Grounded: How Connection with Nature Can Improve Our Mental and Physical Wellbeing

by Ruth Allen, Anna Koval (narrator)

How do we understand nature? Benevolent and supportive? Wild and threatening? Reassuring or unpredictable? We all have a different experience of, and relationship with, nature. This audiobook includes immersive sound design to further ground the listener in nature and complement the lessons explored in the narration.

Reflecting on nature's unknowable and mysterious qualities, Grounded explores how we can therapeutically benefit from a deeper connection with nature, finding within it balance, stillness, solitude, resilience, contentment, activity, fearlessness – and our own wild voice.

Within this audiobook, you will

– Mindfulness, breathing and stillness activities

– Movement exercises to connect with the physical world

– Work-life rebalancing

– Nature study and eco-therapies

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Audiobook, Personal Development, Psychology, Self Help

Audible Audio

Published June 1, 2024

About the author

I’m Ruth Allen (PhD, MNCS) and I’m an outdoor and online counselling psychotherapist, professional development coach, and experienced consultant, trainer and facilitator. I offer weekly sessions through to multi-day journeys, for individuals, pairs and groups.

I specialise in outdoor practice, nature connection and working with mind and body in harmony. I’m interested in how we do relationships with others, nature and ourselves, how we make meaning of our lives, the stories we tell, how we live in our bodies, and post-traumatic growth.

I am also a writer, adventurer and occasional art-maker – exploring the intersections between nature connection, adventure, human and planetary health and wellbeing, movement and story. I occasionally work with brands to deliver important ‘people + planet’ health messages.

In 2008 I completed my PhD in Himalayan Geology with fieldwork seasons in India and Bangladesh. I have spent my adult life travelling the mountains of the world by foot. Highlights include, the South American Andes, The Romanian Carpathian, The Slovakian High Tatra, the Moroccan High Atlas, the Western Alps of France, Switzerland and Austria, and the Japan Alps.

I also have a special love for the cold north: give me half a chance and I will return to the Scottish Highlands or the arctic north of Finland. That said, I can easily pass several weeks running around the many lovely islands of the Atlantic.

In autumn 2018, I ran solo and unsupported across the Bosnian Dinaric Alps, an assumed world first, and I continue to enjoy inspiring people through new adventures that combine my love for place, people and purpose. In 2020, I will return to the Balkans to run the Dinaric Alps again from Montenegro to Albania.

Day-to-day I enjoy small adventures close to home and can be found biking, swimming, running and kayaking in the beautiful UK uplands with The Little Blue Camper Van.

When there is time left I like to read. A lot. I also take too many photographs. I am based on the edge of the Peak District, Derbyshire, UK, working out how to live a place-based life.

Reviews

[Tory · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary of the benefits of nature to our health and how we all are part of nature. The essays in each chapter (with topics such as Solitude, Connection, Movement.....) were interesting but the most helpful parts to me were the specific practical suggestions on each topic as to what to do to experience that topic in nature. I would have enjoyed having more of those practical suggestions.

[Paul · Rating 2 out of 5]

Even though people spend an inordinate amount of time looking at our phones or other forms of screens at the moment, one of the things that we have learnt in the past few years is just how much we as a species are dependent on nature. In one form or other, it feeds, clothes and shelters us. Everything is utterly interlinked too, so as we change one thing, we inadvertently affect numerous other things.

The other thing that the natural world can do though, is to heal us. Time spent near rivers and trees has all sorts of benefits for our mental and physical health. This is not just speculation, but scientific evidence has demonstrated this in many different studies.

For some people reconnecting with nature is not always easy, sometimes this is an access thing nut there are often other reasons behind this. In Grounded, Ruth Allen is here to help those who want to reconnect to the natural world in eight separate stages. Beginning with Presence, each of the chapters has simple explanations as to what she is trying to get you to do, along with clear steps to bring you closer to nature.

I thought that it was written in a very clear and straightforward way and it is a beautifully presented book with some stunning images and what feels like a lot of space around the prose. A lot of what Allen writes here makes sense, and it picks up on similar themes that I have read in other books, such as Forest Therapy by Sarah Ivens. However, I didn’t think that this book was really for me; I found it had too much mindfulness for my liking. 2.5 stars

[Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is as it’s title says about how a connection with nature can improve your well being. First the book is just beautifully presented. The paper is thick quality paper with beautiful photos of mountains, woods, lakes, rivers, countryside, animals - basically nature. I also liked that the book, although oriented in meditation, also included some references to research. There were some practical exercises, which I enjoyed and would have liked more of.

