Words & photos:
Karen Darke
www.karendarke.com

Karen Darke

Water’s Embrace: The benefits of ‘blue space’ inclusive and healing retreats

The benefits of ‘blue space’ and nature, adventure and connection are increasingly being recognised. Wise to the health advantages of time outdoors, a group of reflective explorers on a ‘sea kayaking retreat’ left a huddle of wheelchairs sat on the shore beside the waters of Moray, Scotland.  A diverse set of adventurers, we were delighted to explore beneath cliffs, archways and geological beauties of the coastline, treated to rich bird life, pods of dolphins and the inspiration of a great group of people. 

The Moray coastal area is a hidden gem of Scotland. With a picturesque and rugged coastline, a tapestry of rock and rolling natural beauty that stretches a line between the North Sea and restorative countryside, the area flourishes with nature and history. The sea here is ever-changing, reflecting the expansive sky that shifts from moody greys to brilliant blues. The sea merges with the sky, and magical light casts over the landscape. Dolphins and seals play in the waters, and charming fishing villages with unique characters punctuate the hues of blue. We had five days together on the water, and we could feel our bodies and minds release and reset.

Blue spaces in nature provide a calm and healing environment. The world’s ‘Blue Zones’ (www.healthline.com/nutrition/blue-zones) illustrate that the combination of nature, activity, and meaningful connections with others is crucial to our health and longevity. The water-based retreats focused on sea kayaking and were inspired and created by Karen Darke. “I’ve always found nature to be like the CEO of my life. If I ever feel unclear, overwhelmed, stressed, or physically injured, relaxed time outside constantly rebalances me.

“I contributed a chapter about the healing power of nature to the book ‘Wilder Journeys: True Stories of Nature, Adventure and Connection’ (Watkins Publishing, 2023). I am paralysed from the chest down, so finding ways into nature, particularly these blue spaces has been fundamental to my wellbeing. I spent over a decade committed to a Paralympic cycling career, led primarily by my desire to spend more time outside and to move my body. I am excited to help others do the same in these restorative blue spaces. Any challenge in life can stretch and stress us and create an imbalance in our mind and body, so we can all benefit hugely from getting into these beautiful natural spaces.”

Moray Sea Kayaking
Moray Sea Kayaking provided the kayaking equipment and guiding, and the owner, Ali Garrow, also established the charity Blue Space Highland to help people gain the benefits of these environments. “The water is a great levelling environment,” Ali enthuses. “It doesn’t matter whether you use a wheelchair, have an injury or other mobility challenge, a mental health issue or any other feeling of limitation. Everyone is together on the water, enjoying nature, improving wellbeing.” The group were able to kayak in various locations within Moray: Findhorn Bay, Lochindorb, and from the harbours of Hopeman and Portknockie. Kayaks were traded for surfboards mid-retreat, and the group got into the waves at Lossiemouth with the charity SurfABLE Scotland, who introduced the joy of para surfing, where the surfer lies prone and controls the board with upper body movement.

Apart from a short silent paddle near the castle on Lochindorb, there were other elements to help the group listen and tune in to their deeper selves. “We started each day with a short meditation to the sounds of sea birds, the breeze, moving trees, breaking waves and often a few dog barks and walkers chattering in the background too,” explained Hannah Hunt, whose interest in inner stillness has grown through her practice of yoga and later studying to be a Qi Gong teacher. Possibly a rare profession for a woman paralysed from the waist down, Hannah led the group through a Qi Gong session next to the Pictish Fort in Burghead before the group headed out to kayak with dolphins and seals along the coast from Hopeman to Lossiemouth. Meditations were led by Glyn Stanworth, who learned awareness techniques in India and otherwise spent his time as a gardener.

One participant, an outdoor instructor who had a climbing accident, joined the retreat for some time out after a tough year of surgery to rebuild her confidence as a kayak instructor. She wired in her kayak roll again and shared, “It’s been so much more than I hoped. I’ve been blown away by the group and the area, and it’s helped me realise that I can let go of some things that I’ve possibly been holding onto and still do plenty in the outdoors.” 

