Reconnecting with nature has been called one of the most restorative experiences a person can have. There’s something so comforting, so calming, about immersing yourself in the natural world. Nature’s nurturing has so much to offer – clean air, majestic views, and a sense of wellbeing that can’t be replaced by anything else. In this article, we’ll explore nature’s nurturing and how it can help us reconnect to our true selves.
1. Soaking In Nature’s Nurturing
Spending time in nature can be one of the best things we can do for our physical and mental health. With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can be difficult to take a few steps back in the great outdoors and reconnect with ourselves.
Nothing quite compares to the awe-inspiring magnificence of nature, and getting out into the elements is a treat everyone should experience. With that being said, here are a few wonderful ways to soak in nature’s nurturing:
- Go for a Walk: Whether you are out and about in the countryside, strolling through a wooded landscape, or enjoying a walk around a nearby lake, there is plenty to soak in around you. You can listen to birdsong and take in the fresh air of nature. This can help to reduce stress hormones and boost endorphins, enabling you to take a few moments to just be.
- Picnic in the Park: Few settings are quite so picturesque and calming as a park, and setting up a picnic blanket and spot for lunch can be a delightful experience. Sitting back, taking in the scenery and people-watching can leave you feeling peaceful and inspired. Next time the sun comes out, why not pack a picnic and enjoy the day?
- Be in the Moment: Nature is full of its own vibrant energy, and being able to pause and take it all in can be incredibly powerful. Whether it is taking a few minutes to simply breathe and reflect outdoors, or relishing in the awe and beauty of a natural masterpiece, select moments to truly connect with yourself and nature.
- Go Wild Swimming: If you are feeling brave enough to take a dip, wild swimming can be a magnificent experience! Nothing quite compares to the feeling of swimming in the great outdoors – few senses can match the thrill that cold water gives. Though definitely an acquired taste, the moments gained by this activity, are unrivalled in esteem.
The power of the outdoors should never be underestimated. Nature can bring many wonderful and positive aspects to our lives. Soaking up its greatness and restoring balance to our lives is something each of us can benefit from.
2. Rediscovering The Healing Process
In the face of life’s struggles, it can be difficult to remember that we have the power to heal ourselves. When caught up in the mire of negativity, it can be tough to take the time to listen to the inner workings of our heart, mind, and body. But, by reconnecting with our truest selves, we can learn to take back our power and shift our lives for the better.
Ground Yourself
- Start your journey by becoming grounded. This practice helps to keep you aware of your presence in the moment.
- Begin by immersing yourself in your breath — take slow, deep breaths, and focus on how each breath feels as it travels through your body.
- Once you feel settled, slowly scan your body and notice how you feel in each area. To deepen the practice, gently bring awareness to sensations you find along the way.
Reconnect with Nature
- Spend time outdoors and take a moment to simply observe. Notice how the leaves blow in the wind, the sound of a passing bird, and the warmth of the sun.
- Draw on the healing power of nature — it can help to reduce stress, shift emotions, and connect us to something greater than ourselves.
- Though it may seem small, this practice can help you to remember the beautiful potential within us all.
Focus on Loved Ones
- Think of those who have guided and supported you throughout your journey. Recall the memories they helped create and the times you shared.
- Remember the moments when you felt safe and secure in the presence of your loved ones. Acknowledge how they have had a lasting impact on your life.
- Using this practice helps us to recognize our ability to pour love into those around us. In turn, it invokes a renewed faith in the process of healing from within.
can be a liberating and transformative experience. By becoming mindful of our thoughts, emotions, and environment, we can open our hearts to the understanding of our own resiliency and strength.
3. Reaping The Benefits Of Nature’s Gifts
- Natural Remedies for Healing
Nature offers us an endless supply of medicinal remedies to promote healing and wellbeing. From tree bark to plant compounds, natural treatments can help reduce inflammation, speed recovery time, and reduce pain. Herbs can reduce stress and act as anti-bacterial agents, while certain oils are beneficial for providing relaxation. Some home remedies even involve just eating certain fruits or vegetables, like papaya for upset stomachs or ginger for headaches. - Exercise in the Open Air
Exercising outside, also known as green exercise, has been found to have multiple benefits. One such benefit is that outdoor exercise increases endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good hormones, which promote mental and physical wellbeing. Another benefit is that green exercise can improve productivity levels, as well as help with creativity. Taking a stroll through the park or a run on a forest trail can help re-energize you and provide for a change of scenery, making it easier to stay focused and maintain productivity. - Enjoying Nature’s Beauty
The great outdoors is full of captivating beauty – exploring it can help bring a sense of tranquility, awe, and a deeper connection with nature. This connection has been found to be associated with improved physical health, increased happiness, decreased anxiety levels, and an increased sense of self-awareness. Additionally, engaging with nature can also help increase concentration levels and inspire both creative and logical thought. - Time for Reflection
Spending time in nature allows for a chance to reflect on yourself and your life. It can be a great opportunity to practice mindfulness and recognize where you are in your journey. Notice how you feel when you’re in the presence of natural elements and slowly become aware of any sensations like the sound of birds chirping in the background or a gentle breeze against your skin. Allow yourself to be still and observe what comes up for you. - Connecting with Others
Heading outdoors can also be a great way to foster connection with others. Why not gather around a campfire with friends or family and enjoy each other’s company or take a hike and get to know someone better. This can be a great opportunity to talk, share, and explore the world around you. It is also a great way to help create and strengthen relationships.
4. Connecting With The Natural Restoration
The natural world is constantly restoring itself to provide us with a beautiful and chaotic landscape. To better connect with the natural restoration, it’s important to take the time to observe the transformations that are continuously occurring in nature.
We can begin to connect with the natural restoration by noticing how seemingly small changes can have a ripple effect on the bigger picture. For example, when the ocean tides are low, organisms living in the shallows are subject to different conditions that can drastically change their behaviour and movements. This simple shift can reverberate across other species in the ecosystem.
Another way to connect with the natural restoration is by looking through the lens of the seasons. Nature has a way of drastically transforming with the change of each season, whether it’s the way trees swell in the summer or their ominous silhouettes in the winter. We can observe the beauty of this cycle of restoration by taking notice of such events.
Certain places are also important landmarks for recognizing the power of the natural restorative process. Places like national parks or nature reserves are ideal for appreciating the force of revival. We can witness the success of conservation efforts in these specially protected areas and better comprehend the value of the natural restorative process.
Furthermore, we can adopt a mindful attitude when it comes to our everyday actions. What we do and the way we interact with nature can have an impact on its restoration.
- We can help reduce our waste and emissions to nourish a thriving environment.
- We can responsibly pick up rubbish and debris that can interrupt the flow of a landscape.
- We can be mindful of our noise level when out in nature where other species may be easily disturbed.
In doing so, we can be more aware of our responsibility in maintaining a healthy environment, and in turn, connect to the natural restorative process.
Nature’s ability to nurture is of great importance to us. It contributes to our physical and mental wellbeing, and its effects are felt far and wide. Now more than ever, it is essential for us to nurture and preserve the nature around us, so that we can continue to be nourished for generations to come.
