Breathe Magazine Issue 005 Back Issue

Stop and listen. What can you hear? The cacophony of the city, the strains of the suburbs? Hopefully, there’s birdsong somewhere among the din, signalling the beginning of spring and the promise of new growth, fresh starts and warmer times ahead. This is the ideal moment to explore the ‘rewilding’ movement and learn how and where we can reconnect with the natural world and keep the wildness beating in our hearts.
But nature isn’t the only thing in our hearts — one of its co-residents is fear. Listen to what it says, but don’t feel its every whim has to be obeyed. Instead, acknowledge its presence, rationalise its motivation and analyse the potential outcomes, because while fear is there to protect, it can hold us back, blocking the path to new experiences, skills, jobs and relationships.
Two women who have listened to — and answered — the call of the wild are Dr Jane Goodall and Dr Cynthia Moss. They have overcome fear, confronted governments and dedicated their lives to save two of the planet’s most iconic creatures: chimpanzees and elephants. Breathe joins them on the African continent as they round up their subjects.
Closer to home, taking time to listen could nourish and improve relationships with partners, loved ones, friends and colleagues. Listen attentively, without prejudice, without anticipation, without resentment and without barriers. What you hear might surprise, impress or upset you, but it’s a positive step to building mindful and rewarding relationships with those you hold dear.
You don’t need to stray far from home to get close to nature either: take time to appreciate the trees around you, take a mindful walk, revelling in the sensations surrounding you, or start growing your own vegetables — you don’t even need to have an outdoor space.