Here is one of my core beliefs: to improve parenting, learning, and taking care of yourself, make sure you go outside each day.
Let nature nurture.
Fresh air, sunshine, feet and hands in the dirt help cure a lot of what ails us.
Need help with stress? Sleep? Moods?
Take a walk.
“In beauty may I walk.
All day long may I walk.
Through the returning seasons may I walk.
On the trail marked with pollen may I walk.
With grasshoppers about my feet may I walk.
With dew about my feet may I walk.
With beauty may I walk.
With beauty before me, may I walk.
With beauty behind me, may I walk.
With beauty above me, may I walk.
With beauty below me, may I walk.
With beauty all around me, may I walk.
In old age wandering on a trail of beauty, lively, may I walk.
In old age wandering on a trail of beauty, living again, may I walk.
It is finished in beauty.
It is finished in beauty.”
― Navajo Blessingway
Play in the dirt.
Lie on the ground and look at the sky.
Breathe deeply.
Smell the flowers, the air, the soil.
Open your eyes wide and look into the distance.
Look for patterns.
Listen for birdsong, insects, the wind.
Let the raindrops wash your tears away or inspire you to dance.
“ Nature holds the key to our aesthetic, intellectual, cognitive and even spiritual satisfaction.” E. O. Wilson
No matter whether you go to the backyard, the local park, or the great untamed wilderness, do yourself a favor.
Go outside.
I always love it when research confirms my beliefs and experience. http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2015/06/29/fixating-or-brooding-on-things-take-a-walk-in-the-woods-for-real/?tid=sm_fb
How well does taking a walk in the woods, up a hill or just in the fresh air work for you?
Want more about nature as a learning resource? Check out this post.