It gives me great joy to introduce my dear friend Katie Wong of Radiant Aura as my next Nature Nurturers interviewee! If you’ve joined me on a Mindful Hiking Day you may have had the pleasure of meeting Katie in person as she regularly comes along as ‘support crew’. Among her many talents, Katie is a kinesiologist, reiki teacher and wellness facilitator. Katie works with clients on a one-on-one basis and also runs seminars and workshops for groups. Not only is Katie a gifted and insightful healer, she is also one of the kindest and most humble people I know. I hope you enjoy her thoughts about her relationship with the natural world!
Can you describe what it is you love most about nature and how it inspires you?
I find the energy that I draw from the natural world very healing and regenerating. I automatically slow down, take deeper breaths, open my eyes wider, and I move from being in my head to being in my heart.
I love that nature brings everything into perspective. So much becomes insignificant when you observe nature at play, whether it is a bee pollinating flowers or the stars million of light years away winking at us in the night sky.
Do you have a particularly special place or environment where you feel most at peace?
Growing up, I loved heading into the forest in the Dandenong ranges. I am not able to go there as often now. Instead, I love walking along the Yarra track just at my doorstep.
Can you tell us a little about how your love of nature informs your work, play or both?
When I feel stuck at work, taking a stroll in nature helps me gain clarity and direction. Many an idea have come while I am out in nature.
In the clinic, I love working with crystals, flower essences, essential oils and aura-soma pomanders. Vibrational healing tools stemming from mother nature are so powerful in supporting healing and wellbeing.
If you were planning your dream outdoor adventure where would you go and what would you do?
I have held a dream of visiting Kenya and Tanzania for over 20 years. I would love to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, followed by a safari into the Masai Mara, Great Rift Valley and then relaxing on the beaches in Zanzibar! Closer to home, I would love to revisit Central Australia and trek the Larapinta trail. There is something about deserts that is so alluring for me.
What concerns you most about the impact humans are having on the natural world?
I used to feel disheartened by the state of our world, but I have since learnt and understood that there is a greater force at play. While this doesn’t negate the consequences of our actions, I do believe that everything is as it is supposed to be.
Mother nature is inherently more intelligent than we can ever imagine. And it is far too arrogant of us to think that we have any control over it.
I also know that our outer world is a reflection of our collective inner world. And that is where the healing must begin. When we all show greater love and compassion to ourselves, we will naturally extend this same love and compassion to the people and environment around us. Unconditionally.
So I have chosen to step away from fear and worry, and focus on love and compassion. It is only through this that change can be created for humanity and the natural world.
What makes you feel most hopeful about humans’ relationship with the natural world?
I truly believe that the true essence of humankind is love, and as clichéd as it sounds, love is all we need.
To connect with Katie visit her website www.radiantaura.com.au and follow her on Instagram @radiant.aura and Facebook /katieatradiantaura.
