Shining Light: Courtney McIntosh’s Connection with Nature

Sydney-based Courtney McIntosh is one of our favourite people. She’s the founder of THE INARRA: ‘a premium shopping and lifestyle destination designed to support mothers and mothers-to-be’ https://theinarra.com/.

Importantly, Courtney is someone who also totally understands that with all the people we get to be as women—e.g. mothers, breadwinners, householders, carers, lovers—we are eminently deserving of support and access to quality choices as we go through life. Inarra means ‘shining light,’ and so often, this is exactly what women are—in our homes, families and communities—even if we’re the last to realise how brightly we glow. Enterprises created by and for womanhood, like THE INARRA, are where that light gets reflected back to us, and we are seen.

Koala Eco recently connected with Courtney to ask about her relationship with nature.

What’s your favorite thing to do in nature? 

Taking walks along the beach, especially at sunrise. This doesn't happen very often as I have two little boys who I need to get breakfast and make school lunch boxes for each morning, however whenever I get the chance I love the sound of the waves, the fresh ocean air and the feeling of being barefoot in the sand. It always leaves me feeling rejuvenated and centred.

Describe your connection to nature: what positives does it bring to your life? 

It brings a sense of calm and balance to my life. Nature is a place where I can disconnect from the noise of daily responsibilities and reconnect with myself. The beauty and unpredictability of the natural world remind me to be present, patient, and to appreciate the simple things in life. It's also a source of creativity and inspiration for me. It also hugely helps me to be more present with my children and ease any worries.

What are your fondest memories of spending time in nature? 

I grew up in a country town a few hours from Sydney so I remember always being out at my aunty’s and uncle’s farm, running around with my cousins at Christmas time and feeding all the baby animals in spring. More recently with my family, I have such beautiful memories of summer days at the beach with my kids, snorkelling in the beautiful ocean in Fiji, feeding fish in the ocean on Lord Howe Island and exploring the mountains of Japan in winter time. 

Many of us are time-poor and might not get out into nature as much as we’d like. Any suggestions for a quick nature-based pick-me-up? Something sensory, experiential…? 

Even if you're short on time, stepping outside for a few minutes can make a difference. I love to stand barefoot on the grass and just breathe. Another quick pick-me-up is to close your eyes and listen to the sounds around you: whether it’s birds, cars, people, or the rustling of leaves. These small sensory experiences can instantly ground you and bring a small touch of nature into your day.

Is there a ritual or custom you have to bring nature into your home? 

I always love to have fresh flowers in our home. They bring life, colour, and a subtle fragrance that instantly lifts the mood of any space. We are currently renovating our home and my husband and I have opted to incorporate natural elements like stones and wooden accents in our decor to maintain that connection to the earth. The rustic feel of nature adds such a lovely touch. 

What is your favorite natural scent, and why? 

My favourite natural scent is the gardenia flower. There's something so captivating about its rich, creamy fragrance that feels both elegant and comforting. Gardenias remind me of warm summer evenings, and their scent has a timeless quality that brings nostalgia and peace. It's a scent that I find grounding and makes me smile. 

Can you describe an experience when you’ve been made to feel fully in awe—and perhaps even uncomfortably—aware of the power of nature? 

One experience that truly made me feel in awe of nature's power was when I learned to ski for the first time in Japan earlier this year. Standing at the top of a snowy mountain, surrounded by endless white peaks, the magnitude and beauty of the landscape is quite confronting. The freezing cold, the wind whipping through the snow, and the challenge of navigating the terrain made me so aware of nature's power. It was both exhilarating and humbling: a reminder of how much we can be pushed out of our comfort zones when faced with the raw forces of the natural world.

Is there a sound in nature that you believe everyone should hear at least once in their lifetime? 

Keeping on theme with snow, the silence that accompanies a snowfall is truly special. It's a soft, almost palpable quiet that blankets everything, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. Experiencing this stillness is a moment of pure tranquillity.