An Hour in Nature: Julia Ashwood

Bangalow based mum of two little ones Julia Ashwood’s love of travel, spaces and collaborating with artists has seen her explore the world.  Writer and Founder of the ‘The Vista’ a travel and style guide; Julia is also a Hotelier with ventures including, ‘The Eltham Hotel’ NSW and ‘Ciao Mate’ restaurant with a new bar to come. We couldn’t wait to find out more about Julia and her connection with nature.

What’s your favourite thing to do in nature?

 I love bushwalking, jogging the lighthouse here in Byron and I am a big fan of swimming in that gorgeous blue sea. So much so I have to do it almost daily or I think I might simply shrivel up!

Describe your connection to nature: what positives does it bring to your life? 

Being in nature, It's my daily meditation, the one constant thing that brings me back to my centre. I also (in those moments all parents know) will scoot my kids out of the house and into the yard, and sure enough the winging and the arguing stops and a new adventure begins; mud pies, playing on the swings, catching bugs, picking flowers, riding bikes, climbing trees, daisy chains, feeding the chickens and the horses - happy kids in the fresh air.

What are your fondest memories of spending time in nature?

I love sitting on the beach and watching an evening storm roll over. The colours it brings to the earth, the sand, the water. It cools everything day and again reminds us that Nature is the boss lady.

Many of us are time-poor, and might not get out into nature as much as we’d like. Any suggestions for a quick nature-based pick-me up? Something sensory, experiential…? 

If I can only fit one thing into my day it's simply a cup of tea in the garden listening to the birds, watching the trees sway, the clouds float and the busy bees gently land amongst flowers.