Maybe you’re taking more nature walks. You even started a little ritual. And for a few weeks, it worked out. You felt good. You stuck with it.
And then… sigh, life. The weather turned. Work got chaotic. You skipped a week, then two, and suddenly your nature practice is another thing quietly nagging at you in your “to-do” pile.
We end up treating it like an appointment, like something that needs doing.
But in reality, nature isn’t something you “do.” It’s more like a relationship, one you need to nurture and that you don’t necessarily need to schedule into the same time every week.
- So, how can you make it stick?
- How can you make this an ongoing relationship?
- What can you be doing to deepen your nature practice?
Here are just a few ideas for you!
How to Move From Occasional Experiences to an Ongoing Relationship With Nature
We know nature is good for us; it reportedly reduces stress, anxiety, and even blood pressure while also boosting our mood, focus, and even immune function. But how do you actually make a nature habit stick?
A lot of this comes down to keeping it simple. This could mean:
- Picking one natural thing to pay attention to all year: This could be a specific tree, the moon, or even one bird species that lives near you. Watch it change over the seasons. That single thread of attention can ultimately transform your approach to your relationship or habits with nature.
- Notice nature without documenting it: Leave the phone in your pocket. No, seriously. You don’t need a photo to prove it happened. And maybe not worrying about what you post online can help you reach more depth with your practice.
- Let it interrupt you: If you spot something beautiful through the window, stop for 10 seconds. If the sky is doing something wild on your drive, pull over for a minute. These micro-pauses are how nature begins to weave into your everyday life, and without much effort on your part!
- Learn the names of things: Look up your local trees, the birds that visit your yard, or the wildflowers that pop up along your walk. Having a name for these aspects of nature also adds depth.
- Greet it: This may sound a little silly, but it works. Say hi to that tree you always walk by or nod to the moon. This, too, can foster a connection with Mother Nature!
After all, the little things add up! Simply noticing is enough. Taking a pause is enough. It’s just about integrating them into your existing routines and daily life.
Related Article: 4 Free, Simple Nature Practices That Help With Burnout
How to Maintain the Practice in Urban Environments or Harsh Climates
Maybe you live in a sixth-floor apartment. Maybe winter lasts eight months where you love. Or maybe your knees don’t love long walks anymore. Well, lucky for you, none of these disqualify you from enjoying and building a relationship with nature!
Here’s what actually works when access is limited:
- Pick one small thing to be in a relationship with. Again, this can be the one tree you pass on your way to work. It can even be a small patch of grass. Don’t try to love all of nature; just love that one thing, and love it well.
- When the weather is rough, let the weather be the practice. Watch the rain hit the glass. Listen to the wind push against the house. Notice how cold changes the quality of the light coming through your curtains.
- City nature counts more than people give it credit for. Cemeteries (yes, really! It’s quiet, green, and full of trees and birds), rooftop gardens, riverside paths, and botanical gardens all offer access to nature. Even the stubborn weeds pushing up through sidewalk cracks are worth noticing if you’re looking for some connection with Mother Nature.
And if you can get outside in nature in the morning, even better. Cities tend to be quieter, and it’s easy to connect with the greenery around you.
Bringing Nature’s Lessons Indoors
Sometimes you genuinely can’t get out, such as in the case of illness, weather, or maybe just an ultra-busy season of life. But this is when you can bring nature to you! Here’s how!
The ancient Chinese practice of Feng Shui has been teaching this in various forms for thousands of years. It’s the idea that arranging your space in harmony with natural elements shapes how you feel in it. (And we’ll actually give Feng Shui its own article soon, but a lot of the following ideas live in that same spirit.)
- Plants (the wood element): In Feng Shui, living plants represent growth, vitality, and renewal. Even one living plant can incrementally lower stress, improve focus, and clean your air.
- Natural light (the fire element): Feng Shui considers sunlight one of the most powerful sources of positive energy in a home. So, open the blinds before you open your phone. Sit by the window with your coffee. Let morning light be the first thing your brain processes instead of a notification!
- Stones (the earth element): In Feng Shui, stones and crystals bring stability and grounding energy into a space. This could be a smooth river rock on your desk, a bowl of pebbles by the door, or a crystal on your windowsill. Hold them, notice their weight and temperature. Stones are ancient in a way almost nothing else in your house is, and that kind of steadiness is surprisingly grounding!
- Water features (the water element): Feng Shui sees moving water as a symbol of flow, abundance, and calm. This could involve a small tabletop fountain, a little aquarium, or even a bowl of water with floating flowers; in fact, moving water is one of the most nervous-system-soothing sounds there is, which is why so many meditation apps use it.
Related Article: What is Grounding? The 5 Helpful Tips & 8 Soothing Benefits
Building Community: Nature Circles, Group Walks, & Land Stewardship
Nature is generous on its own, but shared attention amplifies everything! Consider these options for a more community-based approach:
- Nature circles are small groups that meet regularly to walk, sit, or practice together outside. Some are informal. Some are themed, such as full moon walks or seasonal gatherings.
- Group walks are even simpler. This could mean having a standing walking date with one friend, a silent walk with someone who gets it, or even a casual sunrise stroll with your neighbor.
- Land stewardship involves being responsible and protective of the land, water, and their ecosystem. Some ideas here include volunteering at a local park, joining a community garden, or helping with a river cleanup.
And if none of this exists near you? Start your own! Send a text to a friend about collecting garbage near the riverbank, or simply making a weekly evening walk ritual. It can really be as simple or as complex as you want!
Take Your Connection With Nature to Another Level
Nature is always there. It’s up to you to notice it. And there are so many ways to deepen your practice or stay more consistent. Yes, it can be surprisingly simple.
And when you do, you might just notice you feel more relaxed, more at ease, and less chaotic. That can never be a bad thing!
Read Next: Spiritual Practices: An Introduction to 5 Practices to Help You Explore Your Spiritual Side
Photo by Vinícius Vieira ft
