spirituality
THE POWER OF NATURE ON OUR SOULS by Jennifer Wilson
Life has a way of keeping most of us very busy, even through a pandemic. While we may have put some activities, events or regular occurrences on hold, most of us have filled that space with other tasks or commitments; some by choice, others perhaps not. We are still leading busy lives; they just look a little different. We have shifted schedules and pivoted priorities. We are juggling more things now than we may ever have in the past. Our different worlds and environments seem to overlap, many of us have lost our boundaries between work and home and our relationships are stretched.
Finding Our Way However, through all the chaos, stress and anxiety, it’s still important that we are all able to find a way to have balance in the wellness aspects and spaces in our lives. Our physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social wellness elements are as important now as they even have been. Finding a way to balance them in our currently unbalanced world, is our task. We all need a place to breathe, to find peace, to let go of the worries of the day or life and just be within ourselves. While finding this time for self-reflection and appreciation isn’t always easy, it’s always rewarding, refreshing and gives us a sense of renewal and purpose. One of the easiest ways to achieve this can be as simple as stepping outside and into nature.
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Nature’s Answer Our minds, bodies, and souls need nature. They crave it. Research shows us that just being in nature helps to reduce fear, stress and anxiety. Being in nature can help to reduce our blood pressure, heart rate and decrease tension. Nature does wonders for our minds and our souls. Getting out in nature allows us to hit reset, and there are days when we need to hit that button. Hitting reset doesn’t mean we are starting anything over or giving anything up. It doesn’t mean we are abandoning, ignoring or quitting anything, although that might be an outcome or positive realization once we do. To hit reset means that we take time for ourselves, to focus on what matters most to us. It means that we get away for a while, even just mentally, to gain a new perspective and help renew our passion, energy and strength. Getting outside and into nature has no limits. It has no requirements, no minimum age and no cost. Immersing ourselves into nature can be as simple as going out the door and into our backyards, front porches or even onto the soccer field behind where we live. Once out into nature our challenge is simple, but something we don’t do nearly enough of. Once outside, find a bench or place to sit, or walk, stroll or meander through the landscape. Take a breath. A deep breath. Clear our heads and leave
