Experiencing Harmonious Coexistence with Nature's Cycles
Sep 15, 2019 | Nature and Seasons
Maddy Lawson, a coach for creative women and co-founder of The Wild Academy, finds solace in nature and the changing seasons. In this candid interview, she discusses the importance of nature in her coaching practice and the benefits of slow living.
Based in Banbury, Oxfordshire, Maddy helps creative women find their purpose and pursue different, more meaningful paths in life. She provides support and guidance to those who seek to escape the traditional nine-to-five office life.
"I help people figure out what they want to do or develop ideas they already have," explains Maddy. "I encourage them to take a holistic view of work and life, as the two are inseparable when one's passion is involved."
Nature-inspired venture, The Wild Academy, brings together a membership community, courses, and seasonal gatherings. With Fiona Barrows and co-founder Eleanor from Creative Countryside, they create an atmosphere of community and shared experiences.
Maddy believes that nature is essential for mental, physical, and emotional well-being. During difficult times in her own career, long walks and mindful observation of the seasons helped her find peace and healing.
"I found that focusing on the season and changes I could see around me helped a lot in calming my mind," Maddy says. "It allowed me to focus less on my worries."
Nature has always been a part of Maddy's life, having grown up with an outdoorsy father who introduced her to mountain hikes, climbing, and bike trips. She finds comfort in nature, viewing it as a friend that provides solace during tough times.
The cycle of the seasons, with its predictability and constant change, offers reassurance to Maddy. She sees patterns and metaphors in the transitions between seasons, reflecting growth and change, which aligns well with her coaching ideals.
Slow living, according to Maddy, doesn't mean life should be slow or perfectionism that requires a particular aesthetic. It's about finding one's own pace and choosing what's right for oneself. The concept emphasizes mindfulness, simplicity, and intentional choices in various aspects of life, such as food, clothing, and home.
"Slow living acknowledges that there are alternative options to the traditional fast-paced life," Maddy explains. "It encourages individuals to take time to think, assess, and make considered choices regarding their lives."
Slow living is an integral part of Maddy's personal and professional life, evident in her choices regarding food, home, and community. She chooses to shop at farm shops, eat seasonal produce, wear handmade clothing, and take time to choose furniture that suits her aesthetic.
The Wild Academy places great importance on community, as Maddy believes humans aren't meant to live alone. With social media, Maddy found a community of like-minded individuals, fostering connections and friendships that provide a sense of belonging.
In her unique approach to coaching, seasonal ideas impact various aspects of Maddy's life, creating a meaningful and purposeful existence.
- Maddy Lawson, a coach for creative women, advocates for the benefits of slow living, emphasizing mindfulness, simplicity, and intentional choices in various aspects of life, such as home, food, and clothing.
- Small businesses like The Wild Academy, co-founded by Maddy, promote community and shared experiences, fostering relationships and a sense of belonging among their members through courses, seasonal gatherings, and a membership community.
- As a finance-savvy individual, Maddy supports local businesses, shopping at farm shops and selecting seasonal produce to support local small-businesses in the home-and-garden sector, reflecting her commitment to money management and sustainable living.
