What Nature Means to Me

Nature is a constant in life. When I stop and look around at the chaos that is life sometimes…I try to look outside. I notice the trees, the way the light bounces on the leaves outside my window, the patterns of shadows dancing across the yard, the street, whatever. If I have the time (and sometimes I have to make myself take the time), I step outside - not far from my door but just outside. I feel the air brushing against me, I feel the sun (or lack thereof) pressing against my skin. I take a breath. That's the kicker for me. I take a moment to take one of those yoga style, all in, big, cleansing breaths. I even close my eyes sometimes and you know what? On that exhale, I actually feel a sense of lightening - meaning the things in my life feel lighter. I feel renewed - even if just a bit but it's there and it's tangible to me.

 I've taken to walking our property in the morning before I get the kiddo off to school. I make the whole family come outside with me and we spend about 10 minutes just talking and wandering and observing and sharing. It's a special time for us. Don't judge but sometimes I even force myself and my kid to take out shoes off and go barefoot on the moss - it's the softest part of our pine needle covered yard. Yes, it's cold and sometimes you step on a rock but it's a quick connection with the earth. It's grounding somehow and I truly love it. We quickly jump back into our shoes, finish our smoothies and head inside to begin our day but I treasure these moments. Life goes by so fast and I don't want to miss it. Sometimes we just have to slow down a little bit and connect with nature.