Reconnect and Become one with Nature

Ugh! Not another “tree hugger” article, please! No, this is not what it is about, although literally hugging a tree may be highly recommended for this kind of becoming one with nature and reconnecting. What I mean when I say “Reconnect and Become one with Nature”, is to simply be in nature, breathe it in and just, BE.

Have you ever been told to “get some fresh air and calm down”? That is because fresh air literally calms you down and grounds you. Just like those seemingly small but impactful memories where you would dig your toes into the ground or mud as a child and just feel it balance you. That is the power of nature. The smell of oncoming rain and the aromas after the storm, small things of nature that we all appreciate and long for. So, casting all those memories and sensations aside, what can nature actually do for you?

Nature is healing

It is no secret at all that nature possesses healing properties. These healing properties are not confined to just the physical parts of nature like plants, but also in experiences of nature. The sensations offered by nature. By just being exposed to nature, feeling some sun on your face or standing barefoot on grass, can significantly reduce stress and tension you may have been harbouring. Nature alters our emotions and makes us feel better almost instantly, makes sense why the doctor might prescribe some time in nature right? You can even implement this little nature experience by having a plant close to you, plants are extremely grounding, especially if you go in-depth on what certain plants have to offer.

Nature is restorative, physically, mentally and spiritually

Being in nature, even just for a couple of minutes, can have such a positive and significant impact on your mood, attention span, and mental state. Nature can restore almost anything, to the point where it makes you feel lighter and more grounded. The restorative ability of nature stems from the fact that we essentially come from nature, and it just makes sense to connect with mother nature for some TLC, only she knows exactly what we need, after all. Being in nature impacts the way we operate, look at it as a hardware reset that helps the system operate better and the way it should. For the soul, nature acts as a guide, a compass if you will. When you become closer to nature; no matter what your spiritual inclination or religion, you will feel more steadfast and grounded in what you believe and how you view things. The power of nature really goes beyond our understanding.

Nature helps you to reconnect

Taking time off or away from a screen, and even from people, to be in nature helps us to connect with ourselves. You will be surprised at what you can learn about yourself if you dedicate time to being in nature and reconnecting. Connect with the sounds around you, the scents, how your natural surroundings make you feel; the wind, the sun, the grass under the soles of your feet. By connecting with all these sensations, you will find that you enter some sort of meditative state, as nature lulls you into an awareness of – and connection with it, and yourself.

Nature makes us FEEL

When we connect with nature more often, we start to feel more. Emotions like empathy towards others can be awakened or strengthened, we may start to feel more compassionate and even love for the people in our lives that we hold dear. We become more inclined to gratitude and awe, which we can take with us through everyday life; practising gratitude daily or by appreciating each day on a deeper level. All of these feelings and emotions can be heightened by simply being in nature and intentionally connecting in order to feel.

What can we take away from this?

The fact is, nature is good for you, for your health – mental and physical- and literally holds the power to transform you and help you grow. There is a profound switch that gets activated deep within us when we connect with nature and it should be encouraged as it promotes and sustains our wellness journey.

How do I start connecting with nature?

Buy a house plant! Cacti and succulents are extremely hardy plants (if you are scared of killing off a green friend these are the go-to plants!) As long as you get some greenery close to you.

Make time to take in some fresh air during the day, it helps the blood flow and gives the brain a bit of a break.

Stand on grass barefoot, connect with the ground and focus on how your feet feel where it touches the ground.

Get some vitamin D! Not tan, but get healthy sun on your body for a couple of minutes each day and notice the glow of joy!

Go for a walk in a forest or garden, pack a picnic basket and enjoy the sounds of nature with a loved one for a double whammy connection!

Take your dog for a stroll and take in your surroundings and the sounds, scents and sensations. Bonus, you have bonding time with your best friend!

Just sit outside and close your eyes, feel the sun and the breeze, listen to the birds and movements of life. Soak up all that nature has to offer.

References

Green Kristophe, K. D., 2017. What Happens When We Reconnect with Nature. [Online]
Available at: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/what_happens_when_we_reconnect_with_nature
[Accessed 7 December 2020].

Larson, J. & Keitzer, M. J., n.d. How Does Nature Impact Our Wellbeing?. [Online]
Available at: https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/how-does-nature-impact-our-wellbeing#:~:text=Being%20in%20nature%2C%20or%20even,the%20production%20of%20stress%20hormones.
[Accessed 7 December 2020].