When I was diagnosed with cancer, my world turned upside down and became very small, very narrow. Gone were the days of normal stress and worrying about the simple things. Suddenly I had things like neutrophil counts and cancer markers and chemo side effects to agonize over. Most days, I had to take one hour at a time because thinking any farther ahead caused debilitating anxiety.
In the midst of this anguish, I found an unexpected source of solace and strength: nature. I had always enjoyed walks with my dogs and being on a beach and things like that, but this was something much deeper. It was like the difference between looking out a window covered in a film of dirt and dust and looking out a brand new spotless pane of glass. I noticed not just the shapes of the clouds but their texture, not just the color of the sky but its varying shades, not just the grass but each blade and its tiny shadow, not just the trees but their resilience and character.
Angie Weiland Crosby was right when she wrote: “Nature is the purest portal to inner peace.”
To this day, nature continues to be a source of tranquility and a way to reconnect to a broader life perspective. The healing power of the natural world is not just a poetic notion; it is supported by scientific research. Studies have shown that spending time in green spaces can lower cortisol levels, reduce blood pressure, and improve overall mood. In a study published in Frontiers in Psychology, researchers found that even short periods spent in nature can enhance mental well-being and cognitive function.
Do It Your Way
I encourage you to find your own way to connect with nature. Let its nurturing embrace be a part of your regular routine. The suggestions below are just a way to help spark your own path to help you find your own way to let nature nurture your soul.
Morning or Evening Walks: Begin and / or end your day with a walk. Even a short ten-minute walk can be helpful. The fresh air can clear your mind and help to alleviate stress.
Gardening: Whether you have a spacious backyard or a small balcony, gardening can be a therapeutic activity. Growing your own food or flowers connects you to the earth and can be a way to practice acceptance and being in the present moment.
Mindful Moments: Practice mindfulness by simply looking up more, feeling the air on your skin, and listening to the sounds of birds, rustling leaves, and flowing water. Notice trees. Allow yourself to be fully present to nature wherever you may be, taking in the world around you through all of your senses. Mindfulness in nature can help ground you and bring a sense of peace and clarity.
I hope you find your own way to let nature nurture your soul, and embrace the peace and healing it offers.
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