How To Become More Spiritual With Nature

Take a walk in a park or a nature reserve and imagine that all of the trees, plants, and animals are inhabited by kind, natural spirits. Rather of simply staring at them, attempt to sense their presence. Consider what it would be like to be them. As though you were a stately, tolerant, and knowledgeable old tree. The all-seeing, soaring eagle. Alternatively, there's the flighty, almost anxious tiny bird.

Imagine the Earth as a Great Spirit

Take note of how the soil nurtures and grows so much of what becomes a part of it. What would it be like if you were that maternal spirit? Feel the rocks, the earth, the mountains, the streams, and the lakes. Don't just look at them; get a sense of what they're like in parts and as a whole.

Feel the Spirit of the Sky

Feel its openness and moods, its tranquility and wrath, and the calming limitless beauty of the night. Imagine a spirit rolling in through the dark clouds, bringing life-giving water to the ground. Consider the sun's spirit, which provides us with warmth and light. Take note of how the sky's spirit affects you.

Notice the Smaller Spirits

What children – stars, planets, worlds, animals, plants, and humans – make up the larger picture? Consider how all the little aspects of life on Earth, as well as everything we see in space, like infant spirits, come together to form a larger total. No one portion is more important than the other; we are all brothers and sisters who share the same heart and spirit. Feel the spirit of brotherhood that we have with one another and with the entire universe.

Notice the Spirit of your Ancestors

Every child carries a piece of the countless people who came before them in their hearts, much like the spirit of every ancestor still resides within them. Look for it in them, look for it, and feel for it. Take a moment to notice if you have the same spirit as our ancestors. Are we really that unlike to them? Have we forgotten our once-common core impulses for companionship, caring, and peace? We can locate the souls of those who have passed on in our hearts, and how they shaped us into the persons we are today.

Humans used to traverse the globe in close proximity to nature, which helped define us and became a vital part of who we were. To help us make sense of the world, we gave it human attributes we could understand, spirits we saw as equals to ourselves – we didn't think of ourselves as superior. The spirits were our brothers and sisters, and they made us feel like we were a part of something bigger. We were never alone among the spirits. Being in the midst of the land and sea soothed us and gave us a sense of our larger selves.

Connecting with spirits in nature, whether we believe they exist or not, may help us find who we are, remind us of our place and values, and be a powerful and vital tonic in a logical and busy world where we don't have time to think, let alone feel.

There is so much to appreciate, experience, and enjoy in life. Connecting with nature's spirit can serve as a guide and a doorway to a more fulfilling life.

Dr. Winfried Sedhoff has over 25 years of clinical experience as a family physician specializing in mental health.

How does nature relate to spirituality?

Nature has the capacity to be imbued with spiritual significance and force. Forests, lakes, and mountains frequently evoke a sense of the divine or awe in people. They are a means for people to connect to the divine and experience spiritual feelings.

How do you become one with nature?

If that's the case, you've likely experienced a diverse range of experiences. If you're anything like me, you go for a walk or run and are scarcely aware of the environment around you on some days. Your mind wanders down familiar paths, and before you realize it, you're back in your automobile.

On other days, however, something extraordinary occurs. You're walking along when you suddenly notice a tree—a tree that you truly notice—and it's a revelation. It emits a deep tranquility that settles inside you. Or you're sitting in a quiet place and realize: I'm just like that rock, that tree, that herd of deer. Everything in the world appears to be in order. Then you become conscious of the whole presence of Nature. You have the impression that Nature is more than a collection of trees, rocks, and animals; it is a presence in and of itself, and you are a part of it. You felt it whether you called it God, Earth Mother, or something else.

These moments of clarity, connection, and peace have come to be known as “accidental encounters with Nature” (capital N) “(“N”). You weren't looking for a life-changing experience, yet it happened.

The majority of us never go any further. We know we love nature, that we feel good in it, and that we spend time in it. However, we have no idea how to intentionally interact with Nature. As a result, we revert to exercising or socializing, utilizing nature as a sort of large gym or café that happens to make us feel particularly good, because our culture places a great deal of emphasis on the look of things rather than the spirit of them. No one ever encourages us to take a deeper dive. There are no precedents for doing so in mainstream Western culture.

