Nature Might Be One of the Biggest Shortcuts to Reconnecting With Yourself
…if you're not too busy to notice. Why the real gift of nature isn't the science, it's the feeling.
Sure, there's plenty of science that backs the idea that nature has healing properties for the human body. And while I still marvel at the research and statistics around this, I actually think nature offers us an even bigger gift:
The opportunity to feel our way back to ourselves.
I like to make being outside a major part of my days, but not as something to tick off a wellbeing checklist or as another way to hit 10,000 steps.
It's more about the feeling.
The connection. The love. The joy. The inspiration it can evoke within me.
I say "can" because those feelings only arise when I'm truly present.
You don't need to be extreme
Now, while I love disappearing into the bush, wandering through a rainforest, or walking barefoot on the beach at sunrise, you don't need to be that extreme or carve huge chunks of time out of your day.
Although, if I'm honest, I'd happily spend more time outside.
But life sometimes means you work in an office or spend your days indoors, like I do a few days a week.
So you've got to do what you've got to do.
On those days, I simply do what I can to get outside and reconnect with myself.
Not just to escape my computer screen, or even to move my body (although I love both).
But to slow my mind down.
To breathe fresh air.
To get sunlight into my eyes and onto my skin.
To soak up Mother Nature.
The small moments that bring me home
Whether it's walking barefoot on the oval near work and feeling each blade of grass beneath my feet…
Admiring the shape and colour of the clouds…
Smiling as sunlight filters through the trees onto my face…
Or simply listening to the leaves rustle in the wind…
There's always something that can bring me back to myself if I'm paying attention.
It's one of the reasons nature is part of the Connecting phase of my Alignment Framework.
Because it has the ability to reconnect you with yourself in seconds.
And honestly? It's one of my favourite ways to come home to myself.
Bliss, as I write this
In fact, as I write this, I'm sitting in my moon chair by the back door.
There's a cool winter breeze on my face.
Warm sunshine on my body.
And I can feel that peaceful, calm and joyful feeling washing over me.
Coupled with tuning in and writing these words…
Honestly? This is my definition of bliss.