Using all your senses to (re)connect with Nature

Oct 11, 2023
Posted by: Monique Parker

 

In my book ‘Conversations on the Lost Connection with Nature’ I talk about ways to (re)connect with Nature. There is a non-exhaustive list of suggestions in the book, starting at page 217.

One of the suggestions I would like to mention here is ‘using all your senses’.

There are seven senses:

  1. Sight
  2. Hearing
  3. Smell
  4. Touch
  5. Taste

And two less familiar ones,

  1. Balance (vestibular sense; balance and special orientation)
  2. Movement (proprioception, or body awareness)

 

So, how do you (re)connect with Nature using your senses?
It is super simple, and everyone can do this. Just go outside to a park, a forest, or a field.

When you’re outdoors, put your phone away, open your eyes and pay attention to your surroundings. What can you see?
It can be as simple as observing the behaviour of a squirrel or a little robin, honeybees on flowers etc.

 


 

Listen to the sounds of Nature. There is nothing more soothing than birdsong, the sound of crashing waves of the ocean, the babbling of a stream or the rustling of leaves. Research has shown that Nature’s sounds reduce anxiety and stress, and they improve your memory and concentration.
Even William Shakespeare understood, when he wrote ''the earth has music for those who listen''.

Smell the wildflowers, the roses, the pine trees, the sea air, etc., and enjoy the smells. Many natural fragrances have health benefits, like the relaxing effect of lavender or the calming effect of the pine tree.

Touch the bark of a tree and feel the texture or walk barefoot and feel the ground beneath your feet, like the sand or the grass. Earthing or grounding connects the body to the Earth’s natural field of negatively charged free electrons and this electrically conductive contact has positive effects on the body such as reducing inflammation.

Taste what Nature gifts us. Now I know that we often see wild fruits, nuts, flowers etc. as ‘risky’ and potentially toxic, but if you know what you are doing and you can identify these offerings correctly, you will be surprised. I will never forget my first taste of Pineapple Weed (also called Wild Chamomile), it really tastes of pineapple, and you can eat it raw. You could always start with wild blackberries or strawberries.


 

Exercise outdoors when you can and feel the difference. There is nothing better than moving in the fresh air. Instead of using the treadmill in the gym, go for run along a canal or through the woods.

There are many ways to (re)connect and forge or rekindle a new relationship with Nature, it is never too late.