Today is one of the biggest television watching days of the year. Friends and family will gather in each other’s homes, share some food, and watch the Big Game.
I read an article this week about being outside in nature. We all know the health benefits of walking. Some believe that being in nature can be healing, especially to the mind. Given the approach of the Big Game this weekend, one particular thought in this article really stuck with me: “nature tickles our attention gently”. Mentally taxing activities such as watching television may distract us from our daily lives and our jobs, but it doesn’t help us to relax.
Thinking back on my own experience, I believe this is true. Before I had a family of my own, I used to come home from work and unwind in front of the TV. Work was hard and I was tired. Lots of times I was under a lot of pressure to get a big project done. I used the TV to forget about the stresses of the day. But what was actually happening? I was getting caught up in the drama of the characters on the screen. My heart would pound with every exciting plot twist. Was I distracted from work? Yes. Was I relaxing? No.
Over the years I’ve stepped away from the television more and more. I spend time outside instead. I’m out there to get some exercise, but over the years I’ve learned to just stop and observe. Watch the birds. Admire the plants. Listen to the water running through the creek. Just for a few minutes. Take a few deep breaths and slow my thinking. Concentrate on what’s in front of me. It is calming. Nature doesn’t tug at my heart strings, make my blood pressure go up, or convince me to purchase something. It truly helps me relax.
I try to get outside for a walk and to admire nature every day. And honestly, it’s been very difficult for the last two weeks. It’s been very cold and I’m uncomfortable out there. The trails have been covered in ice making it too dangerous to walk in some places. I’ve only been going out to get some steps in for the day. I haven’t been stopping to observe nature. Do you know what? After two weeks, I’m feeling it. I’m more agitated. I’m cranky. My patience is wearing thin. I need to spend some quality time in nature again.
There are some warmer days coming this week, and I have already blocked my calendar to spend that time in a healing place, outside surrounded by nature.
Do you feel more calm when you stop to observe nature?