Reconnect Lesson 8: Soak In Nature

Are you too much in your head? Do you feel disconnected, tired, and depleted?

It’s way too common in this day and age to feel like you’re running on empty on a hamster wheel in between restless sleeps.

Nature, however, is a great healer. Whether you need a quick boost, a deep grounding, or a major energy overhaul, the Elements are here to help.

Today’s lesson is an invitation to slow down and be present to soak in the benefits of Nature.

P.S. I wrote this blog post long before the blizzard hit Newfoundland. It’s been amazing to witness how the Elements have brought neighbours together, encouraged people to slow down, and more. So yes, we’ve had a State of Emergency in Newfoundland, but it’s had its silver linings. If you’ve got one to share, please add it to the comments at the bottom.

As you go about your day, instead of living in your head, become conscious of how the Elements that support you.

Mindfully acknowledge & express gratitude in your heart for:

1. Earth: the ground you walk on, your indoor plants, the crystal in your pocket, your jewelry, glass, coins, trees, your house, your car, etc.
2. Air: the air that you breathe, the breeze in your hair, the dancing leaves, your fan or air conditioner, birds in flight, the wind drying your clothes, etc.
3. Fire: candles, fireplaces, heat in your home, the feel of sun on your skin, cooking equipment such as stoves, ovens & toasters, your changing body temperature, heat waves off the surface of your car, campfires, welcoming social warmth, etc.
4. Water: indoor toilets, clean drinking water, cleansing showers, hot baths, swimming pools, rivers, lakes, oceans, the rain on your face, the ice in your drink, the designs of snowflakes, steam of a boiling kettle, etc.
5. Ether: space, silence, consciousness, all that’s intangible, spirit, quintessence, vibrational frequency, OM, meditation, etc.

“Nature Bound” 24″ x 48″ – Original and prints available.

Even if I know how much Nature nourishes me in body, mind & spirit, I have to make an effort to fit it in my day or in my weeks.

Being a happy hermit when I’m in creative mode, I can stay in the house for days on end. Yes, I’m lucky to be living in an open-concept wood-panelled home filled with plants thanks to my house-sister, but that’s just not the same as being outdoors.

So for this exercise, I recommend you break it down in 3 parts:

• Nearby go-to spot: What’s the closest space to your home or work where you can take a 5-10 minute break to lie on the ground, hug a tree, contemplate a brook, listen to the birds, breathe fresh air, walk barefoot in the grass. put your hands in the dirt, smell the flowers or watch the breeze in the leaves? Make it a habit to choose nature breaks in your daily routine.

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• 1-hour break: Where can you go nearby for an hour on foot, by bicycle, by bus, or by car that will give you a change of scenery & time in nature? You might drive to the ocean to sit and contemplate or walk around a pond. Make a list of local go-to spots for those frazzled times when you need to get away to rejuvenate.

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• Day trips: Schedule a few day trips a month to your favourite spots or to discover new ones. These could be solo photography adventures, group sporting treks, family time at the beach, etc. Make a plan and book the time before the month or year slips by in busy-ness.

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And if travel is one of your passions, also book longer trips to soak in nature’s beauty & goodness all around the world. If you prefer visiting big cities, make sure to seek out their gardens, parks & walking trails amongst your time in museums, restaurants and shopping malls.

Mother Earth is a great healer with abundant resources to support your life. Enjoy her beauty & nourishment and show your appreciation in whatever way moves you. 

P.S. The original “Nature Bound” and prints in your choice of size & medium are available for purchase. Thank you for supporting my art.

P.P.S. You can access the original blog post on the co-creation of the painting “Nature Bound” by clicking here.