Anna Dempsey is an Illawarra local now – living between the mountains and the sea, in Stanwell Park – but the certified nature therapist, writer and creative grew up in Dublin. She spent her summer holidays on Ireland's west coast, a region of such wild beauty that it still holds a place in her heart. Nowadays, however, as she wanders through the ancient landscape and sits quietly by cliffside ocean pools, it’s clear that Dharawal Country has become a second home.

But, first things first, what on earth is 'nature therapy'?

Many people know that they feel better after a wander through the bush, or reading a book in a park, or an early morning beach walk. But why? “Modern nature therapy is derived from the Japanese practice Shinrin Yoku, which translates as ‘forest bathing’ or ’taking in the forest atmosphere’,” Anna says. 

“The Japanese developed this structured or guided eco therapy in the late 80s as an antidote to burn-out culture. The effects of Shinrin Yoku were rigorously studied in Japan and since then many versions of nature-based therapies have emerged alongside a huge volume of science which shows, unsurprisingly that nature is good for us!”

Anna is a huge advocate of the ‘Sit Spot’, something she refers to as an “ancient hack for the modern world” and an easy way for people to dip their toe into the world of nature therapy. To do this, Anna suggests finding a spot that you can visit regularly, such as the local beach or a special spot nearby. It could even be something as simple as sitting quietly in your garden or by a window. 

“The idea is to use this spot to simply sit and observe the natural surroundings, it becomes a safe space to connect to nature, to relax, unwind and simply be rather than do,” she says. More than that, by returning to the same Sit Spot regularly, you can develop a relationship with the land, getting to know the plants and animals that you share it with and notice how your chosen Sit Spot and the things living within it, change with the seasons. 

And it helps us to pull away, if only for a little while, from the constant busyness of everyday life. "I believe many of us have forgotten how to connect with nature, to relax, rest, play, feel pleasure and relate to the world through our senses, in being, not doing and slowing down."

If you’re keen to do a deeper dive, Anna is running a five-week course, The Nature Studio, for nature lovers and creatives from March 10. This course will explore ways to integrate nature practices for creativity, calm and connection. Click here for more details.

To enjoy Anna’s musings on life, creativity and nature, you can follow her writings on Substack.