Thrive Global: Simple Ways to Discover Wonder in Nature

"Nature enlarges your perspective so you can transcend stress and experience awe. You can discover wonder whenever you spend time outside – from walking through woods to stargazing.

A wilderness therapy programs research study found people who engage with nature discover wonder that makes them happier and healthier than those who don’t. Another study, on collective engagement, showed that enjoying nature strengthens well-being through awe by making people feel connected to something greater than themselves.

Wonder can help people overcome worry by shifting their perspectives and inspiring them to find peace.

An analysis of more than 140 research studies on nature and well-being shows that spending time in natural settings can lead significant health benefits, including less stress, better sleep, and a lower risk of many diseases.

Here are 6 simple ways to discover wonder in nature, that you can incorporate into your busy schedule:

1. Take a wonder walk. Wonder walks, which are times of intentionally searching for awe while walking, can help you notice the everyday miracles around you – from a musical birdsong to the laughter of children playing.
2. Savor the sun. Spending time soaking up sunlight is a powerful way to discover wonder. You can enjoy the wondrous colors of a sunrise or sunset.
3. Visit some trees. Immersing yourself in the woods among trees (a well-being practice called forest bathing) or getting close to just a few trees in your neighborhood or a park can bring you into contact with wonder.
4. Reflect with water. Water’s reflective qualities and cleansing properties can inspire you to take a fresh look at your life and what you’d like to change. Visit any natural body of water – such as a creek, river, pond, lake, or ocean – to spend some time in reflection.
5. Practice expressing gratitude with rocks. Rocks, which symbolize reliability and trustworthiness because of their rock-solid qualities, are useful tools for expressing gratitude. You can sit on a large rock to pray or meditate about what you’re grateful for in your life.
6. Have fun with flowers. Flowers can make your mind blossom with a wondrous awareness of joy. They can also inspire you to intentionally pursue fun moments of playfulness and humor."
   

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Reflection:

When was the last time you spent appreciating and just being with nature?

#Nature #Wonder #Therapeutic #HealingNature