This is part 2 of an upcoming GreenPill V2 Guide on ‘The Magic of Touching Grass’. Read part 1 here.
Nature, with its vast interconnectedness and ever-changing dynamics, possesses a profound awareness. Flowers bloom at the right time, birds migrate instinctively, and animals know when to hibernate. They don't rely on Google calendar invites, weather apps, or AI assistants to guide them.
What's fascinating is that we too are part of nature, and we can tap into our own inner knowing through awareness and connection.
Have you ever felt an overwhelming desire to sit or lie down on the floor when you're feeling anxious, tired, or overwhelmed? This instinctive urge is our way of grounding ourselves, getting as close as possible to our physical ground.
Just this past weekend, my teammate and I found ourselves instinctively lying on the floor immediately after submitting our hackathon project. It wasn't the couch, the beanbag, a bed or a chair—our bodies knew that connecting with the ground was the best way to ground ourselves after a 36-hour sprint hackathon.
Similarly, when we say, "I just need some fresh air" and step outside, our bodies are urging us to connect with nature. Even the mere sounds of nature have a relaxing effect on us.
"Touching Grass" is about reconnecting with the inner compass that guides us toward peace and what is meaningful to us. It means cultivating a nourishing environment both within us and outside of us. Peace doesn't mean a constant state of calm; it means finding our footing amidst the chaos of life and knowing that we'll navigate whatever comes next.
It's about connection.
One of my favourite quotes is by Bruce Lee: "Under duress, we do not rise to our level of expectation, we fall to our level of training."
"Touching Grass" is actually a way to train ourselves to have the capacity for more, without succumbing to our more destructive tendencies and habits. It allows us to find our footing during times of stress and overwhelm because we have the tools and training needed to support ourselves. It is about helping us train to connect instead of disconnect with ourselves and the world around us.
Here are 30 ways to get outside and better connect with yourself and nature:
Take a casual walk in a nearby park or forest area.
Go for a hike on a scenic trail, in the mountains, or in the woods.
Have a picnic in a picturesque outdoor setting.
Practice yoga or meditation outdoors.
Take a bike ride through nature trails or countryside.
Try birdwatching and learn to identify different bird species.
Go camping (or glamping) and spend a night under the stars.
Engage in gardening or spend time tending to plants.
Have a beach day and enjoy the soothing sounds of the ocean.
Try kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding on a tranquil lake or river.
Go fishing and enjoy the peacefulness of being by the water.
Take a scenic drive through the countryside or coastal roads.
Try outdoor photography and capture the beauty of nature.
Have a bonfire and stargaze on a clear night.
Take a nature photography walk and focus on capturing details.
Try geocaching and explore hidden treasures in nature.
Join a nature conservation or cleanup project in your community.
Go on a nature scavenger hunt with friends or family.
Try outdoor painting or drawing to express your creativity.
Simply sit and observe nature around you, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells.
Engage in forest bathing, which involves immersing yourself in the atmosphere of a forest and mindfully experiencing the sights, sounds, and scents.
Try outdoor rock climbing or bouldering for an adventurous and nature-filled experience.
Go on a nature photography expedition and explore different natural landscapes.
Take a sunrise or sunset hike to witness the beauty of nature's changing colors.
Go on a nature retreat or camping trip to fully immerse yourself in the outdoors.
Try outdoor painting or sketching to capture the essence of nature's beauty.
Take a nature-inspired fitness class, such as outdoor yoga or tai chi.
Have a mindfulness session in nature, focusing on being fully present and aware of your surroundings.
Take a nature-based workshop or class to learn about local flora, fauna, or nature conservation.
Set up a hammock in a peaceful spot and spend time reading, napping, or simply enjoying the surroundings.
Why does going into nature help us?
Quiet reflection: Being in nature provides a peaceful and serene environment that allows us to detach from the noise and distractions of everyday life. It creates space for introspection and self-reflection, helping us reconnect with our inner thoughts and emotions.
Sensory experience: Nature engages all our senses, from the sound of rustling leaves to the scent of flowers and the feel of soft grass beneath our feet. This sensory experience awakens our awareness and brings us into the present moment, fostering a deeper connection with ourselves.
Grounding and mindfulness: Nature has a grounding effect on us. Walking barefoot on the earth, touching trees, or sitting by a flowing stream can help us feel rooted and connected to the present. It encourages mindfulness, allowing us to fully experience the present moment and be more attuned to our thoughts, feelings, and sensations.
Inner peace and calm: Nature has a calming effect on our nervous system. The soothing sounds, natural beauty, and tranquil environment of nature can help reduce stress, anxiety, and mental fatigue, allowing us to find inner peace and achieve a state of calmness.
Perspective and clarity: Being in nature can provide a fresh perspective and clarity of mind. It offers a break from the demands and pressures of daily life, allowing us to gain new insights, reevaluate priorities, and find clarity on our goals, values, and aspirations.
Authenticity, self-acceptance and meaning: Nature has a way of reminding us of our inherent authenticity. It teaches us to embrace our true selves, just as it accepts and celebrates the uniqueness of every flower, tree, and creature. A tulip’s beauty doesn’t take away from the beauty of a peony, if anything their combined presence is beneficial for all. The same is true for us. In nature's presence, we can let go of societal expectations and reconnect with our authentic selves. We are able to connect to what is meaningful to us.
Nature is inherently wise. It is deeply interconnected with the world around it, and through this interconnectedness, it possesses profound wisdom. This wisdom is not exclusive to nature alone; it is also available to us because we are an integral part of nature's tapestry.
By immersing ourselves in nature and engaging with its beauty and tranquillity, we create opportunities to reconnect with our inner selves, find inner peace, gain clarity, and foster a deeper sense of self-acceptance, authenticity, and connection to what is truly meaningful to us.