When you focus with soul eyes, / You will see home in many, many places.”
Clarissa Pinkola Estes
Fear. Anxiety. Isolation. Cabin fever. Are you feeling all the negative emotions all the time, finding it almost impossible to escape?
You’re not alone.
There’s an overwhelming wave of difficulty and uncertainty hitting close to home for people everywhere, as we practice social distancing in the face of a global pandemic that has stripped away any sense of normalcy we thought we had.
Times are scary, I know (understatement of the year). So much is unknown, and it is easy to feel helpless and overwhelmed when the world has seemingly changed overnight. But there are still some aspects of life that are within our individual control, and it is more important than ever that we turn to them to get through this.
Although we need to self-quarantine at home, we don’t have to stay inside all the time, nor should we. If we look closely, we can see this as a golden opportunity to dive deeper and reconnect with another home – the great outdoors.
There are many wonderful ways to bring nature into your space for little or no cost; you can also just step outside for some fresh air and quality time with Mama Earth. I truly believe we all need to do this right now for our mental health, as part of the coping and healing process. It also serves as a great distraction and temporary retreat from everything going on right now.
Here are a few easy rituals that I recommend to help you find comfort, communion, and oneness with nature whenever you may need it.
Grow something
Okay, yes, at this point millennials’ obsession with plants has become a played out cliche. But there is some wisdom behind the stereotype – research suggests that indoor plants have a positive impact on our overall wellbeing and productivity. Who can deny the fact that just having some greenery around the house can boost your mood and brighten your day?
I am a firm believer that even if you weren’t born with a green thumb, you can always learn. Whether you’re a beginner or already familiar with the plant world and looking to branch out…if you want to dabble in houseplants (my personal favorite) and flowers, grow your own kitchen herbs and microgreens, or start a veggie garden one small crop at a time…the options are endless!
Aside from the obvious #aesthetic appeal, spending time in the garden or surrounded by greenery that you brought to life provides an instant connection to nature. The sense of pride that you feel from nourishing and sustaining the life of a plant is definitely worth the trial and error, so get growing!
Lift your face to the sun
This is so easy to do it’s almost laughable, but turning toward the sun’s rays is something most of us probably don’t do as often as we should. It’s also an easy way to get that sweet, sweet Vitamin D! I know whenever I take a few moments to pause and let the warm sunshine linger on my skin, even on a cold day, it settles my mood and gives me hope. This mini refresh feels even more glorious after you’ve been inside for long periods of time!
Listen and observe the flow of nature
Our lives in this “always on” era are so busy and stressful that, sadly, it is all too easy to overlook the expressions of nature happening all around us. There’s something to be said for taking a break from the modern world to sit outside (if the weather allows) and fully absorb the leisurely pace of the natural world.
As spring is starting, I love to listen to the birds chirp back and forth and to look for flowers in bloom or new buds on the trees! It could be something like the gradual changing of the leaves every fall, the peaceful stillness of early winter mornings when snow covers the ground, whatever makes you stop and pay attention. These things aren’t monumental, but they make a difference. Nature gives us precious gifts for every season, so be perceptive and indulge in them!
Use your sense of touch
Don’t get me wrong, serving as a silent observer of nature has its merits. But sometimes – especially on a perfectly warm, sunny day with a gentle breeze rustling the trees – it feels like the earth is calling out your name. So answer the call and join in!
Touch is one of my favorite ways to feel an immediate sense of kinship with the natural environment. If you haven’t heard of “earthing” or “grounding,” it’s exactly what it sounds like – activity that connects you to the earth. This could mean walking or running through the grass while barefoot, lying on the ground outside, placing your hand on a tree trunk, or any other form of safe direct contact with the elements.
The jury might be out on the scientifically proven benefits of earthing, but as with anything that gets you out in nature and helps you live in the present moment, there are strong benefits for your mental and emotional health. So the next time you’re outside (and assuming it hasn’t rained recently), kick off your shoes or sit in the grass for a few minutes and let the earth literally ground you.
Keep your eyes on the skies
Even on the days when you don’t have a ton of free time to go outside, there is always one thing you can do to remind yourself of nature’s beauty…look at the sky! I will be the first to admit that I am one of those people who takes this to an extreme level, stopping in my tracks wherever I am and loudly gasping every time there’s a vibrant sunrise or sunset. And especially when there’s a crescent or full moon in the evening. But the sky is just so beautiful that I can’t help my reaction!
The dramatic color gradients, the clear blue afternoons without a cloud to be seen (or better yet, a sky full of big fluffy clouds), the twinkling stars on an ink black night – these marvelous sights can make our ordinary existence seem a bit more extraordinary.
We are incredibly lucky to receive glimpses of the Universe’s magic on a daily basis. Mother Nature shows herself to us through a million tiny miracles; the least we can do is act intentionally to make sure we don’t overlook their beauty and wonder while life passes us by!
Our relationship with nature is always there, but it’s up to each of us to establish regular practices that cultivate and strengthen it. My hope is that these five suggestions inspire you to give that special earth connection some extra love. Take care of yourself.