Innergoldlife
Karen has created ‘Innergoldlife’ retreats to enable others with physical or emotional challenges to enjoy reset time in nature. “I wanted to create events that bring together likeminded people, time to connect with self, time away from technology, learning new skills, unwinding in nature and leaving participants feeling refreshed to face new challenges. We often rush from task to task, activity to adventure, with little time to pause.”

The restorative benefits of expansive blue spaces have a remarkable ability to support our wellbeing with surprising benefits. They reduce stress, improve cognitive function and positively influence our overall mood. Even studies show that patients recover more quickly in nature-inspired hospital environments. Our health is intrinsically linked to nature. It encourages mindful nurturing of our inner space and also empowers us toward healthier, happier lives. It can even reinforce our immune system and facilitate us in navigating the complexities of the external world with greater ease and flow.

Unique perspectives
The additional benefits of a retreat with a diverse group are evident. A range of needs can break down barriers that limit connection by fostering an environment of inclusivity and mutual respect, bringing forth vital positive traits of being human: humility, vulnerability, compassion and kindness. When individuals with varying abilities come together, they bring unique perspectives and strengths that enrich the group dynamic, promoting empathy and understanding among members. Such an inclusive approach not only enhances accessibility but also builds a strong sense of community and belonging, where everyone feels valued and connected. It enhanced the shared experience and opened dialogue, dissolved barriers and enabled deep connections and a cohesive, supportive time together.

Ali Garrow shares his experience of adapting to coach a diverse group of paddlers
“As a professional sea kayak guide, taking a group out on a day trip is never straightforward. Between the weather, the tide, the group composition, and numerous other considerations deciding where and when the trip takes place is rightly a balance of risk management and customer satisfaction. When you add to the mix three paraplegic paddlers in a group of six, it is a bit more of a conundrum.

“Fortunately, the nature of paddling in Scotland and the people involved make everything much easier. Support from Paddle Scotland in the shape of Roger Holmes was readily given, and access to paddle-ability equipment was arranged with Outfit Moray in Lossiemouth, who also provided Kirstin Petrie to help fit and coach the paddlers on their first couple of trips.

“And then there’s the paddlers themselves. The biggest fear in guiding any group usually belongs to the guide, who takes on the risk and responsibility for the safety of the paddlers. I certainly had concerns, but I learned something very important working with Karen Darke on these few days: loss of physical ability does not change a person’s ability to understand their own limitations, to make good decisions and to communicate their needs to a willing listener. The participants’ confidence in this retreat gave me confidence and enriched my kayaking experience.

“As it turned out, very few adjustments needed to be made to make these trips happen. A bit more consideration of the impact of wind, some comfort adjustments, enhanced contingency planning and collective effort with the launch and landings. Truthfully, the benefits far outstripped the added complexity.

“As we ventured out to sea along the Moray Coast, amongst the rocks, along the sandy beaches and out to the seal colonised skerries, I contemplated several times how we would look to the envious walker on the shore. Eight paddlers having a wonderful time – nothing more or less. It’s a great lesson in life, too. Suppose we can spend a little extra time and effort making our places and our activities accessible. In that case, we can enjoy the company of people with rich tales to tell, knowledge to share, and so much value to give that is lost through ignorance and impatience.” 

Find a watery retreat
Sea kayaking, paddleboarding or surfing in Scotland might not be for you, but there are plenty of possibilities for a water-themed retreat where you can enjoy the benefits of blue space in a way that suits you. Consider wild swimming, combining yoga with paddleboarding, a Wim Hof-style cold-water retreat, or create your own combination. Whatever you do, you’ll enhance your immune system, benefit your wellbeing, and support your metabolism and mitochondria. In conjunction with a group of others with sufficient space, you’ll also be helping yourself further with feelings of belonging and connection.