Nature: The Way To Get Back Home

Modern life, with its stresses, electronic connectivity and seemingly relentless pace makes all of us feel like we need to be doing more. The only problem with doing is that sometimes it gets in the way of being. With spring blooming all around, we are reminded of the one stimuli that constantly brings us back home & back to the present moment: Nature.

Most of us believe that growing up means we must exchange the natural explorations of childhood for the pursuits of adulthood, such as working and setting up our own homes, as our parents did. However, exploring and appreciating the natural environment is a wonderful way to combat stress and anxiety and connect us to the world we live in. Time in nature actually helps us to handle the stress of modern life more effectively.

There is indeed irony in the fact that we have to learn all over again how to enjoy those things that children seem to have such a spontaneous relationship with: dirt, grass, dandelions, cats and dogs. So, it seems, that to heal the child within, we must return to the garden.
-Dr. Maria Jaoudi

Learning to appreciate nature is a necessary step in improving our  Environmental
Wellness and our Emotional Wellness. In both large cities and smaller towns, experiences with nature are readily available, although we might have to do a little looking. This facet of Environmental Wellness doesn’t mean we have to flee to a pristine countryside in the middle of nowhere, but we certainly can if we choose!

The following are just some reminders of how to pencil time with nature into your busy schedule. It is time to shed the cloak of winter hibernation and feel the wonderful electricity of spring. Here are five ways to get back to the present moment through nature:

-Go for a walk. One of the easiest and best ways to reconnect with nature is to go for walks in your neighborhood. Simply walk to a local store, or just go for a walk with no destination our route in mind. You’ll find yourself noticing things you normally wouldn’t from the inside of a car. Pay attention to the sights, sounds and smells around you. Is it windy, warm, chilly, sunny or overcast? Do you hear birds, dogs, children, cars, lawnmowers or frogs? Tune in to your surroundings and allow yourself to experience what is happening in the moment.

-Have lunch in a local park. Spend some time in a park or outdoor recreational facility. Take a picnic and a friend, or just brown-bag it one day on your lunch break from work. You can take a book and lounge under a tree, reading, or you can simply lie on the ground and stare up at the clouds. The activity you choose isn’t important. Just find something you already like to do, and do it outdoors.

-Take care of it. Another way of appreciating nature is having reverence for it. Don’t litter. If you’re out on a walk and you see a Styrofoam cup or paper bag, pick it up and toss it away. In fact, why not carry a small plastic bag in your pocket when you’re out for a stroll, just in case? You’ll feel good knowing you’re helping to keep your neighborhood clean, and you’ll probably end up setting an example for others in the area. There’s no need to be excessively vigilant about this, but every little bit helps.

-Go to the zoo. If you live in a big city, wilderness areas can be hard to come by. While it might not seem like the most “natural” environment to explore, visiting your local zoo, whether by yourself, with a friend or with your kids, is an excellent way to leave the monotony of daily life behind and appreciate the lush habitats and majestic creatures you can’t find in the middle of town. A visit to the zoo can take your head right out of your normal routine and focus you on the bigger picture of the world around you.

-Nature at home. Gardening, planting flowers and filling your home with plants is an easy way to commune with nature. Nature is made up of all living things, including us, so having plants and animals in your home will bring that outdoor feeling inside. Another way to bring nature home is to buy all-natural, eco-friendly organic foods and products. Add some raw fruits and vegetables to your diet, and focus on purchasing cosmetic, skin care and housecleaning products that are good for the environment as well as your health. This will help you feel that your home is in tune with nature and full of life.

These tips are also helpful if you are new in town, or if you are looking for ways to connect with the present moment. An appreciation for nature simply means that we respect, protect and enjoy nature to the best of our ability. Because we are all a part of nature, we gain strength and peace from engaging with the natural environment. It is a part of us, and we are a part of it. That interconnection is the definition of life.

Author’s Bio:

Jessica Rhodes is a certified wellness advisor for the 123 Feel Better Company. The 123 Feel Better® Life Change System™ is a wellness program designed to help individuals reach their wellness goals and live fuller, more complete lives. 123 Feel Better is based on the 7 Aspects of Wellness™ model. Learn how to make real changes in the areas of Emotional, Physical, Spiritual, Environmental, Occupational, Social, and Intellectual Wellness to create a balanced life with 123 Feel Better and our free wellness resources at 123 Feel Better.