Simple Ways to Appreciate Nature
In lives that seem to only get busier and busier, it’s important to take moments to enjoy the natural world, to relax and explore. You don’t need to go far to do this, and in many cases, a simple trip into the backyard can serve as much-needed time outside. There are a range of activities you can do to incorporate the natural world into your everyday routine. Keep in mind that those trees outside your window, those flowers blooming in the garden, won’t be there forever! It’s important to take the time to notice and appreciate the beauty given to us by nature, however temporary it is.
Gardening
This one is probably the most obvious way to enjoy nature! It’s also an activity that has a range of options, and you can pick your own involvement. Plan and plant a full, lush garden in your backyard, or simply grow a pot or two of your favorite flowers. Either way, helping to create new, lush growth is rewarding in a multitude of ways, from the thrill of a first-flowering to the knowledge that you helped that plant grow. You may get dirty, but dirt washes off, and there’s something wholesome about kneeling on the grass, with shovel, soil and seeds at your disposal. And if you’re unsure about what grows well in your area, it’s simple enough to find out! Simply stop in at a local bookstore and pick up a gardening guide for your area, or ask at a local plant nursery. In addition, many towns have garden clubs, and often, these clubs offer tours of private home gardens. These tours are a great way to get some inspiration; it’s remarkable what some people manage to achieve with their gardens, even in small backyards!
Barbecues and Garden Parties
Enjoy entertaining? Do so in the backyard! Barbecues are common enough, but it’s a nice way to spend time outside. Alternatively, have a garden party! If you have flowers, make up some labels for them, spruce up your hedges, and invite over some friends. Show off your plants, and spend some quality time with friends while doing so. If your friends enjoy gardening, maybe even organize a flower or seed swap!
What You Do Inside, Do Outside!
With better weather, why not move your inside-activities outside? If you enjoy reading, bring a book outside, instead! If you work from home on a laptop, move outside to a nice shady spot, and work from there. So many day-to-day activities can be moved from inside to outside, and if it’s sunny and beautiful, make the best of it.
Hiking & Outdoor Recreation
If there’s somewhere nearby with trails, grab a buddy or two, and go hiking! Many trails will bring you to lovely views of mountains or lakes, but take some time to notice the smaller details, too. From newly-grown ferns unraveling to seedlings emerging, fresh from their seed-casings, nature can be awe-inspiring not only in the majestic views and tallest trees, but right down to the tiniest of saplings as well. And it makes for a grand comparison, that the gigantic tree towering overhead was once as small as that seed on the ground!
Do Your Part, and Be Respectful!
With all the new blooms and lush foliage emerging around us, it’s easy to get swept up by the beauty of it all! But remember, the flower will bloom longer on its stem than in a vase of water. If the flowers are yours for the taking, and plentiful, then go right ahead! But keep in mind that you can enjoy them just as easily outside as on your kitchen table. And, in public areas, leave them be! Share the beauty with everyone, and let the plant complete its natural course.
When hiking and exploring, disturb as little as possible, for just as we are enjoying the world around us, so too are the creatures we share it with, and these creatures depend on the natural world for their homes, food, and lives in general. And though you’ve been taught it in middle school, it can always use some reinforcement-don’t litter! Mother Nature didn’t grow cigarette butts from ground for a reason, so do the responsible thing, and find a waste receptacle for any garbage you may have. Yep, including that used gum, the balled-up napkin and those cigarette butts.
While the fury of a storm can harm, the beauty of a peaceful stream or swaying flower can heal. When you need a break, from work, and from the chaos of daily life, take some time to slow down, look around, and breathe in the beauty of the world with which we’ve been provided. You never know what wonderful little detail you might discover!
