Recently I have accepted a job that is very demanding. Just like hippies in the 80’s most of the flower children had to go to work and get a more stable job so did I. I have been caught up in the race of life for many years and when it gets overwhelming I have to go back to a simpler time and reconnect with my roots. Go back to nature to let her calm my spirit and to remind me that I am a part of something bigger than my job and that there is more to life than just a 9 to 5. In today’s post, I want to show you some of the ways I reconnect with nature in my downtime as well as when I don’t have time to really see her like I like to. If you’re interested in finding ways to connect to nature on a deeper level read on.
The Healing Power Of Nature
As mentioned on Mentalhealth.org nature can generate many positive emotions such as calmness, joy, and creativity, and can facilitate concentration. Nature connectedness is also associated with lower levels of poor mental health and particularly lower depression and anxiety.
Adding something as simple as a 15-minute walk in a park near you or adding greenery to your home can make us feel more relaxed and at peace. Simply having interactions with plants can trigger the release of serotonin which lifts mood, reduces anxiety, and can help with your overall depression.2
Connecting with Nature: Mind Body and Soul
One of my favorite ways of connecting with nature is through walking. Whether it’s with my dog or a friend on a hike simply being in her presence makes me feel as if I’m at home and gives me a greater sense of self.
Sitting down and watching birds during the day and looking up at the moon and stars at night can help you see the world in a new way, I know it does for me. Just sitting out on my patio on a cool summer night connects me in a different way.
The same happened when I went and began to tend to my household plants, something that was long overdue. Seeing the ones that survived without proper love and healing the ones that I neglected, also healed something within myself. It was like reconnecting with an old friend that I hadn’t seen in a while and the conversation just flowed naturally.
Mindfulness in the presence of nature
Walking while practicing mindfulness in nature is like a gentle awakening of the senses. It’s a profound and meditative experience where the rustling of leaves becomes a symphony, the scent of wildflowers a fragrant poem, and the feeling of the earth beneath your feet a grounding embrace. In these moments, distractions fade away, and the mind attunes itself to the subtle beauty and rhythms of the natural world. It’s a practice that encourages us to be fully present, to let go of worries about the past or future, and to savor the richness of the present moment. Through mindfulness in nature, we not only find inner peace but also forge a deeper connection with the earth, reminding us of our place within the intricate tapestry of life.
Nature is a profound teacher, offering invaluable lessons to those who pause to listen. It whispers patience through the slow growth of trees and the gentle unfolding of flowers, reminding us that great things take time. It imparts resilience, as we witness life’s ability to thrive amidst adversity, be it through a resilient plant pushing through concrete or a river carving its path through stone. Nature instills humility, as we recognize our smallness in the face of vast landscapes and the intricate ecosystems that sustain life. It teaches adaptability, showing us that change is constant and the ability to adjust is the key to survival. Most importantly, nature fosters a sense of interconnectedness, underscoring that we are not separate from the environment but an integral part of it. Ultimately, nature’s teachings extend beyond the external world; they guide us on a journey of self-discovery, offering profound insights into the human spirit and our place within the grand tapestry of existence.
In the gentle embrace of nature, as we reflect upon its wisdom and beauty, we find a sanctuary for our thoughts and a balm for our souls. It is in these moments of solitude and connection that we discover the power of stillness, the clarity of thought, and the rejuvenation of spirit. Nature, ever patient and accepting, becomes a mirror that reflects our innermost selves, inviting us to grow, heal, and find solace in the tranquil symphony of the natural world. So, as you embark on your own reflective journeys in nature, may you find serenity, insight, and an enduring connection to the boundless wonders of this remarkable Earth.
