The Power of a Connection with Nature and Yourself
It's easy to lose perspective if you have an unchanging routine; the constant repetition becomes draining. You don't have to sacrifice your rest and peace of mind for productivity — you can have both if you habitually create a connection with nature. Stepping out of the modern world and into the peaceful quiet found in nature can help you change your life in more ways than you’d think.
In today's Wisdom Wednesday episode, Rosie and Tessa talk about summer plans and hiking as a way to unplug from the chaos of modern living and relive childhood wonder and imagination. They discuss how the wonders of nature can help find a new perspective. You can learn to stay present and appreciate every moment through a connection with nature.
If you’re struggling with staying positive and present in your life, this episode is for you! Create that connection with nature and show up as the person you want to be.
Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:
Discover how a connection with nature can shift your perspective
Learn how to be present and grateful for your sanctuary in yourself and your space
Find out how to see the world again in childlike wonder by listening to this episode!
Resources
Malaga, Spain Retreat with Dharma: https://dharma.travel/rosie-acosta
Scholarship giveaway: Check out the website at https://www.radicallyloved.com/ or send a DM to Rosie through her Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/rosieacosta/
Episode Highlights
[0:04] Start of Summer and Backpacking Trips
Tessa shares her recent backpacking trip where she uses the time to hike and reforge a connection with nature.
She splurged on a hammock this year instead of a tent so she would have less to carry.
Efficient backpacking is necessary because you'll have to carry everything while hiking.
[3:40] Dealing with Bears on the Trail
It's easier to stay calm about having surprise bear companions on the hike when you remember that most bears are more scared of you than you are of them.
In Tessa’s five years of hiking, she has not encountered any bears or other similar wild animals.
Even if you feel a trail is safe, a bear bag is still essential just in case the need arises when on the hike.
Always be mindful of where you store or throw away your food when following a trail, as bears use their sense of smell in hunting.
[05:34] Rosie’s Experience While Hiking
Right before the pandemic, Rosie and her partner went to Yosemite for a brief hiking detour on the way to a friend’s wedding.
While her partner assures her that they will not encounter any wild bears on the trail, this is quickly proven wrong as they see a running brown bear as they’re packing to go on the hike.
She and her partner also used to take camping trips with their family every year before they moved to Portland.
[08:17] Finding Magic in the Woods
A connection with nature can be a soul-cleansing reprieve from daily exposure to technology and work.
Doing outdoor activities like hiking and camping can be a way to build self-confidence in creating bigger goals for yourself.
(08:34) "It's almost indescribable. I feel like when I say majestic or awe-inspiring, it almost diminishes the sensation that I feel when I look out and I realize where I am and how it's simultaneously feeling small and connected and just bigger than myself, if that makes sense. It's like this is my church, this is my reset." - Click Here To Tweet This
[10:26] Nature: A Reminder of Who and What You Are
Rosie shares her experience of seeing the break of dawn from inside an airplane.
A connection with nature reminds you that you are only a small part of the world, and being and staying present creates more meaning in life.
Our routines condition us to be mindless, which is why staying present becomes a challenge for most of us.
[14:36] How to Stay Present
It’s essential to carve out time for yourself in your schedule.
Establishing a routine can help with your overall productivity, but you can also benefit greatly from taking breaks and pauses.
Recharging in nature can feel like a magical experience, stimulate your imagination, and help you become more mindful of the present.
(15:14) “Take the time to pause and not take for granted this beautiful earth, this planet that we live on that we have the pleasure of sharing space with, that feeds us, (and) that holds us.” - Click Here To Tweet This
(16:30) “We’ve changed. The world at large, people have changed. But the magic is still there. Those trees are still there. The magic of the world is still there,” - Click Here To Tweet This
[16:51] Transitioning Back to Reality
Coming back to reality after being in touch with nature can be challenging.
A habitual connection with nature can ease the transition into your everyday routine.
You don’t need to hike or camp every day to experience the peace found in nature. You can do simple things at home like going to the park or walking to spend time in nature.
[18:51] Living Life with the Best Intentions
Find something you are thankful for and appreciate in the modern world.
It's essential to keep everything in perspective to see the positive in your life.
Always practice being grateful for the sanctuary you have in yourself and in the space that you have.
(19:29) “Find gratitude in the things that the modern world provides,” - Click Here To Tweet This
[22:24] Learning to Take Care of Yourself and Others with Empathy
You need to take care of yourself before taking care of others.
Your choices and voice matter, and it is the most powerful weapon in your arsenal.
Be an advocate, speak up and make the right choices. Start with doing simple things like recycling or repurposing old things.
Part of working on yourself involves becoming selfless.
(22:25) “Practice in remembering who and what we are, and also practice in appreciating what you have and being grateful for the sanctuary that is your space, however or whatever your space may be. I mean, it is a blessing,” - Click Here To Tweet This
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To feeling radically loved,
Rosie