But there's a lot more! These chance meetings with Mother Nature are only the beginning. They're the entrance. They're an invitation to rediscover your true nature and live in harmony with the natural world.

I know because I accepted the invitation after a few of these chance encounters. It was a period in my life when I was in excruciating anguish. My relationship had just ended, and I felt like a ghost hanging about the boundaries of my own life, with a huge hole in the middle of my chest that couldn't be filled. After a while, I recognized that no one else could ever fill this need. I felt my way toward Nature, like a flower turning toward the sun.

I realized that it is possible to move from an unintentional spiritual relationship with Nature to one that is intentional. I began to intentionally connect with Nature by spending time in it. Nature has become a spiritual journey for me. The hole in my chest filled in, which had always been there but had grown excruciating as a result of the heartbreak. I learnt that I am never completely alone, and that despite life's ups and downs, I can maintain a consistent level of genuine delight.

Allow yourself to turn toward that light if you have sensed a connection to Nature and want to develop it. Allow your imagination to take the lead and guide you. The benefits are incalculable.

1. Make a vow to spend time in nature.

Our lives are hectic, and our minds are even more so. Even if you spend time in nature, the chatter in your head might take over. You give up your power to form a relationship if you don't set a clear intention to connect.

Consider the following scenario: you're on a first date and become so engrossed in your own thoughts that you don't hear a word your date says. Then you add at the end of the date: “I'm not looking for dates; I simply want to see if they come naturally!” She or he would be sprinting towards the exit.

Nature is the same way. You must listen and communicate, which may not come naturally to you if you were nurtured in the Western society. So committing to cultivating your spiritual relationship with Nature is the first step.

2. Set aside time to be alone in nature.

We tend to converse to each other while we're with other people. Silences are perceived as unsettling. We're also worried about what other people think of us, so we edit ourselves to make sure we're doing appropriately. Women and girls, in particular, are taught to pay attention to and care for other people's feelings at the expense of being conscious of our own real experience.

How can I get closer to nature?

The most obvious way to get closer to nature is to go outside. Take a walk at a nearby park. For lunch or to read a book, sit in the grass with your back against a tree. Put your electronics aside and take a few moments to unplug. When the weather permits, exercise outside. On the trails, go for a bike ride or a run. To tap into the electrons on the Earth's surface, try earthing (standing or walking barefoot). To sense the connection, hug a tree for at least 20 seconds. Examine trees, smell flowers, and watch squirrels play to be mindful. Smell the fresh air after a spring rainstorm. Summer nights are perfect for stargazing. In the fall, gather colorful leaves. In the winter, make a snow angel.

When you close your windows, the air inside becomes stale and unventilated. This can lead to mold, indoor pollutants, and allergies, all of which can have a severe impact on your sleep, attention, focus, and overall health. Open the windows to let the fresh air in — even in the dead of winter! Just 10–15 minutes can make a huge difference. Inhale deeply to clear your lungs and relax your thoughts while you enjoy the fresh air. When the weather is nice, gaze out your window to get some vitamin D from the sun. Listen to the birds tweeting and flying by while you take in the surroundings outside.

You don't even need a garden to cultivate plants; you can do it right in your own home, apartment, or business. Houseplants are not only a beautiful addition to your home, but they may also help you breathe better by filtering out volatile organic compounds in the air. Cacti and Aloe vera are simple to grow, sun-loving, and low-maintenance plants. They may naturally purify your air and aid in the healing of injuries and burns. Beautiful and forgiving houseplants for filtering your interior air and improving your mood are bamboo plants, philodendrons, spider plants, Chinese evergreen, red-edged dracaena, English ivy, snake plant, jade, air plants, and rubber plants. Kalanchoe, bromeliads, begonias, orchids, peace lilies, and Christmas cacti are all good alternatives for flowering plants. Remember that food plants such as spices, herbs, strawberries, tiny tomatoes, and even lettuce can be grown indoors.

