Being in Nature
A friend of mine has this beautiful gift—she finds joy in the little moments of life. One day, she asked me, “Since you live so close to the beach, do you ever go see the sunrise?” I had to admit that I didn’t, I felt a little foolish.
That changed one September morning when I got myself out of bed and got myself to the beach just in time to witness the most spectacular sunrise. The photo I took doesn’t even come close to capturing its beauty—it’s something you have to experience for yourself. Standing there, watching the colors stretch across the sky, I was reminded of how easy it is to miss the everyday miracles around us.
A sunrise or sunset has this magical way of recharging your soul. It reflects the beauty of nature back to you—and, in turn, reminds you of your own beauty. It’s also a moment to truly engage your senses: your eyes taking in the colors, your ears hearing the rhythmic crash of the waves, your feet feeling the soft sand beneath you, your nose breathing in the salty ocean air. When you connect with your senses in this way, it brings calm and safety to your nervous system, helping you feel grounded and present.
While the ocean has always been a source of peace for me, I, like many others, embraced the houseplant and gardening trend in 2020. Over time, my love for flowers and plants has only grown. One of my favorite times of year is spring, when I can fill my back porch with flowers and plants and enjoy a quiet morning surrounded by their beauty. Each morning there something different— a new bud or a flower emerged. A nice reminder that change is constantly all around us when life can sometimes feel stagnant.
During my experience with burnout, I often felt this crushing anxiety, a sensation that made me feel so small. I have found that the antidote for this is stepping outside, looking up at the sky or seeing the size of a towering tree, you can’t help but feel expansive. I always feel better after getting outside. Whether I just feel more grounded or have been reminded of my own expansiveness — nature really is healing.
But what if it’s winter or you live in a place where nature feels less accessible? You don’t need to wait for the perfect conditions to connect with it. Spend some time in the plant section of a store—nurseries often have the friendliest people working there and the warmth feels good in the winter. My other recommendation is to visit a nearby garden or arboretum. One of my favorite places is Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. A day there, breathing in the fresh air and taking in the beauty and thoughtfulness of the space, feels like a reset for the mind and body.
Since September, I’ve been finding ways to immerse myself in nature and below you’ll find some photos from my favorite moments. Whether it’s a sunrise, a new houseplant, or a quiet walk outdoors, I hope this inspires you to seek out nature’s healing energy. It’s always there, waiting to remind you of your own strength, resilience, and beauty.
