How to connect with nature
Ever since mankind has existed, we have sought comfort in nature. In the last century, we began losing our connection.
Ever since mankind has existed, we have sought comfort in nature. Only in the last century, have we begun losing our connection because of urbanization, faster working environments, and improving technologies.
Nature is still out there and always present for us, to bring us happiness and joy. Today I would like to write a post about how to connect to nature, as a gentle reminder also towards myself. I sometimes have the habit to get so caught up in my work, that I tend to forget my very own nature. You see, we long for the connection with nature, especially when stressed. But as we try to find nature outside of ourselves, so should we look inside as well.
Nature is within
It is easy to forget nowadays that our very own bodies are part of nature as well. Nature is always among us. If we look deeply enough you can even see the sunshine, the trees, the rain, and even the universe in our bodies.
- Wake up and smile
Every day we get 24 brand new hours to live life. This is a precious gift. How better to start your day than with a smile. You don’t have to be happy to smile, you can also smile to make you happy (that’s a scientific fact). - Adjust to the rhythm of the body
This is something I have learned to do during my time in a monastery. It is easy to exhaust yourself during the day if you don’t tune in to the own rhythm of your body. Try to sense when your body is feeling tired and if it needs rest or just you to move a bit slower. When you feel the need to move slower, you’ll make whatever you’re doing a bit easier on yourself. Eventually, you’ll feel rested. - Remember to breathe deeply
When we are very invested in our daily activities, our bodies tend to get a bit tense. That is when our breath becomes shallow. When you notice this, try to breathe slowly and deeply. Even if it is just for a couple of inhales and exhales. You’ll feel better instantly.
The trees, the clouds, and the rain
As we are part of nature, nature is also outside of ourselves. I sometimes compare connecting to nature the same as making a new friend. You wouldn’t expect to know a human being after only spending 5 minutes with them… and the same is true of nature! Here are some tips when taking a hike to remind yourself of your connection with nature.
- Touching the earth
A ‘big’ secret to feeling in touch with the natural world is to touch the earth given to you. Get your hands a bit dirty and touch the soil, the leaves, and perhaps even an apricot or two. This is something you can always do and practice and gives you much joy. When hiking, try to keep something or the natural world in your hands. May it be a small stone or even a chestnut. - Enjoy sitting
You don’t have to follow your breath or sit in a formal meditation posture to enjoy sitting. You can just sit on the soil, outside, and watch the clouds, the birds, and the trees. Breathe in the fresh air through your nose. - Take a slow wander
In the monastery, we just walked for walking. There was no goal in walking. We were moving on a journey to nowhere, nothing to carry, to let it all go. I invite you to slowly wander outside. Don’t stress too much about the location. It is about how you engage with nature rather than where.
Finally
Remember to savor the expanded feeling of connection to your surroundings. I hope these tips will help you practice and deepen your connection with nature.