Consider a hot cup of tea on a chilly winter day. It's worth it just for the smell. You'll feel instantly at ease and grounded, not to mention all the health benefits that the herbs have to offer. Herbal teas come in a wide variety of flavors and can be found at grocery stores, organic supermarkets, and online. You can also grow your own if you're inspired! Herbs like mint, basil, lavender, and chamomile are easy to grow. The plant can help to purify the air in your home and elevate your spirits. You can use them right away, but drying them and storing them in mason jars is a good idea. You may also prepare similarly potent teas with spices and superfoods like turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon, and experience the benefits of nature in a peaceful cup.

Crystals are so much more than just pretty rocks to look at. They have a lot of energy features that can help you feel better. Throughout history, crystals have been utilized as amulets and talismans for health protection. They've become increasingly popular among alternative health practitioners, energy healers, and spiritual healers in recent years. Vogel crystals are natural rock crystals that have been polished in a particular manner. They can help you recharge and repair by regulating energy flow and equilibrium in your body. Crystal beds combine the natural healing capabilities of crystals with modern technology to provide comprehensive crystal therapy for your body, mind, and spirit. Crystal beds also work to balance your chakras and promote well-being by stimulating your meridian and response zones. You may reap the natural benefits of crystals without going on a trip or even leaving your home if you lay under a crystal bed on a regular basis.

You may get closer to nature and feel more relaxed, balanced, centered, positive, calmer, and happier by using these five effective tactics.

What methods do you use to get closer to nature? What will you do today to connect with nature? Please share your stories in the comments section. We'd love to hear about your experiences and respond to any queries you might have.

How do I awaken my spiritual power?

Seven Ways to Boost Your Spiritual Well-Being

• Examine your spiritual foundation. You are merely asking yourself questions about who you are and what you mean when you explore your spiritual essence.

How can I be awakened spiritually?

The spiritual journey—and the resulting “spiritual awakening” we seek—always appears to take place in some exotic location or following a spectacular incident.

Perhaps you believe you need to travel to Peru to drink ayahuasca or leave your spouse to get the spiritual awakening you seek?

From the comfort of your own home, you may connect with your spirituality and awaken to the lessons that are meant for you over and over again throughout your life.

What are the 3 elements of spirituality?

In their eternal wisdom, all shamans, healers, sages, and wisdom keepers of all centuries, continents, and peoples claim that human spirituality is made up of three aspects: connections, values, and life purpose. These three components are so strongly linked that it may be difficult to tell them apart. Take a minute to ponder on each facet of human spirituality to determine the state of your spiritual well-being if this is possible. This will be a three-part monthly series, starting with relationships.

Internal (your domestic policy)—how you deal with yourself, how you nurture the relationship with yourself and your higher self—and external (your foreign policy)—how you relate, support, and interact with those people (and all living entities) in your environment—are the two categories of relationships.

What criteria would you use to assess your internal relationship, and what steps could you take to improve it?

How would you assess your external relationships, shifting from the perspective of domestic policy to international policy?

Why do I feel so drawn to nature?

I'm a psychiatrist who also happens to be an empath. An empath is a highly sensitive person who absorbs other people's emotional and physical energies into their own body. Empaths also have a close relationship with nature, which includes the Earth, plants, and animals.

On the plus side, we may fully sense all that is good, pure, and healthy in others and in the world. The drawback is that sensory overload causes empaths to become fatigued, nervous, and burned out.

Many of my empath patients come to me with these symptoms but were never properly diagnosed by traditional doctors—rather, they were misdiagnosed as having panic disorder, depression, or anxiety and were prescribed drugs as a result. If you identify as an empath, developing centering and protection strategies such as meditation, setting clear boundaries, creating adequate alone time to refuel, and many other strategies I present in The Empath's Survival Guide is the key to nurturing your intuitive connection to all living things. The thrill of empaths' sensitivities can then be savored.

