Nature for Nature's Sake

I often talk about the importance of movement and how getting outside for a daily walk is both physically and emotionally healthy for us. When we can do our walk in nature, we add the calming presence of the landscape to our sense of peace, a sense of being grounded in our busy day.

Very often however, even our walks can become a multi-task event. We may talk on the phone while walking, text as we walk, listen to music to pick up the pace, or squeeze in a podcast that we have been meaning to listen to. I came across this quote that reminded me that we can appreciate nature’s true capacity to heal when we slow down enough to pay attention to it.

“You don’t need a forest; any green space will do. Leave your cup of coffee and phone behind, walk slowly, and open your senses to nature.” – Dr. Qing Li

Open your senses to nature – what a lovely image. Take some deep breaths, listen to the sounds, feel the wind or the sun on your face, take in the colours, the sights and smells. Be open to what nature has to offer, simply for the sake of nature.