It did annoy me sometimes that the text at the bottom of one page sometimes didn’t continue for two more pages. There were either photos or a summary in the middle of a sentence. My first thought was, where is the editor? But as I got used to it I realised that this made me stop reading and reread. These diversions punctuating the main body of the text, made me slow down. Now I think I clever way to enhance that feeling of focusing on the here and now. The topics of movement, staying still, solitude and seeking wildness all hit home to me. The importance of being your natural self away from the hubbub of the busy world we live in really hit home. I can see that some people wouldn’t like this book. It has taken me 6 months to read this book but reading a little at a time and reflecting on it overall I enjoyed it. I will pick it up from time to time again.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

All good stuff. Calming and good reminder of some basic principles to do with connecting to nature.

[LaughterandThunderstorms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kindly sent from the publishing team for an honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it came exactly at the right time I needed it. It is a beautifully written book that made me feel connected to nature and myself again.
Whilst reading it, I just imagined a calm soothing voice guiding me through different stages of; stillness, solitudes and gratitude.

Definitely purchasing a physical copy for me and my friend

[Kat Willoughby · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some good takeaways and activities to increase immersion, enjoyment, and appreciation of nafure! However, this is a self-help book by nature (heh) which I didn't realise at first and as such brought different expectations to what the book was meant to provide. It was a little CBT-y at times which I'm not a fan of in book form because there's a detachment between author-as-therapist and reader which can make the advice seem even more isolating. The author here clearly lives an amazing life with great access to nature and in a position to down tools and go exploring which is not the case for many, but she does acknowledge this and encourage us to do what we can with what we have. The activities were often a good way to put the reading into practice and, even if I didn't follow them to the T, got me wanting to spend more time outdoors.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I really liked about this book is that the author has successfully managed to combine the gravitas of a 'serious' book with the light touch of an illustrated 'coffee table' book. It is unusual to find a book like this and quite a feat to mix the genres. It could have not worked but it does.
I particularly liked the small bite size chunks of texts carefully placed within the photos. The overall effect was to slow down my reading and linger over the message rather than race on to the next page. The photos complement the writing very well. So often photos compete with the text but not here. The text is so beautifully written, the sentences slide almost effortlessly like silk from eyes to brain and yet they contain much knowledge, depth and wisdom. Next book please.........

[Joe Eynon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intelligent and powerful read speaking truths about nature can guide and help you through life. Speaking of natures strengths to ground you as your negotiating your way through the mess of the world we life in.
Whether you’re a sufferer from mental health issues or not this book will help you. It may guide you to focus on what’s important but also highlights ways to combat the wider issues the world is suffering from such as climate chaos and change.

[An · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful book speaking to all the parts of me that are looking to lean into nature and the mystical more and more. There are practical exercises, worthwhile explorations on themes like solitude, the mysteries, connection, stillness etc. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 because of the gorgeous photos.

[Patrick Cormack · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found a lot of realised truth here in this book, I am a big believer in the power of nature and its ability to benefit your mood and well being. This book highlights how that happens and how to tap into nature to reap its benefits. Recomended.

[Paul · Rating 1 out of 5]

Allen has some important and decent stuff to say, but unfortunately doesn’t know how to communicate these ideas to an audience. Each chapter reading like the ingredients list for a recipe or a series of bullet points. It is made worse by Allen’s constant reminders that different things work for different people. A bit of a borefest if I’m honest.

[Karlita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautifully written and presented. The author explores what it means to feel grounded and considers various appealing and accessible ways that we can become more so. It's the first time that I've ever actually done the exercises that are suggested in a book, and I did so enthusiastically! It is informed and research based, yet written in a personal and mindful way, so feels highly relatable and inclusive. Both soothing and uplifting, it would make a wonderful gift.

[Griflet · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars. Fluff.

[Luke Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an aesthetically wonderful collection of chapters covering a range of interlinking topics that can help you feel more grounded and in touch with yourself and the natural world around you. A mixture of the authors personal experience as a therapist, activities and ideas to help you engage with nature, and subtle academic referencing leads to a beautiful read with a fine balance that it is clear the author has worked hard to achieve. This is all overplayed on some remarkably beautiful nature photography that makes you want to take your time reading.

