Im not sure if we are taught to fear the night and darkness or if it's something inherent in us. But it was not always this way, we evolved to adapt to night. Yet with our modern homes, electricity, street lights and hyper vigilance to danger we shun the night, avoid it and even fear it. This month I invite you to dance with the night, to befriend it. To go outside for a walk at night in the darkness. To step away from our lit homes, the comfort of indoors and enter into the welcoming, exhilarating blackness outside. I find it very calming to walk outside at night in a place I feel safe. A walk that takes us beyond the familiar and into the present in a way that is profound, it enlivens our senses.

And there is absolutely an element for me of mastering my mind. Of learning to understand what is real versus perceived and how I can control my fear responses when the bushes rustle. And to add to all this, it allows me to experience the land and nature in a different way. To see the shapes change, the colours soften, to feel the air cool.

In his book "Rewild" Nick Baker says the first step to better night vision is to starve your eyes of artificial light. Simply ride out the dusk and allow the light to fall from the day whilst you are outdoors, your eyes will adjust slowly. This is natural, it is what we evolved to do. To experience the night you have to give yourself a period to condition your eyes. Nick says it takes 45 mins for your eyes to adjust properly once the lights go out.

Many of us fear the night, a rustle in the trees, a shadow out of the corner of your eye, your heart pounding in your ears. The imagination takes hold, but really it's not the darkness we are afraid, it's what we imagine it might hide. It's understandable that we may be afraid of the dark - we aren't really built for it, we are visual creatures, we need light to make sense of our surroundings, we rely upon it. Without light we may feel vulnerable, sensory deprived, therefore the fear is perhaps understandable.

And yet I am going to encourage you to step out into the darkness, or at the least, twilight. To help ease through any fear or trepidation, it's best to start with somewhere familiar where you feel safe. I feel safe on my beach, where I know the outlines and curves of the dunes like the back of my hand. I feel safe on my land around my home, it's becoming more and more familiar to me as I walk in the darkness.

Why do I think its a good idea?! It's primal, it's natural and helps us reconnect to our wild selves. It's a great way to induce sleep, to unwind after a day and it's empower to take back what is our right.

I recommend going walking on a full moon, it gives alot of light and it's less daunting. It will also encourage you to know the moon cycle and where you stand in the calendar. Go on a calm night, no wild wind or unsettling breeze to help build your confidence. A quiet night allows you to use all your senses and retain a good sense of whereabouts and direction.

Walk where you can see the sky clearly, I find the forest a little disconcerting still so the beach offers that open space and expansiveness. And you can see the night sky and all its constellations in full view.

Learn to navigate so you don't get lost, landmarks, a familar route. GPS on your phone if you do get lost. And to carry a whistle is also a wise idea. I walk with my dogs, they make me feel very safe, but the downside is they disturb the silence and most likely any wildlife nearby. Pack a torch, in case you need it and tell someone where you're headed and when you'll be home by. Common sense is always a good thing!

Enjoy exploring the night!