Nature Observation
Of all the posts I’ve added since I began this weblog, more than half have been primarily about nature observation or season change. I knew it would take this slant be maybe not that much. Since my practice deals with wellness and helping others restore comfort and balance to their lives why all the emphasis on nature?
When we notice our surroundings we are more connected with them and we see ourselves as part of a bigger picture. In the process our wellness is improved and our life is more in balance.
For most people that come to my office, stress is a large issue. I know from my years of working in a stressful corporate job that if I put all my energy into the task in front of me and tune out my surroundings I also lose touch with myself and my body. I’m operating mostly out of my head. It is when we lose this awareness of self that we fall into patterns of discomfort. When we break the connection with our tasks, even briefly, and return to ourselves it allows our body to do it’s job of keeping us in balance and comfort.
When we cast our gaze outward at our environment it helps get us out of our heads. By honing our skills at observation it allows us to make a healthy habit of being a part of our surroundings rather than separate from them. When we take the larger view we use more of ourselves. This balance of self benefits our physical, emotional, and even spiritual life.
We spend much time each day outside even if just it’s walking to our car or driving to work. Even if we work in a sea of concrete and buildings there is still natural light (and dark). There is wind, blue sky and clouds. Even the unnatural sounds become a part of the environment. Cars passing by echo against the buildings. Horns honking, people walking, construction sounds. They all remind us that we are a part of something bigger.
Observation is a skill we have all possessed. Young children are naturally inquisitive. No one looks with more awe at their surroundings than a child. As adults this awe is not lost, just forgotten. With practice we can get it back. It only takes a few seconds to do so.
What are you noticing?
