A pair of enterprising mums have combined action adventure with the calm world of mindfulness to encourage local people to take time for themselves.
Sarah Daly, an outdoor adventure leader from Blackley, and Imelda McQuaid, a mindful practitioner from Wigan, set up Mindful Adventures UK after realising how their combined expertise can help encourage better mental health.
They say combining fun and high energy activities such as archery, kayaking and paddleboarding with mindfulness practice – where you stop to recognise the world around you – gives you the best of both worlds, releasing endorphins to keep you in high spirits while also ensuring you take the time to notice and recognise the world around you.
Imelda, 41, who runs Mindful by Nature, a mindful business that runs outdoor mindful self-compassion courses and guides mindful mountain hikes, explained: “Mindfulness is a practice whereby you stop and notice what is happening in this moment, how you are feeling here and now as opposed to being caught up worrying about the past or future. It’s fantastic for your mental health and the benefits are increased by being in nature.”
Imelda, who is mum to Finn, four, and Freddie, two, and a qualified mountain leader, said: “Today people have such hectic lives but it’s really important to take time for yourselves and practice mindfulness where you can. But we also appreciate that people also want to blow off some steam – so we thought, why not combine the two?
“By teaming up with Sarah to provide day and weekend retreats for families, individuals or groups, we are providing an opportunity for people to experience the thrill of an adventure with the reflective and calming attributes of mindfulness.”
Sarah, 33, who is a qualified kayak, archery and paddle boarding instructor, runs Manchester company Daly Adventures. She said: “I am passionate about people having access to adventure and fun activities no matter what their age or experience. But sometimes you are so busy having fun, you don’t stop to appreciate it. And that’s where mindfulness comes in!”
Sarah, who is mum to two-year-old Sophia, added: “The great thing about these retreats is that they are suitable for everyone – whether you are a harassed mum wanting to get some time away from the kids, someone looking to reconnect with nature in a fun and engaging way, or you would like to bring the whole family along to learn some new skills. Everyone is welcome!”
Mindful Adventures UK run day and weekend retreats across the North West.
The next adult only retreat takes place from Friday, November 18, to Sunday, November 20, and includes archery, hiking and mindfulness.
For more information about Mindful Adventures Uk or to find out about other scheduled events, go to www.mindfulbynature.co.uk/events.
