Nature to Nurture

As a child, there was nothing I loved more than being outside in the garden or walking in the park. I could spend hours in the garden with my dog, making mud pies or looking for snails amongst the fallen leaves, it was my happy place. As a teenager and young adult, I lost my love of the outdoors, and looking back now I can see that with it I lost my contentment, a sense of balance in my life, and my inner calm. Over the last ten years I have gradually regained my love of the outdoors and of nature. It is without a doubt, having a cumulative effect on me. The more time I spend in nature, the better I feel about myself and life in general. 

Obviously now that I live in Southern California it is much easier to get outside, as the weather is generally better and great weather makes you want to get outside as much as possible.  Although, I honestly did love blowing the cobwebs away with a brisk windy walk on the seafront or the Downs, when I lived on the South Coast of England. I might have had to drag myself out kicking and screaming.  However, afterwards I always felt energized and positive, with no exception (even if I had to peel my clothes off as soon as I got through the front door because they were soaked through from the rain).

For so many years there has been a strong body of evidence that confirms the very idea, that direct contact with nature has the ability to increase a person’s mental health, and psychological and spiritual development.

The benefits really are endless, but include reducing stress, improving self-confidence and self-discipline and creating a broader sense of belonging. In the current times where stress is at an all-time high (even in children) and screen usage has dramatically increased, it is more important than ever to get outside and get our kids outside. We must set an example for them, make it fun and help them see how much beauty there is in nature.

I’m not suggesting you need to become an amateur gardener, get your hands in the mud or start hugging trees (although this has been shown to be beneficial).  In order to benefit you, it has to feel right for you. It could be a stroll barefoot on the sand, a long walk with your dog in the forest, a lazy picnic on the grass in the park, or just sitting in your garden looking up at the trees, listening to the leaves rustling in the wind.

Give nature some of your precious time and see how rewarding it can be, and how ultimately it can help you to live a more intentional life.