The door to my home opens blowing in a cool winter breeze like an unwanted guest. Every morning I let my dog outside, and most mornings I dread the cold brisk winter air entering into my warm cozy home.
This time, something has changed. I leave the door open and step out into the morning chill. Three deep breaths later, I glance to my right to notice a family of ducks enjoying their morning breakfast in the wetland on the edge of my property. Another 3 deep breaths, and I notice the tall oak’s swaying to me in the distance. Their sway reminds me of a morning wave, welcoming in the new day.
Day’s earlier, I would have never took time to step out into the open air. I would have closed the door as quickly as I opened it. Time is of the essence, and nature is not part of my morning routine.
After finishing my new book, “Rewilding: Meditations, Practices, and Skills for Awakening In Nature”, something has changed inside me. A change that I hope I can hold onto for days, weeks, and years to come.
Did you know that over half of Americans spend 5 hours or less outside each week?
On top of that, American’s spend a whopping 6.5 hours on average in front of digital screens every day!
I knew that something in my life needed to change, but I also did not realize the profound impact getting back into nature would have on my happiness.
In the book Rewilding, Micah Mortali does a wonderful job combining the essential need for humans to be in nature with mindfulness practices. By learning to mindfully experience nature, you are able to pause and enjoy every bit of your surrounding environment.
“In natural mindfulness, we come to the outdoors with no agenda, opening our senses and being entertained or entranced by the movement and qualities of the land, the land from which we sprang and the land that sustains us with every breath.” Micah Mortali
My experience with nature is slowly changing. Just stepping outside for a few minutes, smiling, and enjoying the nature at my doorstep has brought great joy into my life.
I would not say that nature will “heal” my chronic illness, but I do know that being present has increased my joy each and every day.
I encourage you, next time you walk out your door, pause and look at the nature around you. Even in a big city, there is so much nature abound. It just takes an extra 10 seconds to have a lasting mindful impact on your day.
You can find Rewilding here on Amazon. I do not receive any money from you purchasing this book, I only know that it will impact you in ways you have not yet imagined.
Cheers to nature,
Dave