I read all but the final chapter of this book outdoors in nature and I would recommend it highly. Take your time, emerse yourself in the pages and the area around you, it's wonderful.

[Gem ~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's just something about this book that I truly love. I'm not sure if it's the timing, the way it speaks or the beautiful photography, probably all 3, as this book connected with me on a deep level and it's one I'll keep picking up to reread I'm certain.
There are different chapters that relate to the different ways we can connect with nature and improve wellness in a way that is accessible. There's personal experiences interspersed with clinical studies and research, and the roots of philosophies about this including yoga, Ayurveda etc and each chapter has practical exercises you can try to introduce more connect.
A really fantastic read that would make a lovely gift

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book so much. It feels like it has in some small way opened something up within me that has been closed off for a long time; I am very thankful to Ruth for writing such a healing and transformative guide to connecting with nature! I found the section on making meaning toward the end of the chapter on mystery particularly impactful.
I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to read about nature or mindfulness, develop a deeper connection with nature and the world or just read a beautiful book!

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book both aesthetically and in the topics it covers. It is a wonderful compilation of how to feel more grounded in the natural world. I liked the mixture of Ruth Allen’s personal stories, experiences as a therapist, practical examples and ideas, and research references. I’m biased in my thorough enjoyment of this book since it is so similar to my own TEDx talk on Nature Therapy. My favorite line was: “Awe is the way the universe makes itself known to us.”

[TjapkeVQ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inhoudelijk interessant, maar de opbouw heeft me (ondanks de mooie lay-out en foto's) enorm gestoord. Er worden in de Nederlandse versie bijvoorbeeld bladzijden met oefeningen tussen een doorlopende tekst gevoegd waarbij je midden in een zin eindigt, om dan na het lezen van de oefening opnieuw midden in de zin te starten. Waarom?

[Shontelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This fell pretty flat with me, as someone who also studied Geology, works in environmental science, grew up on a farm, and enjoys the outdoors... it was all very basic and well known information to me. But with that self help touch of woowoo. That was my mistake though, if I had realised it would be more self help and less science, I would not have picked it up.

[Kath Wilusz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This psychotherapist has done a marvellous job introducing new ways ( or old to remind us) of Being in Nature and how it all benefits ourselves and interdependent relationships in life. Near end, believe she gets a little preachy, but usually presents her ideas, thoughts and exercises in a beautiful open manner! Highly recommend and probably will listen to again in the future.

[Colin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully presented book, you could spend hours just staring at the photographs alone, the book is very grounded in science with many references to scientific researc. I did find some of the text a bit esoteric and difficult to follow

[Farailde · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Elk levend wezen laat een spoor achter'. Mooi boek, met mooie zinnen, mooie inzichten en mooie foto's.

[Ita · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short audiobook of less than 4 hours, quite enjoyable and it made me take more notice of all the beautiful things in nature.

[Julie-Anne Borgias · Rating 3 out of 5]

peaceful read

[Andrew Westle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book came up on my BorrowBox at just the right time. I picked it up over the Christmas break, feeling burnt out, disconnected, and tired. The writing reminded me to find beauty in the small things and to see nature not as a distant concept but as something accessible and all around, the beauty that exists in the blade of grass or water droplet

For those familiar with nature’s healing power, there’s nothing especially groundbreaking here, but it’s a thoughtful and intelligent reminder of what we often take for granted. This wasn’t quite the book I expected, but its mix of insight and practicality left me with a renewed appreciation for the world around me. A timely and grounding read.

[Claire Milne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book with beautiful words and equally beautiful pictures. It took me a while to read it all and I am not sure why. It is possibly because my head is more with fiction books at present, or perhaps because I am lucky to be feeling very grounded within myself at the moment so did not feel a desperate urge to devour it all in one sitting. That said there was still a lot of wisdom I took from this book and it is one I will certainly be dipping into many many times. And perhaps that's where the strength of this book lies, in it's ability to be picked up when there is a feeling of disconnect and to offer up some guidance.

Update: I re-read this book slowly after a difficult year and a half and took notes as I read. It connected with me even more on this reading and I am looking forward to my pre-ordered copy of Ruth's new book.