Boat life, intentional living, and finding balance in a fast-paced world

Katrina Ridley is an advocate for community, intentional living, and breaking away from societal norms to connect more closely with nature - even in the heart of the city. Starting her journey as a dancer, Katrina always had a deep connection to movement and how it feels in the body. She was ‘living the dream,’ but it didn’t feel fulfilling. She decided to chase her real dreams, and started living the life she wanted in order to become the person she aspired to be.

It was after joining a retreat with Jenny at The Wild Times that she discovered her love for water, yoga, and nature. Making the decision to live on a boat in London transformed her perspective on consumption, community, and the way we engage with the natural world. Katrina shares how watching The Minimalists documentary sparked her realization of how little we truly need to be happy. Living on a boat made sustainability an everyday practice - being mindful of water, power, and seasonal changes, lighting a fire with intention, and noticing the rhythms of nature in a way city life often disconnects us from.

We dive into the idea of "opting in and out" of societal norms and the courage it takes to live differently in our fast-paced, achievement-driven world. We reflect on balancing being with doing - giving ourselves permission to slow down, embrace stillness, and create space for creativity. We share insights from The Artist’s Way, reminding us that inspiration doesn’t come from constant busyness, but from carving out room for reflection and play.

Community and connection are also at the heart of this conversation. Post-pandemic, many people have found themselves more isolated, with digital connection replacing real-life interaction. Jenny highlights the importance of surrounding ourselves with "expanders" - people who challenge and inspire us - and finding our people through shared passions rather than external validation.

Through insights from her personal journey, Katrina encourages us to rethink what is truly possible in our lives. She reminds us that we don’t need permission to reinvent ourselves, challenge societal conditioning, and step into the life we want.

Her one tip for connecting with nature? Be open to it - nature has no judgement. Don’t allow the narratives you have created about what you like and who you are define your relationship with nature - be open to what feels right.

• Living on a boat: minimalism, sustainability, and intentionality
• How nature influences daily life and the way we consume
• The challenge of existing in a capitalist, high-speed world
• Balancing "being" vs. "doing" and ignoring the societal "shoulds"
• The power of community and surrounding yourself with people who dream big
• Why real-life connection is more important than ever
• Giving yourself permission to reinvent and redefine your life

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Syd Howell is a passionate advocate for reconnecting people with nature, especially through the ancient art of tree climbing. As the founder of Social Tree Climbers, Syd combines play, communication and nature immersion to help individuals forge meaningful relationships with both trees and each other. Syd’s unique approach highlights the power of non-verbal communication, emphasising that 80% of what we communicate happens beyond words. He describes his work as “human WiFi,” bringing people together by teaching them to communicate not just with each other, but with nature itself.

In this episode, we discuss the philosophy behind Social Tree Climbers, and Syd shares how climbing trees can be a deeply spiritual experience. There’s something magical, even timeless, about being high up in the branches which allows you to lose track of time and reconnect with yourself. Syd recounts how climbing trees is not just a physical act, but a way to bring people into a space of mindfulness and connection.

Syd also talks about his personal journey into tree climbing, from learning the technical skills to the emotional and spiritual elements that keep him climbing. The experience of being in nature, particularly among ancient trees like those in California or the majestic beech trees of the New Forest, is not just about adventure; it’s about becoming part of an ecosystem that exists on a completely different timeframe than us. Syd believes that when we spend time in nature, we tap into a wisdom that trees hold - one that can’t be accessed through screens or technology.

From stories of the world's tallest tree, Hyperion, to moments like granola bars being delivered by drone, Syd reminds us that while not all trees are meant to be climbed, every tree offers an opportunity for connection. Whether it's through making beech gin or learning about the wood wide web - the underground mycelium network through which trees communicate - Syd believes that learning about nature helps us connect more deeply with ourselves and others.

This is an exploration of how to live in sync with nature, and how nature itself can teach us about patience, communication and connection. Syd shares his thoughts on why it’s more important than ever to reconnect with the natural world, and how trees can help us remember our common humanity. 

TOPICS COVERED

• The magic of Social Tree Climbers and the importance of play
• Non-verbal communication and connecting with trees
• The spiritual experience of being in nature
• Ancient trees, ecosystems and the wisdom of nature
• Techniques of tree climbing and Syd’s journey into it
• The wood wide web and the hidden communication between trees
• Why reconnecting with nature is crucial for our well-being
• Finding commonality and unity through nature
• Practical tips for those wanting to reconnect with the natural world

The Wild Times

https://www.thewildtimes.co/

https://www.youtube.com/@thewildtimesco 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-wild-times/ 

https://www.instagram.com/thewildtimesco/ 

Social Tree Climbers

https://www.socialtreeclimbers.co.uk/ 

https://www.instagram.com/socialtreeclimbers/ 

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