Trees and Tranquility

I was thinking about this today en route from Chicago to my hometown in Michigan. Driving gets me thinking, a lot, and not always in a helpful way. I noticed my anxiety kick in and to help, I rolled down my window to feel the air and prompted myself to notice what’s natural around me- the sky, clouds, wildflowers, birds, and guess what? It helped. A lot.

I’ve arrived at my destination and I’ve spent quite a bit of time outdoors-Noticing what’s growing in my friends garden, the baby birds in the nest in my family’s backyard, the sweet deer I chatted with resting in the shade. All of this has helped keep me more settled, less anxious, and completely in awe of this natural space around me.

I appreciate that not everyone is a nature outdoorsy person, but I don’t think you have to be to benefit from nature connection. Simply noticing nature in my drive was enough to help when I needed it. I just invite you to turn your attention to something natural next time you feel the feels and notice how this may support you.

A neuroscientist searches for the roots of feeling innately connected to nature.

https://nautil.us/are-we-wired-to-be-outside-238027

Beautiful article by Richard Louv. I quite like this “We’re surrounded by what I call “bioenchantment,” a great conversation between and across species…”

The Age of Noticing By Richard Louv – Morning Calm MorningCalm presents Omnibus Story, a series of reflections drawn from the landscapes of everyday life, explored from diverse perspectives. Our hope is that …