Mindful Monday: The Turtle Principle

I think I am one of those ‘odd’ people and do not ‘scroll’ very much. I must admit, I do like a bit of Pinterest for inspiration and ideas. This week, the wisdom of the sea turtle stood out to me and reminded me of so many beautiful things when working in rural and remote areas.

In many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, particularly among coastal communities, the turtle (or bungaroo, from Girringun country) holds great significance. Although the stories differ across different lands, the turtle often symbolises wisdom, longevity, protection and connection. The turtle moves slowly and steadily, on land and in the sea. It carries its home, and the female returns to her birthplace to lay her eggs. It survives tides, currents, and anything else Mother Nature throws at it.

The Turtle Principle is basically about ‘slow and steady wins the race’. Keeping our nervous system in our ‘calm/safety zone’.Often, our workdays can be hectic. Workforce shortages, professional isolation, and the challenge of navigating systems that do not always make sense to us. And then we face other challenges that Mother Nature presents, such as floods, cyclones, droughts, and fires. It can be really difficult to remain turtle-like in these environments.

So, what can the Turtle Principle teach us?

Sometimes you have to dig yourself out of a hole you didn’t dig: It is common to feel responsible for having to ‘fix’ a system you work in. But (and yes, there is a ‘but’) it is a system, and you are one person. When we are connected with others, we are not alone. We can pace ourselves, use supervision, peer networks, rural workforce agencies, and supports such as the Bush Support Line. Recognise moral distress for what it is and look after yourself while you do the work. You did not dig the hole; you are just trying to do what you can to stabilise the ground.

Make time for the beach: This applies even if you do not live near the coast. Beach might mean an ocean swim in Broome (when the stingers or crocodiles are not around), or it could mean sitting beside a river, walking along a dirt track, carefully watering some plants, or watching the rain fall. Research shows that spending time in natural environments helps regulate our nervous system back into a calm state, restoring a sense of safety. The beach and nature are places that allow our bodies to relax.

Slow down: Turtles cross oceans, swimming thousands of kilometres, over months. They do not sprint. Notice when you are ‘sprinting’; talking fast, shallow breathing or having a sense of urgency to respond to all emails. Slowing down is about protecting your energy so you can get to the end of your day, week, year, and career.

Be comfortable in your own shell: Your shell is your ethics, values, your training and boundaries. It is your identity, not just in your profession but also in your personal life. When at work, we have to adhere to our professional ethics. However, to be comfortable within ourselves, we also need to adhere to our own boundaries. It might mean saying no to an extra shift because you are tired, turning off the computer and walking out the door when your workday has ended, or allowing yourself to turn off from your workday and be a parent, partner, friend, creator or just a person.

Age gracefully: Staying well, both physically and mentally, is something you have a level of control over. Adjust your workload as the seasons change, mentor new staff to take on some of your workload, and prioritise your health appointments. Reach out for support when you need, tweak life along the way, and lead by example.

Life is better with a good friend: As humans, we are not meant to be alone. We know that isolation is a risk factor for burnout, and protective factors include connection, humour, and shared experiences. Who is your good mate, the one you can download to and have a laugh with? How often do you check in with them? Try to keep this regular, whether by calls, SMS, or via your social media platforms.

Enjoy the views: There is nothing that I love more than rural and remote Australia. We have everything in one country, from red dirt (or white dirt in Coober Pedy) to amazing beaches, tropical forests, snowfields, and waterfalls. Being present and practicing gratitude helps our nervous system register a sense of safety.

Keep moving forward: Turtles navigate their journeys using instinct, the magnetic field, and memory. Our professional journey can also require navigating long, winding channels with policy reviews, funding cuts, and service restructures. Keep moving forward, slow and steady, aligning with your values. Continue learning, seek regular supervision, and rest when you need to.

This week, check in with yourself and notice if there is one turtle move you could bring back into your day. Life is not a race. You just need to travel well, safely, and enjoy the journey.

Stay brave, curious, and kind,

MC Mandile (she/her)
Senior Psychologist, Mental Health & Wellbeing Service