Nature Connection in Winter

Winter can feel long, cold, dark and dreary, but it doesn’t have to be that way. It is natural to want to stay warm and cozy indoors, it is after all hibernation season. Here are some tips to help us enjoy the season and brighten and lighten each day by connecting to nature, even from the warmth and comfort of our homes and minds.

When someone asks you to think of a relaxing place what do you see in your mind? Chances are it’s somewhere in nature, a beach, a forest, a lake….. So wanting to stay connected to nature at any time, but especially in this season and the current state of the world makes more sense than ever.

Try this sensory based visualization.

Sit with your feet on the floor.

Close your eyes.

Go to a place you feel connected to in nature.

Soak it in all the senses. See, hear, smell, taste, feel and know that you are there.

Notice how your body feels, what sensations arise.

Sit here for a few minutes and soak it all in.

When you feel complete open your eyes and come back to this present moment.

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What did you notice? What sensations did you feel?
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Tips to connect to nature during the winter months

There are so many options!!

Check the weather and pick the best day to get outside

Weather appreciation- we NEED the snow and rain

Growing  and caring for indoor plants, plan your spring garden, start seeds indoors
Potted plants are better than cut flowers, have plants in every room

Open the curtains, let the sunshine in!!

Have a daily Sit Spot routine

Look at pictures or videos of nature, wildlife webcams (many zoos and similar establishments currently have life streams)

Use a sun lamp

Listen to birds, leave food out for the critters

Create nature art

Read nature books

Keep a nature journal- note something you notice in nature each day

Let you imagination run wild

Connect with the weather

Open the windows on warmer/dryer days

Go outside, even for just a few minutes a day

When you do go outside do a medicine walk and gather items that bring you joy

Dress for the weather

Ground and connect to the earth

Do a polar bear swim

Bring in a bucket of earth or sand to put your feet in

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Remember, WE ARE NATURE! So use this time to connect to yourself.

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Some questions to consider-

What do you want to get out of connecting with nature?

What other things give you those same sensations? Do those too!

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