Wild swimming is not just emerging yourself in nature, it takes it to another level. As Gilly McArthur described in We Move podcast “it’s a sharp present moment experience that is really potent. It is a super fuel, it is a quick yet long lasting impact of grounding experience.”  Her work in the field as a swimming coach is led purely in terms of the benefits rather than competitiveness of a sport.

Wild swimming is the most expansive in terms of immersive and holistic activity.  The water so cold, your mind cannot wander much. The focus is pointedly so, much like a reset button. One’s attention only on breathing before relaxing into a state of calm. A profound sense of peace, with an opportunity to absorb the beauty that surrounds you.

To notice from a place of peace and serenity, is to truly see. A way of being. Mental wellbeing or as we prefer to reframe it as; mind wellbeing.

The next challenge faced is how brands can support this route to remembering our relationship with nature, a route to mind wellbeing. Yes, a relationship. It’s reciprocal, we must honour it and give back, take only what we need and leave no trace. Brands have the responsibility to lead the way. The goal is to align with natures cycles, adopt ways of working to seasonality. Living by the season puts us in sync with nature and bring a more simple way of being.

In turn, it allows this adopted nature connected experience to permeate through brand to those with less access to biodiverse areas and the concepts of being in nature. To nurture and celebrate the relationship we have with nature. To celebrate the relationships we have with ourselves and each other. Deep connection to nature teaches us awareness and compassion, for ourselves but other beings; ultimately the planet.