Forage and Harvest –
Whether its flowers, herbs, a garnish for a drink, or just a couple sprigs of lavender for the tub, many of us have some sort of access to an area that can provide some type of plant. It could be a garden area, or the flower bed outside the apartment building. Contrary to beliefs, you don’t have to make a fancy infused syrup, dry your own herbal blend, or can fresh salsa to bask in the joys of harvesting something from nature. There’s a simple kind of fun when you garnish that cocktail with the flower you picked or top the salad with the chives from the potted plant on the deck. No need to be extra to connect to our plant helpers.
Touch and No Tech –
When we step into nature, we have the power to really do it, to really plug in to the magic around us. Without any technology nearby, spend time intentionally immersed in the natural things available to you. Employ one of our greatest senses, touch, to help settle the mind and the nervous system. It can be as easy as sitting in the grass, or don’t laugh, wrapping your arms around a tree. Engaging in thoughts that involve our other senses is a valuable tool for lowering heartrate, decreasing blood pressure, and providing positive treatments that combat stress, anxiety, and depression. Ask yourself, what do I hear around me? What do I smell? And so on. Deep breathing and a clear mind are miraculous partners to nature.
Bring Nature In –
Incorporate nature seamlessly with your décor or your lifestyle. Try doing this in a way that feels natural, in a way that leaves as minimal of an impact as you can manage. It could be decorating with something from the garden, collecting dead wood to repurpose, propagating plants for indoor use, be creative, but be respectful. For example, I regularly bring in fresh flowers, so I purposely planted marigolds this year because not only do they repel insects, but they benefit from being cut as a way of encouraging more blooms throughout the season. Keep it simple. Having a reminder of the outside world around us keeps us tethered to our nature and the importance of staying connected to it.
Local Farm Markets –
Try incorporating a semi regular visit to your local farm market. Most people’s food these days comes to them saturated with plastics and chemicals, it probably took more fossil fuel to get here that we can count, and more times than not whoever harvested it is starving, abused, underage, or all the above. We can’t change things by staying the same. Local food is the window to healing humanity. Hit up the farm market, not only is it a lovely way to be outside and grab some nutritious eats, but it’s also a wonderful way to connect with community! We have learned so much from our local farmers, and the several other crafters and hobbyist who frequent the events. What better way to truly show up for those who will ultimately be the ones who save the world?
Tip- involve the kiddos – make it a challenge to find and try one new thing on every visit.
Plant a Garden –
A garden is as close to the land as it gets, gardens can do extraordinary things. Gardens of any size benefit carbon offsets by placing carbon back into the atmosphere through plant life, at home gardens reduce household waste, supports the environment by lowering human impact, provides sanctuaries for wildlife and pollinators, the list could be endless. Whether it’s a tree, a diy box garden, raised beds, rooftop, or acres, as more and more research comes to fruition, gardens are proving themselves beneficial human companions.