On Nature
As we near the longest day of the year, I've been reflecting on how the natural world can support many dimensions of our well-being — particularly our spiritual, mental, and physical health.
Awe
One of the reasons I think nature can be so powerful is the sense of awe it inspires. Brené Brown describes awe in her book, Atlas of the Heart, as “an emotional response to something vast that challenges your understanding of the world, making you appreciate the value of others and evoking humility.”
Have you ever had an experience in nature that made you feel this way? Perhaps standing at the edge of the ocean, watching a brilliant sunset, or looking up at a sky full of stars? For some, these moments can feel spiritual.
Awareness
Time outdoors can also support our mental well-being by encouraging awareness. When we slow down enough to notice the sounds of birds, the scent of pine trees, or the warmth of sunlight, we're practicing mindfulness.
Movement
And of course, nature can be a wonderful companion to physical health. Many people find that walking, running, biking, swimming, hiking, or kayaking outdoors just hits different. Some of my favorite summer memories have been made while moving through nature in these ways.
Gratitude
The next time you find yourself enjoying the natural world this summer, consider bringing your journal along, or spending a few minutes writing afterward. Journaling can help you savor the experience, feel gratitude for the experience, and carry a bit of that calm and perspective into the rest of your day.
Be well,
Annette Furio
Founder, Season Journals
Write It
Journal Prompts
- What is a summer memory in nature that comes to mind right now?
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Do I have any traditions or rhythms that take place outdoors? What do they add to my life?
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What kinds of movement or hobbies do I enjoy doing outside? Would I like to try anything new this summer?
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Where in nature do I feel most at ease? A body of water, a trail, an open sky, my backyard? What is it about this place?
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When did I last feel a sense of awe in nature? What did I notice in that moment, and how did it shift my perspective?
Say It
Affirmations
I am in awe of the natural world around me.
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I breathe in fresh air, I release tension and worry.
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I am calm and present amidst the beauty of nature.
Try It
Action Ideas
How to Start A 10-Minute Journaling Practice In Nature
Bring your supplies.
A small journal or sketchbook and a pen or pencil is enough.
Choose your timing.
Dedicate 10 minutes. “Stack it” with something you’re already doing, like a walk or workout. Find a park bench or patch of grass, and begin 10 minutes before or stay 10 minutes after your activity.
Notice your surroundings.
(3 minutes)
Start with your senses: write what you see, hear, feel, and smell.
Name how you feel.
(1 minute)
Write a few words about your emotional response. Do you feel calm, energized, grounded…?
Capture one detail.
(3 minutes)
Focus on one moment or element that caught your attention. Write or sketch.
End with reflection & gratitude.
(3 minutes)
Write any final reflections and a moment of gratitude for the experience.
Explore It
Resources & Links
Walking In The Woods (Book) — Yoshifumi Miyazaki
Nature and Mental Health (Article) — Minnesota Department of Health
Nature Journaling (Journal Prompts) — Great Lakes Aquarium
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