Making time to connect with nature doesn’t have to be as complicated as you think

You know how sometimes you’re bored out of your mind and you need to shake up your routine?

I usually start most of my days with some gentle movement followed by some meditation then I go on about my day. 

Before that I get myself ready and while I do that I often listen to a podcast or an audiobook. Usually something that is expansive to the mind and the spirit.

This gives me something to ponder on during the day, some fresh ideas I’d like to incorporate in my life and work. 

Well, today I was listening to a podcast about practical ways to reclaim nature. 

The speaker was talking about the benefits of doing that as a way to get ourselves out of our habit of self-preoccupation and also as the most efficient way to save our planet. 

They suggested taking 10 minutes daily to just notice nature and find a way to do that which doesn’t require any extra work. 

If you live in an urban environment for example you can simply look at a tree, or a bird outside your window because there is always some nature around us. Or if that is not immediately accessible, you can find the nearest place where it can be. 

Sounds obvious right? 

I have to be honest that I don’t always remember to do that. Do you?

Come to think of it, I’m fortunate enough to live in the suburbs surrounded by nature and my office has two huge windows. On most days I don’t even take my eyes out to take in what I see. 

Can you believe it? 

Anyway, today, inspired by the above prompt I decided to skip my routine (I’ll find a way to incorporate movement later) and I took my morning drink out to the porch. 

I listened to the birds and the breeze brushing through the trees. 

As the breeze was shaking the trees I felt some drops of water falling on my skin. I felt the warmth of the sun and connected to the beauty of its rays gleaming through the branches. 

And I felt calm and collected. 

Who knew that there was such a simple and easy way to bring my nervous system into regulation right at my fingertips?

Do you find it easy or challenging to incorporate being in contact with nature on a regular basis?