Connect with Nature

Living in Vancouver, I take nature for granted.   Even though I'm surrounded by both ocean and mountains, I've been so wrapped up in everyday stuff, I think I'd forgotten how beautiful the place I live is.

Yesterday, I spent the morning in an ocean kayak.  It was peaceful being so close to the water, with the warm September sun on my shoulders, feeling the salt water spray on my skin and inhaling the fresh, clean ocean air.  I felt rejuvenated and connected; like I had come home.  And then I began to wonder why the ocean has such a powerful pull.   Why does the ocean have such a strong affect on us? It's more than the salt water, the fresh air, the rhythm of its movement, or its immensity.

Nature has this way of putting things in perspective. When I'm standing at the ocean (or floating on it), I realize my significance and insignificance at the same time. It feels like I'm part of something bigger, and yet, I also realize that life will continue with or without me. That's humbling, and yet, strangely liberating.

Where is your favourite place in nature? Where do you feel the strongest connection with the earth, with nature? Is it the ocean, the mountains, the desert, the prairies, the forests?

I encourage you to spend some time close to (or in) nature. If you live in a city, find a park or a garden and just sit, close your eyes and listen, breathe deeply, then open your eyes and really look at what is around you. Begin to notice the birds, the bugs, the plants, the air and how it all fits together. Then notice how you fit in with it, too. You do. We each do. Connect with nature some how and notice how it makes you feel to be part of something so spectacular and beautiful.