Ways to enjoy Nature

Honing in on why Nature is so important to us is a wonderful way to appreciate the miracle of life within us and around us.

Knowing we are an integral part of Nature and how much we are sustained, inspired, healed and harmonised by her presence, increases our appreciation and gratitude which in itself is tremendously good for us.

Nature never ceases to amaze us and tends to make us feel safe in an otherwise cold, mechanical and often soulless material world.

Nature provides us with a welcome (and necessary) escape from the trials and tribulations of daily life. Our connection with Nature comes in so many forms:

• looking after house plants or treasured pets
• tending a garden or a window box of herbs
• growing vegetables in an allotment and collecting seeds
• walking in a lane, along a river or hiking on the moor
• watching the ocean waves and swimming in the sea
• listening to a river flowing or the rain pouring down
• sitting outside to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine
• studying or reading about Nature or watching videos about the natural world
• creating words, poems, pictures, photographs and stories about Nature
• working with others in the community to restore and protect living things

This is where you can add your own favourite things or activities that bring you closer to Nature at home and farther afield. Recalling our experiences can be as powerful in terms of bringing us a feeling of peace and harmony as the experience itself.

Reasons to enjoy Nature

Being closer to Nature brings many advantages that affect us in many different ways and provides benefits that we may not be aware of.

Knowing what Nature does for us not only involves going inward to understand its impact but also learning about all the different ways that Nature nurtures, nourishes and sustains us.

Marrying and melding the two into a way of life is a journey of discovery, enlightenment and transformation that only you can craft from your experiences and knowledge as your relationship with Nature deepens and evolves.

In terms of our overall health and wellbeing, I have gathered some of the benefits I have experienced through my connection to share with you here.

A sense of purpose

Nature piques our curiosity and encourages us to leave our comfort zone to explore the great outdoors.

A sense of self

Nature makes us feel alive in the moment free from the tensions of the modern world.

A sense of freedom

Nature helps us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.

A sense of security

Nature helps us to feel more grounded, especially with our bare feet on the Earth.

A sense of love

Nature helps us to feel a deep and loving connection in the embrace of Mother Earth.

A sense of awe

Nature makes life more magical, meaningful, remarkable and beautiful.

A sense of spirit

Nature enhances our mental, spiritual, emotional, physical and sensual wellbeing.

A sense of peace

Nature brings peace of mind, tranquillity and balance to our lives.

A sense of space

Nature provides us with the space we need for quiet reflection and emotional release.

A sense of harmony

Nature slows us down so that we can come into harmony with our natural rhythm.

A sense of calm

Nature calms and soothes our inner soul, spirit and whole being.

A sense of creativity

Nature helps us to free our mind to allow for creative ideas and inspiration.

A sense of morality

Nature provides us with a moral compass and encourages us to do the right thing.

A sense of perspective

Nature helps us to take a step back, see things as they are and overcome challenges.

A sense of strength

Nature helps us to grow strong through exercise, experience, learning and growth.

A sense of health

Nature helps us to heal our bodies naturally with holistic remedies and practices.

There are so many reasons to love and appreciate Nature and it's a wonderful to thing to ponder on when we have a some quite time. Spend a few moments today thinking about all the things Nature does for you and notice how good it makes you feel inside.

Nature and you

For all the reasons mentioned above, every moment we spend being in Nature, working with Nature or day-dreaming about Nature, improves our sense of wellbeing and enhances our lives.

Reflecting on the beauty of Nature and counting our blessings as far as Nature is concerned is a profoundly effective way to nurture our sense of gratitude and thankfulness for living on and being part of such a beautiful planet Earth and the wider Universe.

Nature is here for all of us and it’s here for you! Having spent my days in Devon connecting with Mother Nature as a way of life and a creative pursuit, I can vouch for the rewards experienced when even the slightest effort is made to notice, appreciate, absorb, listen to and learn more and more about her.

Thank you for loving Nature and I look forward to seeing you again soon.

Sue Cartwright

Spiral Leaf