This is the final blog in a series on The Nine Environments of You — a powerful coaching model designed to create balance in your life. Today’s post focuses on the Nature environment — the outdoors, beauty, seasons, and the cycle of life. Our spirits are so uplifted by connecting with nature – enjoying the beauty and wonder of flowers, a beautiful rainbow, a breathtaking night sky, or a walk in a lush forest. We are drawn to the beautiful views of snowcapped mountains, a field of tulips in bloom, or the amazing colors of fall along a country road.
Oftentimes we hear music in nature. Imagine the symphony of sounds created by a spring rain, crashing waves on a beach, the mating call of a bird, a pond of croaking frogs, chirping crickets at dusk, the roar of a lion, or bellowing cows at feeding time. Nature is filled with sounds of dissonance and resolution, calm and chaos, danger and peace. All of nature serves as a mirror of our own lives.
Natural Surroundings Affect Stress
Studies have shown that our levels of psychological stress and physiological stress are significantly influenced by our natural surroundings. Nature is widely used as therapy for people who are suffering from physical and mental health problems.
Research done in the Netherlands and Japan revealed that people living close to green ambiance live longer and enjoy greater health. A Swedish study concluded that office workers who viewed greenery through their office windows had lower stress levels during their workday. Studies from Germany and Australia found that plant ecosystems work as powerful air purifiers.
Our deep and compelling desire for a connection with nature has the potential to be a constant source of inspiration as well as a boost to our physical and mental health. No matter what else is going on in our lives, connection with nature can restore our sense of wonder and awaken our senses.
What Are You Tolerating?
Are you connecting with nature in ways that nourish and nurture you? Below are some questions to help you get clear about what you are tolerating in your Nature environment.
Do I live in the geographical location of my choice, in the climate of my choosing, with the kinds of activities I enjoy doing, or near people I care most about?- Do I connect with nature to inspire me and to restore myself spiritually, mentally, and physically?
- Do I take time to fully appreciate the natural beauty around me wherever I am?
- Do I schedule time to enjoy the great outdoors in ways that nourish me?
- Is my yard (or area surrounding my home) to my liking?
- Do I take time to enjoy the senses (sights, sounds, smells, touch) that nature offers?
- Do I live in a safe environment?
- Do I utilize natural resources in a responsible way?
- Do I recycle and contribute to building sustainable environments?
- Do I treat other living creatures with respect?
Once you’ve answered the questions above, you may have greater clarity about what needs some attention in your Nature environment. I encourage you to identify some “upgrades” you desire, as well as specific actions you will take, and by when.
Here’s an example of what that looks like:
Upgrades desired in the Nature environment:
- Enjoy a deeper connection with nature.
- Begin recycling yard waste, paper, plastic, glass and aluminum at home.
Action to be taken by when:
- Beginning next month, go to the beach or the mountains one weekend each month with (name of person).
- This Saturday, do some research to find out how I can participate in my city’s recycling program.
Now, it’s your turn to identify the upgrades you desire, the actions you will take, and by when. I encourage you to choose ONE thing you will do to upgrade your Nature environment and commit to spending 15 minutes to take immediate action. As you do this with each environment, get ready to experience synchronicity in your life like never before, as things fall into place.
If you’d like a fresh perspective– someone to help you design the balanced life you want by aligning your vision, priorities, and actions—let’s schedule a no-cost, no-pressure Discovery Call today.
Additional Resources:
- Blog: Balance Your Life: The 9 Environments of You (overview)
- Blog: Balance Your Life: Environment #1 – Memetic/Mental
- Blog: Balance Your Life: Environment #2 – Body
- Blog: Balance Your Life: Environment #3 – Self
- Blog: Balance Your Life: Environment #4 – Spiritual
- Blog: Balance Your Life: Environment #5 – Relationships
- Blog: Balance your Life: Environment #6 – Network
- Blog: Balance Your Life: Environment #7 – Financial
- Blog: Balance Your Life: Environment #8 – Physical
- External blog: Taking Your Home Off-Grid
How nice, Kathy. Sometimes we forget about that…We become so involved in life events that we miss enjoying nature…..So thank you for reminding us about the beautiful nature all around us.