Happy Earth Day
We are way more connected to the Earth than we think. A tree’s rings are unique to each tree just as our fingerprints are unique to each of us; if you zoom out on a photo of a river network it looks like our veins; a tree branch often looks like a photo of our lung system. Over time though, we have lost the connection with nature due to living in cities or our busy schedules. It’s no surprise many people feel at ease and connected when they happen to go on a hike or have a picnic in the park. It is true, nature tends to decrease stress. But what if we aren’t living next to a park or what if it is raining outside and we don’t want to get wet but still want to feel connected? Here are 5 ways that you can connect to the natural elements if finding nature seems difficult but you need it to be easy.
Fire: Living in Texas, we have learned to endure the heat but how much have you embraced it? I’m extremely guilty of hating on Texas summers but the warmer weather can bring the sun which will give you serotonin and vitamin D so take a second to step outside and soak up the sun. If going outside sounds unattainable, there are other ways to embrace the element of fire, one of which could be a sauna or a hot bath. Sitting in a sauna or bath feels good in many ways and it has the possibility to decrease stress. Enjoy the warmness on your skin and soak in the benefits of the heat. However, if you are engaging in any of these things do it safely and ensure you’re drinking plenty of water.
Water: We all require water for existence but there are ways beyond that that can help us connect to the Earth. As the saying goes, April showers bring May flowers, so why not play in the rain like we used to when we were younger? Dip your toes into the puddle, smell the scent the rain brings, feel the cool rain drops on your skin. As the weather is warming up, take some time to find a nearby pool that you can put your feet into and feel the sensation of water on your skin and the effect on your circulation and mind. If none of those are possible, play a video of a river flowing and see how it can feel calming and meditative even if you aren’t physically by water at all.
Earth: Take a walk in nature if you can, even if it’s on a sidewalk and you only have a couple trees nearby. Being in “green space” has proven to be beneficial in many ways for your mental and physical health. Take the outside inside - there are tons of plants that are happy to survive inside. Grab a plant and take it inside, the act of taking care of nature in this way can be nurturing and is a beautiful way to connect with the Earth. If you don’t think you have a green thumb, it has been proven even seeing a fake plant can create a small sense of peace.
Air: Take a second on your break to be outside. The moment you step outside and breathing in a different air than what you’re currently in is freeing. To take this a step further, just notice breathing in and breathing out. Feeling the sensation of taking in outside air helps connect to nature AND yourself at the same time.
Just get outside. I have learned with a new baby that getting them outside truly resets their system. Feeling overwhelmed? Go outside. Crying? Go outside. Angry? Go outside. Just changing the scenery around you can do much more than you think. While outside you can engage in your 5 senses to deeper the experience of connecting with nature. Feel the warmth on your skin, smell the fresh air, see the world around you, taste the humidity on your lips (we live in Texas, it’s humid), and hear the birds chirping. Just get outside, trust me, things will shift even if it’s subtle.