How to reconnect with nature
Re-membering. Living in connection with nature like we used to. Like we’re meant to. Finding our true place in the world, and coming back to our most authentic self.
Photos in my garden by Erin DeGroot
It's easy to live in disconnection. Life moves fast, and we wear many hats, most of which don't include walking beautiful hills or smelling flowers. However, research has shown that spending time in nature and living in connection with it can have many benefits for both our physical and mental health. I've witnessed these firsthand since we ditched the city and moved to the mountains. So, in the spirit of inspiring you to make this year one where you spend more time outdoors, here are some of the benefits of living in connection with nature, and some ideas on how you can make it a part of your lifestyle.
A few benefits of spending time in nature
Improved Mental Health: Studies have shown that spending time in nature can improve our mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Studies have also shown that working with healthy soil, literally stimulates serotonin production, making you a happier and calmer person.
Better Physical Health: Living in connection with nature can also have physical health benefits, such as reducing blood pressure, improving heart health, and boosting the immune system.
Increased Creativity: Increased creativity and problem-solving abilities. It can also improve our ability to concentrate and focus. I can’t tell you how many ideas I get when I’m outside walking the paths I’ve created in my garden.
Environmental Awareness: This is key for me, and why I started our little nature school. Living in connection with nature will inevitably help us become more environmentally aware and conscious of our impact on the planet. By understanding and appreciating nature, we are more likely to make choices that support its preservation.
Children soaking their feet at a little pond in our garden.
How can we make nature part of our lifestyle?
Now that we know the benefits of living in connection with nature, here are some ways to do it:
Gardening Outdoors: I knew I wanted my daughters to spend time outdoors, and I also knew that in order for that to happen, I first needed to make the outdoors part of my own lifestyle. Gardening was the answer for me. This is a great way to connect with nature and reap the benefits of fresh produce. You can start small with a few potted plants or take on a larger garden. Either way, you'll get to spend time outside, breathe fresh air, and connect with the earth (serotonin, remember?).
Raising Chickens: Raising chickens is a fun and rewarding way to connect with nature. You'll get to watch them grow, have a solid reason to go outside every day, collect fresh eggs, and connect with the rhythms of the calm chicken people.
Teaching Outdoor Classes: As you learn more about nature, you might want to consider sharing your knowledge with others. I’ve found my Nature School deeply rewarding, and after spending hours working hard on my garden, the sound of children laughing and sharing is the most validating reward for a job well done. You can teach anything outdoors, nature sciences and art are some ideas.
Hosting Outdoor Yoga: This was a highlight of my summer last year. We hosted Amber in the garden for weekly morning yoga. I’ve always struggled with wanting to exercise, but having a group of lovely ladies over for yoga made it doable and fun. If you don’t have your own garden, consider hosting outdoor yoga classes in a local park or nature reserve.
Using Medicinal Herbs: Many herbs have medicinal properties that can help us heal without the use of highly processed supplements and pharmaceuticals. By deepening your connection with medicinal herbs, not only can you improve your health, but you can connect with the spirit of nature in a way that calms your body and helps you feel grounded and supported. I do this through plant spirit meditations like the one you can find here.
Harvesting lettuce from a semi-shaded raised bed in the garden.
My story
I got back into gardening because I wanted to raise women (my daughters) deeply connected with the natural world. And in doing so, I found myself feeling lighter and happier. I used to struggle with anxiety every afternoon in the city, living in the mountain feels calmer and easier, but sometimes when those feelings creep back in, I know some time in the garden is all I need.
I know not everyone has the luxury of a garden at this time, but you might have a nearby park or a balcony where you can have a few potted plants. My invitation, if you want to spend more time outdoors, is that you find something to do out there that brings you joy.
And if you want to bring nature inside your home, you could start by getting to know a few healing herbs. Make a cup of tea with rosemary, for example, and sit with it for a little while. Give thanks to the plants for supporting you in that moment. Smell them and pay attention to how that feels in your body. Drink them and notice what happens as the drink goes in.
This is how I build a relationship with medicinal herbs and with Mother Nature –– by being in and with nature more often.
Nursing my toddler 2 years ago in the garden.
