Embracing Nature When We Can’t Embrace Each Other
We humans are social creatures
Even our so-called “anti-social” behaviors, like staying in and getting online, are in search of a connection with others. We also have to acknowledge that humans at their core are still animals – and as animals we are all part of nature and respond to it in various ways.
Study after study shows the connection between our health and access to nature, from such obvious factors as the health effects when we lack access to clean water and fresh air, to those not so obvious factors like the connection between spending time outside and increased focus and concentration.
While social distancing may feel constraining, it also provides a great opportunity to step back and embrace our connection with nature. If we cannot seek out physical connection with other humans, what better place to seek a physical connection than in the woods, the meadows, the ponds and beaches?
What do I do once I am outside?
Nothing! You can start with that. Just find a spot to sit and be comfortable, where you can take in the sights, sounds and smells of nature.
Getting outside can be as simple as stepping out onto your stoop. Take in the fresh air; look around at the change in light and moving leaves; listen for birdsong, the buzz of insects and the movement of plants in the wind.
Okay… Well, I want to do something while I’m out here!
We have a plethora of suggestions for that, too.
Start with taking a short walk.
Go around the block, and expand from there. If you walk for ten minutes one day, extend it to fifteen the next and see what you can find. A new neighborhood? A new tree along the trail?
Next Level: make it a mindful moment. Pick a sense (hearing, smell, sight) and focus on everything you can bring in. Close your eyes and listen – how many different sounds do you hear?
How many of those sounds are animals? How many are caused by the breeze? What else do you hear? What do you recognize? What do you think the unrecognizable sounds are?
Start a nature journal!
Take it on your walk and find somewhere to sit and make observations—maybe there is a rock that faces a creek, or a patch of plants just pushing through the soil. Look around and take note of everything you observe, hear and smell.
Next Level: hone in on a specific item. Perhaps there is a tree that is just getting its spring buds.
What do the buds look like? How quickly do they grow – is it a weekly change, daily, hourly? What sort of insects and animals like this tree? What kind of moss, lichen or fungus is growing on it?
Take an extra-long walk…
And bring your furry pal along! What new places can you find by spending an extra ten minutes walking?
Next Level: challenge yourself to walk further. Pick a distance (maybe you walk half a mile each day) and see if you can go a little further, then a little further.
How does the extra distance feel? Have you discovered a new neighborhood? Maybe a small street you hadn’t seen before, or a cool new spot along your favorite trail?
These are all great, but I have kids…how do I get them outside and interested?
We have suggestions for that, as well!
Getting creative is a great way to engage the kids.
Look around the back yard or neighborhood and create a scavenger hunt. Ask for some simpler finds, like pine needles or a pinecone, and then dig deeper: are there any plants with purple leaves in the neighborhood? Maybe a certain yard has a red flower (look but don’t touch!)
Got Playdoh?
Discover textures in nature.
Compare the imprint of different trees.
Next Level: Identify the trees and start a nature journal with your findings.
Beach cleanup.
Do your part and help clean up our community.
Next Level: Categorize what you have found in your nature journal. What can be recycled? Composted? Put in the garage?
What’s the weather today?
Create a weather wheel.
Draw or print out different types of weather and put them in a circular pattern. Use a paper clip or laundry clips to mark the days weather.
Next Level: Be more specific. Record the temperature, humidity, percent rain or sun and log it all into a nature journal.
Storming outside?
Head to the beach! Watch the storm roll in over the water from the safety of your vehicle.
Next Level: Record differences in the waves, wind and animal activities in your nature journal.
Do you speak bird?
No? Then here is your chance.
Download a birding app and start identifying what’s in your back yard. Learn their songs, colors, and characteristics.
Next Level: Add a birding section to your nature journal. Try to draw the bird and describe its outstanding features.
Got Rocks?
Create a mandala.
Place the rocks in artistic circular patterns. This can be done in your backyard or with the rocks at Sandy Neck. Take pictures and share with family and friends.
Next Level: Read into the origin of a mandala. Add the information to your nature journal.
