LIFE/BALANCE
Learning From The Innate Wisdom of Nature
How to live a balanced life with more flow and less hustle.
2020 was the year many of us actively sought and found our way back to nature.
It was a way of coping with all the uncertainty around us and dealing with the anxiety of not knowing how things would pan out. I was no exception.
Anyone who’s been following my posts would know how deep that connection has become:
Thanks to the multiple lockdowns, I discovered virtually every trail there is in my hometown of Oakville; something I always wanted to do, but never found the time to explore.
And I started capturing the beauty of nature on camera (just on my phone, nothing fancy). Sharing one of my recent photographic stories:
Forest-Bathing
It also happened to be the year that led me to the wonderful practice of ‘Shinrin-Yoku’, better known as forest-bathing.
For that, I am truly grateful.
What the term essentially means is taking in the forest atmosphere through one’s senses:
The sound of birds chirping, the scent of the trees, the sunlight filtering through the leaves, inhaling the fresh, clean air —
Similar to the effects of ‘earthing’ or walking barefoot, these activities have a positive impact on our health, rejuvenating us, and serving as a stress reliever.
Amongst other things, studies have shown remarkable health benefits of forest-bathing, which:
- Decreases feelings of anxiety, depression, fatigue, and anger
- Increases feelings of mental vigor and feeling refreshed
- Significantly improves immune function
- Reduces levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline
So next time you’re in the woods, give it a try.
Touch the bark of a tree, close your eyes and breathe deeply. Feel your surroundings and notice how you feel afterward.
Peace and tranquility by the water
I have always been fascinated by water. The sight of water is like a gentle, soothing balm that calms my ruffled nerves whenever I am upset or anxious.
I am also truly blessed to be living so close to the lakeshore and invariably find myself drawn to the water like a magnet: be it the Lakeshore not far from where I live or the harbourfront.
Whenever the stresses and worries of everyday life take over and I feel my overthinking mind taking over, I head to the lake.
I always come back, grounded and in control.
Balance restored.
The innate wisdom of nature
If we take the time to pause and reflect, there is so much that we can learn from nature and its innate wisdom.
But we get so caught up in the frenzied pace of our daily routines — spending so much of our time chasing deadlines, checking off to-do lists, rushing and worrying our way through life.
Trees, plants and animals don’t have timelines. They don’t worry about rushing to get things done quickly. They simply exist and manage to accomplish what they were always meant to:
A flower knows when it is ready to bloom, the same way as a caterpillar knows the perfect time to transform into a butterfly, and also the right moment for a bird to take flight — they do not waste time rushing and stressing.
We need to learn and follow suit. Our body and spirit know exactly what we need and what we should do & what timeline works best. We simply have to quiet our minds and listen.
Pressurising ourselves into getting things done quickly creates unnecessary stress which leaves us more drained.
Many scientists have carried out research and stated that a common reaction to being out in nature is a sense of awe.
We begin to realise that we are merely tiny dots, part of the bigger picture, in the grand scheme of things, connected to everything around us. And that puts things in perspective, reducing our concerns and worries to a manageable size.
Key Takeaway:
Don’t be in a rush to get things done. Let them unfold naturally.
Be mindful. Take the time to be out in nature and try to experience it with your senses.
You will come away with a sense of gratitude and peace.
This was in response to the wonderful prompt collab by the amazing duo Yana Bostongirl and pockett dessert. Thank you for the invitation to participate.
If you haven’t checked it out: