What is your relationship to nature?
This is one of the first questions I ask in my coachings. Why? Let me answer with a great quote from Andy Goldsworthy, a British sculptor and photographer:
"We often forget that we are nature. Nature is not something separate from us. So, when we say that we have lost our connection to nature, we've lost our connection to ourselves."
I would like to invite you to think about this for a minute. What would your answer be to my question? How has your relationship with nature evolved over time and what is it like now? Does it feel close, disconnected, energetic, joyful, neglected? And what does this mean for the relationship with yourself? There is no right or wrong. Just try to be honest with yourself.
So what
Reconnecting with nature – and therefore yourself – is important for several reasons:
Improved mental health: Being in nature has shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It can help you feel more relaxed, refreshed, and rejuvenated.
Increased physical activity: Spending time outdoors often involves physical activity, such as hiking, swimming, or biking. This can improve your physical health.
Greater appreciation for the environment: By spending time in nature, you can develop a greater appreciation for the natural world and the importance of preserving it.
Increased creativity and productivity: Studies have shown that being in nature can boost creativity and productivity. It can help you clear your mind and come up with new ideas.
Improved relationships: Spending time in nature with family and friends can strengthen relationships and create shared experiences.
Overall, reconnecting with nature can lead to improved physical and mental health, a greater appreciation for the environment, increased creativity and productivity, and stronger relationships.
Now what
Let me share 4 easy-to-implement ideas of how to reconnect with nature on a daily basis.
Put your face into the sun / rain / wind. Close your eyes. Feel the warmth / the drops / the breeze on your skin.
Walk barefoot on your lawn or in the park close to your home. Feel the softness underneath your feet. The tickle. The freshness. The groundedness.
Take a picture of a flower, a leaf, a tree. Try to capture the little details of the petals, the veins, the stem. Use it as a screensaver for your phone or laptop.
Watch the sunrise, sunset, the stars, the clouds. Whichever time works best for you, look at the sky and the beautiful colours and shapes it has to offer.
Which idea speaks to you the most? Pick one or two and try to follow through for 7 days. Involve your partner and kids - if you feel like it and if applicable.
What has changed for you after a week? Feel free to drop me a line. I would love to know.
Have a great weekend – maybe outdoors ;)
Warmly, Viviane