Earth empaths are a unique kind of empath who are acutely aware of the natural environment and all of the planet's changes. The beauty of a waterfall can exhilarate and excite these empaths, whereas air pollution might make them sick, tired, or unhappy. What are the signs that you're an Earth empath? Intuiting the Earth's changes in your body is extremely sensitive for you. You may feel the force of a thunderstorm, the beauty of the moon, and the warmth of the sun on your shoulders both sensually and energetically. What happens to the Earth has a direct impact on your body. The Earth's beauty and health nourish and maintain you. Everyone is affected by the water and tides, but you are particularly vulnerable. Menstrual cycles in women and sleep-wake cycles in both genders are regulated by the moon and tide. Changes in the weather and the quantity of daylight affect you. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a depression that affects Earth empaths during the winter months when the days are shorter.

The Earth, its components, and the universe all feel like extended family to me. My constant friends have always been the moon and stars. I've always felt at home when I stared up at the stars since I was a child. (One patient told me that stargazing is her favorite pastime.) “Instead of bars and clubs, “nightlife” is used.) However, empaths, like me, who have a hard time adjusting to life on this planet, have discovered that we need to link to the Earth's energy in order to properly inhabit our bodies. Learning how to do this (rather than fighting it) is an important component of our recovery.

You are adored by the Earth. It's palpable. If you're an Earth empath, you'll understand why you feel so hurt, frightened, or sick when she's damaged or destroyed. Your body is inextricably linked to the planet. You feel her transformations as if they were occurring to you. You are happy when the Earth is pleased. You are in agony when the Earth is in anguish.

Earth empaths may have forewarnings about natural disasters or profoundly experience them in their bodies as they happen. One of my patients informed me. “I often wake up just before an earthquake. Then it hits you like a ton of bricks.” Another person stated, “My body begins to shake before earthquakes or volcanic explosions. I feel ‘odd,' as if I'm not standing on firm ground.” Another person said to me, “I awoke from a deep slumber in a condition of tension and terror during the last tsunami.” “An empathic buddy told me,” she stated “As a result of a massive oil spill, “I felt like I was hemorrhaging.” Similarly, pay attention to how your body reacts when the earth shifts dramatically. Then, when your feelings arise, you can put them in context and practice more self-care.

You might be susceptible to solar flares if you're an Earth empath. The magnetic fields around the Earth and our bodies are affected by the sun's magnetic storms. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, and tornadoes all seem to follow periods of high solar activity. You may feel headaches, mood fluctuations, anxiety, or heart palpitations during this time. Solar flares have been linked to increased depression, anxiety, suicides, and bipolar disorder episodes in studies. Solar flares have been linked to revolutions, riots, and turmoil all across the world. Keep in mind that the sun is the source of life on Earth. We can sense it 93 million miles away when it shifts. For empaths, this feeling is intensified.

You need to contact with the Earth on a regular basis to be vibrant. Spend time in the woods, by the sea, or in the mountains, where you can connect with nature and feel at ease. Eat clean, wholesome, organic foods to strengthen your connection with the Earth (even better, grow them yourself). You can't connect with the Earth if you eat junk food because you're not consuming her vitality. Earthing should be done on a regular basis: Lie flat on the ground to absorb her power and positivity. In lakes, rivers, and the ocean, you can paddle or swim. Take a look at the stars. On the grass, walk barefoot.

You can communicate with the Earth by asking, “How can I communicate with you?” “How are you feeling?” Then, if any intuitions arise, be open to them. You can also consult the Earth as an oracle, asking her direct questions about yourself or others. She will respond to you based on your intuition. Then follow her instructions.

Earth medicine is a Native American term that refers to the healing power of nature. Mother Earth should be loved and protected. You can practice Earth medicine as empaths by doing everything you can to protect our dear mother earth. This is a component of your mission and a means for you to feel entire, happy, and healthy.

(Adapted from Judith Orloff, MD's The Empath's Survival Guide: Life Strategies for Sensitive Individuals, a manual for empaths and all compassionate people who want to keep their hearts open in a world that is often insensitive.)