As we come out of Spring here in Scotland, it is very noticeable to see the changes in our natural surroundings; the beauty of trees blossoming, as they stretch their branches out and upwards to the sky.

The flowers and plants contributing to the variety of colours which brighten up the concrete roads and walls of a typical semi-rural village.

As a Psychotherapist, I plan my typical Walk and Talk sessions with individuals in different locations around Eastern Scotland, where we will not be recognised, which protects the identity of my client. We are just two people going for a walk blending in with our surroundings.

Naturally, there are no people photographed when I do these individual sessions, however it gives you the reader a sense of how peaceful and natural the location is when therapy is in progress, which helps the overall experience. From experience over the last decade, the feedback I get suggests that the environment is part of the healing process.

We picked a sunny day, with a gentle breeze coming in from the Firth of Forth, and on a few occasions, we wished that there were public benches on our travels, so as to rest a while and admire the scenery. The sea air might have had an impact on us too, as we were not accustomed to this healthy oxygen and needed to go slower than usual.  I can see the attraction of moving out of the city to the coastal villages!

I am not too sure of the names of these trees and flowers, and for our purpose it was more about appreciating the natural beauty that grows around us rather than trying to identify the plants and trees by name. I think the only one I can say with certainty, is the Japanese Cherry Tree (pink blossom), as I remember we had one of these in our garden when I was a youngster.

Too often we take transportation from A to B, without stopping to look at life in the way of flowers, trees and our natural environment, all teeming with insects and birds which contribute to the cycle of life.

Thanks for sharing.

Steve