"Breathe out a little longer than in, about 4 counts in and 6 counts out. Do that 3 times very slowly," Ingrid says. I close my eyes, breathe and feel the kayak rocking back and forth beneath me. The sound of birds in the background, the smell of outside in my nose. I am outside.
Together with fellow Honeyguide Marion, I visited De Buitenbasis. Owner Ingrid took us into nature. During a kayaking expedition on the Nieuwkoopse Plassen, we went on an adventure on the water. But we not only went on an expedition on the lakes but also an expedition within ourselves.
Breathe in and out slowly - Slow down with the water around you
After selecting our kayaks, we slide into the water one by one. Almost a magical moment: the transition from the mainland under my feet to the water below and around me makes me instantly quiet. This magic is enhanced by Ingrid's instructions to us: 'Take it easy, look around, smell and breathe'.
The Buitenbasis also takes me back to my own base for a while: slowing down with nothing but water, aquatic and riparian plants and all kinds of different birds around me. This is exactly what Ingrid indicates after she has us do a breathing exercise to slow down even more.
The mirrors of nature - Ingrid as an experienced kayaker
Through her kayaking experience, Ingrid has learned a lot about the mirrors nature gives us. About the speed of our lives and about looking small or big at the environment around us. Moreover, sitting in a kayak that moves half underwater and half on the surface of the water literally gives a new perspective on the environment in which we move.
The mission of Ingrid - Back to The Outpost
While paddling, we talk about the mission Ingrid has with De Buitenbasis. Bringing people back to their roots, letting them sail along to the rhythm of nature and making them aware of the mirrors nature holds up to them. How fast something grows, for example, or paddling against the current. Ingrid does this with both individuals and groups and also regularly takes parents with children.
Ingrid leads us through narrow creeks and open water. Meanwhile, we learn about the plants growing around us: water mint, cuckoo flowers and orchids, among others. Some are edible, others go in tea and still others are rare. What an abundance. We also peer regularly through binoculars and see a harrier flying to its nest, look for the many reed warblers and many purple herons flying over us.
Spreading the outdoor base - Slow down and grow
Ingrid's enthusiasm and passion for nature are contagious and before we know it, instead of the planned 3 hours, we are 4 hours down the road. Talk about delay. To stay in this momentum for now, Ingrid gives us another gift at the end of our kayaking session. A bag of flower seeds so that we take a little piece of outdoor base from her and think back to this lovely moment every time. We promised to send her a photo back as soon as the flowers are in bloom. And promised is promised!
Together with Marion, I eat lunch and then wave goodbye. We both get into our car completely relaxed. A round of kayaking, but in a way we both won't soon forget. Want to slow down on the water yourself? Then be sure to contact Ingrid via her website.
Love,
