Connecting with Nature
There are many ways to connect with nature. While the most obvious and possibly true way is to be in wild lands with natural ecosystems, away from manmade structures and society, it is not the only way. I have spent much time in wild lands walking, meditating, and observing nature. The sense of peace, awe, and fulfillment I have felt in these places goes beyond words. It has been a spiritual practice to spend time in nature.
If you are able to get out to a place like this and just spend time there in contemplation and observance you may be surprised at what you feel and find. If you do have the opporunity to go out to a natural area it is important to know where you are. At first glance, you might think that is a silly thing to say. Of course, you will know where you are, but let’s take a closer look. It’s not just where you are on Maps, however that is important as well, but it’s knowing the land, understanding the trails, the season you are in and weather expectations, and the wildlife in the area. If you are going to somewhere you have been before this is more simple because you have some familiarity with all of this, but if it is somewhere new it’s important to bring education and awareness to these aspects before setting out into a new area. This will allow you to be relaxed, more easily tap into connecting with nature, and be prepared. For anyone new to nature excursions or getting more into it (and I’m just talking about spending time in nature during the day, not backpacking or multi-day trips), it’s beneficial to know where you are, go somewhere with other people also hiking/around (not super remote), to bring water, and to be aware if you will have cell service or not on the trail. These tips will help you to have an aware and hopefully peaceful nature experience.
However, even if you are not able to get out to a wild place like this or prefer to stay closer to town, you can still easily connect with nature in daily life. Let me get into this a little bit deeper.
If you live in a suburb or city, nature is still present. It may be underneath paved roads, or coming up through cracks in sidewalks, but it is still there. Many urban areas have designed parks and gardens spaces that provide space to intentionally connect with nature. We can connect with nature through flowers in a garden, through a tree in the city, through a hawk flying overhead, from a hummingbird drinking nectar, from pollinating bees, and so on. If we give ourself the space and awareness to notice what is around us and seek out nature we will see it. Even in urban areas. Part of my work is helping others to create gardens in urban areas. Not only does this provide a space of beauty, healing, and respite for the individual person or family, but it also provides a sanctuary for local wildlife and a space of solace that extends out into the community - affecting the way others feel and provides opportunity for stillness, curiosity, and connection in daily life. If you’re interested in learning more about the gardens I co-create you can find more info here.
Now, to bring it back to something I mentioned at the beginning of this writing, the spiritual experience of nature. Have you ever heard the saying “True Nature” like this or that is someone or something’s true nature? Or in a spiritual setting have you heard true nature spoken about as akin to one’s soul? Nature inherently has spirituality imbued in it. When we are able to connect deeply with nature it actually gives us the opportunity to connect deeply with our own nature inside. Interestingly, I have found that even if you are unable to be out in physical nature, you can still touch the feeling of nature within. You can experience this through meditation. This is where we really begin to have a shift in consciousness and a deeper understanding of what it is to be human and be connected with nature inside and out.
You can learn more about Morgan’s meditation offerings here or continue the conversation by reaching out here.
