Is it too simplistic to assume that all this happens because I just like being outside and nature relaxes me. Or is there something else going on?

I believe that the earth is a sentient and self regulating entity, that adapts and maintains the suitable conditions for life on our planet. This process seems to happen with ease, a fluid and natural thing. Do we as human beings have the ability to tap into this phenomena, and in doing so, can we use it as a means to re balance our own natural energies, that are often out of sync?

Man has had a sacred and spiritual connection to the earth since time immemorial. Not simply because we have depended on the land to feed and sustain us. But on a much deeper and profound level. Having always had a natural affinity myself with the energies of the earth. The rocks, the trees and water sources I can understand this.

On a spiritual level, there are many places in nature where we feel the touch of the sacred. We sanctify these places as somewhere we can directly connect to the source of all things. The grand creator who formed the earth and ourselves. This in itself I believe creates a symbiotic relationship between man and nature.

The nature writer Barry Lopez, describes it in the following way. “On his evening walks while camped in the Arctic regions of Alaska, he would bow in homage to the “intense and concentrated beauty”, to the birds and animals who reveled in the freezing conditions, and “to the serene Arctic light that came over the land like breath, like breathing”. Here the outer landscape merges with the inner terrain and takes ‘our’ breath away”.

Being in wild nature engenders a sense of mystery about the world; a sense of awe or wonderment about the earth; a sense of connectedness or oneness with the natural world; a profound feeling of transcendence (within and without); a belief in a power greater than oneself; and an appreciation of the beauty in nature. It sparks feelings of inner peace, hope, joy and empowerment; promotes physical and emotional well-being, and brings about ‘significant’ changes in attitude and behaviour.

I know myself when I gaze upon a mountain range, I have a deep sense of being in the presence of something of great majesty. I feel so tiny and insignificant. My sense of self just a flash, a minute spark in the grand scheme of things. And yet, I also feel as if ‘I’ am part of the rock, an overpowering sense of kinship I can’t define. A strange paradox, to feel so insignificant and temporary and yet ancient and eternal all at the same time.

I believe, that the way in which human beings treat the earth, is a reflection of the way in which we treat ourselves. Just as when we abuse the earth and take away her natural resources without thought of consequence. Do we abuse our own bodies, putting it under tremendous pressure to perform without replenishing it.

Have you ever had a sacred or spiritual experience when out in nature? If the answer is yes, I would love to hear about it.

The crystals listed here are in response to a question asked about which crystals would be good to create a basic healing set that would cover a little bit of everything, and not just a coloured stone to match each chakra. A crystal healing set with a bit more depth than others out there, but limited to only 10 stones.

There are hundreds of crystals and minerals available for us to use for healing. Narrowing them down to ten (10) is actually quite hard, as we have 7 chakras within our physical body and 5 other main ones within our etheric bodies, which is twelve (12) stones, just to cover them. So the 10 healing crystals that I would put in a healing kit are Clear Quartz, Kyanite, Selenite, Seraphinite, Sugilite, Smoky Quartz, Rhodochrosite, Larimar, Lepidolite and Calcite.

Clear Quartz, because it is the most versatile, it is pure white light containing all the other colours within it. Its nature is to store and amplify energy, so you can programme it to work with your intent (in this case, healing).

Kyanite accesses your etheric bodies, aligning them without you do anything except keeping it close by, taking you from being everywhere to centred. It effortlessly snaps all of your aspects into place so you can swiftly integrate and get back to your life.

Selenite, is like a column of white light that flows through your energetic bodies in both directions. It works right down to the cellular level, releasing blocks within your aura allowing the body to heal, plus placing other stones on it recharges them.

Seraphinite, is great for purifying your body, meridians and aura. It regenerates cells and brings with it pure healing energy that flood your system with light. It helps the body assimilate vitamins. Energetically it helps you see where you are at, providing insight as to how to bring about change.

Sugilite, increases healing energies bringing balance, by cleansing, strengthening and extending the aura. A great stone for relieving headaches and pain, especially Sugilite with Manganese in it.

Smoky Quartz, releases blocks and tension by dissolving negative energies while highlighting the reason they came about. When working with the higher frequencies within the body using Smoky Quartz brings balance on all levels and grounds the energy.

Rhodochrosite, helps us create new realities for ourselves from a balanced and loving place. It purifies, rejuvenates and revitalizes. With its loving energy forming the basis of our actions, it cleanses us, assisting to prevent sickness.

Larimar a gentle, yet powerful cleansing stone that supports us as we release and make changes. It works at a cellular level so the healing energies can take hold through all our energetic bodies.

Lepidolite, helps us become aware of our vibration or energy. It relieves stress and assists us through times of change by restructuring old patterns. It balances our emotions, relaxing and releasing tension which allows us to flow again so healing energies flow.

magnifies its energy, allowing our chakras to be purified and fully functional. It resonates at a frequency of our Divine perfection and sends this into our energetic bodies for us to harmonise with.

Of course there are others… I would suggest 25 is a good number for variety and the chance to use multiple stones on chakras.

The other stones I would add to this list going with your intuitive choice, would be:

Pyrite, Black Tourmaline, Garnet, Hematite, Obsidian, Sunstone, Tigers Eye, Amber, Rutilated Quartz, Rose Quartz, Mangano Calcite, Ruby in Fuchsite, Malachite, Peridot, Chrysocolla, Tourmaline, Aquamarine, Celestite, Turquoise, Lapis lazuli, Labradorite, Tanzanite, Fluorite, Charoite and Apophyllite, Red Jasper, Carnelian, Citrine, Aventurine, Blue Lace Agate, Sodalite and Amethyst.

Read more: Crystal healing - 10 Stone Healing Kit