This blog is an extract from a chapter that I am in the process of co-writing with two other dramatherapy collegues.
We walk in single file up the rocky path, across the grassy field, under the boughs of the magnificent blue gum tree. We walk in silence. We are invited to connect with our senses, moving from the sight of the light reflected off the leaves, to the sound of our feet crunching on the dry grass, to the smell of the Karoo bush, to the feeling of the wind on our skin. We rest in each sense experience before moving on. The invitation is to become fully embodied, to awaken to the world as it presents itself. Walking through this pristine landscape it is easier to be intentional about moving out of the busy mind and into the body (Burls, 2007) This is facilitated by developing a relationship with the natural world around us in the present moment. Restoring the body mind connection enables the awakening of intuition or access to “inner wisdom” (Buzzel, 2016) We arrive at the rock labyrinth laid out on a plateau after a short scramble up a little hill. The lion-shaped mountain rises to the north and the Sneeuberg Mountain range stretches out to the west. The view is expansive. The experience of opening the senses enables an awakening to the inner knowing that we are not separate from this natural world we inhabit.
The first person enters the labyrinth and begins her journey following the rocky outlines that mimic the Chatre Cathedral. I find a warm rock to sit on to witness as each takes their turn to travel to the center of the labyrinth and then back out again. The vast landscape is barely disturbed as the humans turn in circles first one way then the other. We walk back in silence, savouring the experience. We hold the silence a while to reflect in journals and with the art materials to express what has just transpired. Then, we share stories about the deep and profound connections, challenges, affirmations and reminders encountered on the journey.
When I was asked by my parents 14 years ago to return to the family farm in the Karoo, to take over the responsibility of custodianship of the land I had to reimagine my dramatherapy practice. Growing up in this place, I sought refuge and comfort in the environment. Very early on, I understood the healing power of this landscape (Capaldi et al 2015, Burls, 2007). I knew this place to be as related to me as my parents and siblings. And so I dreamed into this collaboration for healing.
The processes I am describing are part of a retreat that I offer that integrates my practice as a dramatherapist with my collaboration with the natural environment as a custodian of the land. Participants of the retreat are a diverse group of adults who have responded to the invitation towards healing.
Later in the retreat I facilitate a family constellation process. We work under the great willow tree, with the grass under our feet. The willow is enrolled as the clients “wise adult” part. Other group members and parts of the landscape are also enrolled. Even the sheepdog is enrolled as she moves through the scene, bringing an unpredictable but profound teaching to the process. We notice the wind picking up or the sun hiding behind a cloud. These elements are invited into the “field”. Afterwards, when the process is done and a few drops of rain fall to the dry earth we cheer as if the rain itself is celebrating and acknowledging where we have travelled. Here I feel the natural environment working as my co-facilitator. I feel the support, the occasional challenge and the constant invitation to remain awake to all that arises.
Clients are invited to use objects found in the natural environment to represent aspects of their support system. Over the course of the retreat they are encouraged to add and adjust the object sculpture to represent their insights, shifts and realignments. They are invited to notice what is around them in the natural world, how this can provide further wisdom to support their becoming.
As a farmer I am totally dependent on the natural environment for my wellbeing, I need to become highly attuned its great wisdom. I am humbled by the droughts, floods and the earth’s magnificent potential for growth against the odds. I must refine my observation skills to learn from both the immense and the miniscule teachers that surround me. In my work as a dramatherapist I am deeply supported by their wisdom. Metaphor, symbol, ritual and story are my preferred medium as a dramatherapist. When I engage with the natural world in this way the possibilities are infinite, profound and transformative (Berry, 2023, Capaldi et al, 2015, Burls, 2007).
Ronan Burger (also a dramatherapist) describes how nature becomes the dynamic and active third participant in the therapeutic relationship between client and therapist. At times the role played by the natural environment is central and other times secondary. (2015). Walking the labyrinth, I am the supportive co-facilitator and witness of the group as Nature takes the central role in holding the participants process. Whereas, during the family constellation I am supported by Nature as my co-facilitator.
This frame helps me and the client to move away from the oppressive story of, “the individual striving against the odds,” towards a sense of connection and interdependence with the world around us (Berry, 2023). We find our own potential for growth and our orientation towards life is reflected back to us because we are awakened to the fact of our interdependence. We honour the seasons, night and day, the significance of cycles of regulation and the centrality of death as a source of life. “The patterns, codes and lessons of nature are stamped into our genetic and cultural DNA. They are inherent in the way our minds work” (Berry, 2023, p.95). Capaldi et al (2015) describe how there is growing evidence to support the idea that exposure to nature has a significant positive impact on both physical and mental well being and “flourishing in life”. Burls (2007) speaks of how interacting with the natural environment leads to having an increased capacity to regulate responses, improve a sense of intenral control and to develop self-awareness.
Join me on The Rest this November from the13th to 17th to reconnect with Nature within and without. Or contact me to find out about solo retreats and other offerings coming up.
*Ecotherapy is based on the assumption that humans are bonded to the natural environment the same way they are to their relatives and friends. It is developed from the belief that humans are part of nature and that people’s psyches are not separate from the natural environment
