Tuning in with nature is an essential part of the human experience. We come from nature, and on the timeline of Earth’s evolution spanning back to the Big Bang the world has only been industrialized for what would be just a few minutes. According to Wellness Corporation Solutions, studies have shown that tuning into nature can decrease stress, anxiety, and blood pressure. In a process they refer to as “Forest Bathing”, one immerses themselves in nature and experiences it with all of their senses. I, personally, find that spending time in nature is essential for keeping a clear mind. Allowing yourself to let go of today’s industrialized society, even if only for a few moments, can clear your mind and aid in creativity. Spending time in nature also allows your body to receive crucial vitamin D. During the fall and winter I, along with tens of millions of other Americans, suffer from seasonal depression, also know as Season Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD mainly affects those who are more “light sensitive” than others. Many SAD sufferers have light therapy boxes that mimic outside light when the days begin to shorten. Spending time in sunlight throughout the day can be extremely beneficial for those affected by SAD. Earlier today I managed to find some time to get out in nature while the weather was so nice (56 degrees and sunny), and found myself parked next to a sunny patch of grass right under a beautiful, yellow-leaved tree. I laid out my Park Blanket (the blanket kept in my trunk for these exact occasions), and took some time to connect to nature with all of my senses. Below I have some of the notes that I jotted down showing some of the thing I do to really tune in with nature. I hope you take time to read over these notes, and keep them in mind the next time you find your self alone in nature.

Watch the leaves tussle. The bugs dance. The branches shed their beautiful colors

Notice the plants around you. The spider webs gleaming in the sun. The different colors of the leaves. All the different types of trees, and how each one has such a distinct structure, shape, and foliage 

Notice the sounds you hear. The different types of bugs and birds, other people chatting or talking to their beloved pets. The wrestling leaves ready to come off their branches.

Smell the decaying leaves sweet rotting scents. Pay attention to the bikers the runners and the other observers, see if you have anything in common with them 

Make connections. Feel the sun on your face. Feel the vitamin D start to nourish your body and your soul. Pay attention to your breathing. Deep breath in. Deep breath out. Deep breath in. Deep breath out.

We tend to get caught in a pattern of shallow breathing due to the way we slouch when we sit, Pay attention to your posture, Align your spine, sit up straight, and fold your legs comfortably

As you pay attention to your breath close your eyes. And just be.

 Let the sun hit your face and your thoughts be free of any other worries than the current moment

Revel in the feeling of peace

Just be…Open your chest to the sun, allowing your head to tilt back and your heart to raise to the sun

Take these beautiful moments to tune in with nature and what it’s telling you. Relax. Clear your mind completely. Just be.

Thanks for your time, have a fantastic day and remember to focus on not allowing yourself to get caught up in the daily grind!