It’s that time — Monday again. I hope you had a good weekend spent with people you love. If you didn’t have a good weekend, or you were far from those you care about, I’m sending you love right now. No, really.
This isn’t a platitude. I want you to know how wholly deserving of love, grace, peace, and joy you are right in this moment. You don’t have to do a thing to earn your place here on this planet. You are here, and that is enough. Ground yourself in the enoughness of this moment in time. Breathe in the air that surrounds you and remember — you are loved. you are loved. you are loved.
{I gotchu if you need a longer pep talk or you’ve got questions ‘bout this. Message me right now, and I will respond with care and kindness.}
In keeping with Spring’s Invitations, this week we’re focusing on the importance of
Connecting to the Natural World
“Spring is the season of hope, of youth, of promise. The days are getting longer, the sun brighter, the air softer.”
— Sarah Jio
As the days lengthen, the weather gets warmer, and the activity of the animal world gets busier, we can bring more intention to our engagement with nature. The natural inclination of this season is to get outside more, to enjoy the warmth and sunlight, and to witness the rebirth of spring (from flower blooms to baby bunnies, to the return of frog choruses in the evenings).
When we’re out in nature, we can witness the unfolding of all that spring offers. The trees and flowers are budding. The grass is getting greener every day. When we become close observers of nature’s display, we witness the glory of her rebirth all around us. Our yards and neighborhoods become sacred places of curiosity and awe as we tune our attention to the daily changes taking place.
If we are going to mirror the transition of seasons in our inner worlds, it only makes sense to engage with nature as our teacher. The more we observe in nature, the more we are clued into the invitations extended to us in this season.
Connecting to the natural world is an all-around health booster. Being outside has many benefits, and springtime is the perfect opportunity to prioritize making it a habit. We don’t have to spend hours a day outside to reap these benefits. Just 5-20 minutes a day can elevate our well-being.
Benefits of being outside:
Boosts serotonin levels (the happy, focused, and calm chemicals that our brains release) through:
Sunlight (get that Vitamin D!)
Green spaces
Fresh air
Lessens anxiety and paranoia by calming the nervous system
Improves sleep by regulating our internal clock
Increases focus (especially in green spaces or being by water)
Did you know that birdsong can have an effect on your nervous system? We experience a calming sensation when birds sing because it signals that we are safe (birds only sing when the environment is free from danger).
Maintaining a connection to the natural world helps us to stay rooted in the cycles of the seasons. Springtime offers new beginnings. It offers hope. It boosts our creativity as we expand our understanding of what is possible. While autumn can feel like a closing-in period, springtime is a door that opens us up to the outer world, beckoning us to emerge like playful shouts from children.
Richard Ryan, Professor of Psychology at Rochester University, explains that ‘nature is fuel for the soul’:
“Often, when we feel depleted, we reach for a cup of coffee, but research suggests a better way to get energized is to connect with nature,” he says.
After conducting five separate experiments involving 537 college students, it was concluded that being outside in nature for just 20 minutes a day is enough to significantly boost vitality levels.
Feeling depleted or tired? Fresh air and sunlight may be just what is needed. Rather than reach for another cup of coffee, head outside for a natural boost.
When I’m in the middle of a writing project, I take several bite-sized breaks a day. If your work is mind-heavy, might I suggest taking small breaks outside between focused work sessions? Even moving your lunch outside on a nice day can create a noticeable difference in energy.
If you haven’t made getting outside a priority, there are multiple small ways of taking those steps. Having your coffee in the sunlight and fresh air first thing in the morning could be a pleasant way to start your day. Have lunch plans? Why not make it a picnic? Got a call you need to make? Why not take a walk while you talk?
Don’t forget about outdoor hobbies and activities! If you don’t already have one, now is a great time to try something new. You could try an outdoor sport (pickleball, anyone?), hiking, or gardening. You could read in a hammock or garden chair instead of curled up inside. The sky’s the limit!
We weren’t made to spend so much time indoors (or looking at devices). Let’s honor our need for positive connections outside by creating times to engage with the natural world. Our bodies, brains, and hearts will thank us for it!
Do you notice a difference in your outlook, energy level, or physical health when you spend time in nature?
Find ways to get outside that you enjoy. A walk around a park, bird-watching, playing a game or sport, etc. A good place to start is to think about what you enjoyed doing when you were younger.
How did you connect to the natural world as a child or adolescent? Is this something you want to revisit now?
Go ahead, friend. Get outside. If that’s all you focus on doing this week, that’s enough.
Best thing in the world is to sit in my garden and listen to the birds. I never had a garden growing up so feel blessed as an adult to have one. It’s my haven. Thanks for this Sara, I’m gonna take my tea outside now before I start my crazy busy day.
Best thing in the world is to sit in my garden and listen to the birds. I never had a garden growing up so feel blessed as an adult to have one. It’s my haven. Thanks for this Sara, I’m gonna take my tea outside now before I start my crazy busy day.