happen.

For us humans that celebrate Christmas, it’s a time of celebration. To connect to friends and family, give gifts, and think about those less fortunate.

We can also include the natural world in our thoughts at this time.

Our ‘Being in Nature’ book includes a practice which can help us do that. ‘Winter Wonder’ encourages us to spend time noticing the cold, the colours and the quietness outdoors. And to consider the season as a metaphor – how are you taking care of yourself? Who is helping you rest and recharge? What have you learned this winter that prepares you for the season ahead?

So why not go outside more than you usually might this winter, and top yourself up with connection and compassion before spring arrives.

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Meet the author of ‘Being in Nature’ and take part in a unique nature connection experiment!

Authors at Nature Connection Books - James Farrell & Lee Evans

Come and meet one of the authors of ‘Being in Nature’ at a special evening event at Kemptown Bookshop in Brighton on 12 January.

James will be conducting a unique nature connection ‘experiment’ live with the audience. He will also be reading from the book, and answering questions about the importance of nature in our lives.

It promises to be a fun, engaging and interesting evening, and James will sign copies of ‘Being in Nature’.

To register, please follow this link or use the form below.

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Autumn is a great time to connect with nature! Try one of our mindful practices as the leaves fall this season

Woman-throwing-autumn-leaves-Nature-Connection-Books

Our book ‘Being in Nature’ contains two mindful practices that are great to try out this season. Autumn in the northern hemisphere is a time of change, when nature stores up energy for the winter ahead, and the trees create a riot of colour across our landscapes.

Our practices point out the scientific benefits of getting out amongst the falling leaves. One of those is to experience the natural scent of damp soil – known as ‘petrichor’ – which helps us feel calmer and more relaxed.

‘Being in Nature’ makes a great Christmas gift, and you can buy it directly from us here in paperback or ebook – or from Amazon as a Kindle book.

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‘Being in Nature’ author speaks at TEDx about the power of letting nature be your coach

‘Being in Nature’ author James Farrell has spoken at TEDx Aston about the power of letting nature be your coach.

On a platform shared with fellow nature coach Diana Tedoldi, of The Nature Coaching Academy, James highlighted the benefits of time spent in nature.

Many of these are covered in the new book ‘Being in Nature’ by James Farrell and Lee Evans. The book includes ‘self coaching’ practices – engaging with the natural world for the benefit of our wellbeing, and also to deepen our connection to nature.

Nature can coach us into a sense of oneness with the natural environment. That oneness brings health and wellbeing benefits for us, and for our communities. And it can also untap the desire to protect and care for the planet.

– James Farrell & Diana Tedoldi, Let Nature be your coach, TEDx Aston 2021

Watch here.

Image from movie by Matthias Groeneveld.

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Make ‘Being in Nature’ a New Year’s resolution! Book is now back in stock and in all good bookshops

Being in Nature book with New Year calendar

Following some printing issues before Christmas, we’re pleased that all remaining orders have now been sent to all our patient customers (thank you!). Books are back in stock on our website, and available in all good bookshops.

Why not make ‘Being in Nature’ a New Year’s resolution!

We’re also very excited to have received some excellent reviews from some big names in nature writing, psychology and coaching. More on these to follow!

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A sneak preview of the inside design for our beautiful new ‘Being in Nature’ book!

Being in Nature book mockup - open with cover, by James Farrell and Lee Evans

Lucy has finished the book design and it really is looking rather special.

Our idea was to use antique illustrations of the flora and fauna that inspired each practice. Lucy has cut these out and mounted them on contrasting backgrounds – they really pop! Check out this mockup of ‘Autumn Renewal’.

Next stop the printers!