Earth Day Reflections
Happy Earth Day! Here at Nurtured Nature Counseling we celebrate the beauty and wonder of Mother Earth 24/7/365, but Earth Day in particular is a great time for reflection, contemplation, and action.
Earth Day (and let’s be real- most days) can come with a mix of emotions, some pleasant, and others… not so much. Maybe you’re feeling hope and gratitude for the Earth today. If so, pause and soak that in! But maybe you’re also feeling overwhelmed or anxious about climate change and the current state of the world. Totally valid.
Reflecting on sustainable actions we can take can sometimes leave us feeling motivated, but it can also leave us feeling as if we aren’t doing enough. It’s easy to hyperfocus on the negatives and tune out the positives. Whether you’re spending time outside, picking up litter, or simply pausing to breathe deeply, every action matters.
When you throw a pebble into a pond, no matter how small the pebble is, it creates ripples. The same is true of our individual actions.
If you’re needing inspiration, here are some ways you can connect with the Earth, today and every day:
Take a stroll around the block. This can be anywhere you can see the sky, even in the middle of the city.
Contact your local representatives to advocate for climate justice.
Open a window to feel the fresh air. This is great for the air quality in our homes and is an easy way to feel more in tune with the natural world outside, even on days when physically getting outside may be less accessible.
Eat your meals outside.
Plant something! A tree? A potted plant? A seed? The options are endless!
Go to your local library and check out books on foraging or local flora and fauna. Support your local library and learn more about your local biodiversity all at once!
Gather others in your community to pick up litter.
Practice “earthing” or “grounding” by walking barefoot in the grass, placing your palms on the trunk of a tree, sitting outside and noticing the warmth of the sun on your skin, or note all the different birdcalls you can hear. There’s no wrong way to participate in this if you are connecting with your five senses and the natural world.
Use crystals to meditate.
Define what connection to nature means to you. Believe it or not, this can be different for everyone. How do you connect with nature? Maybe it’s playing with your dog, or watching an ambient forest YouTube video, or hiking the Appalachian Trail. All of these are unique and wonderful ways to define connection with nature. By figuring out what this means to you specifically, you can start to attune to the personalized ways that your relationship with the Earth is different than that of others’.
Above all else, remember that you are a part of nature just as much as the birds and the trees and the mountains. Caring for yourself and caring for the Earth can go hand in hand. We each have a role to play and are capable of making a difference.
If you’re needing extra support navigating your feelings, Nurtured Nature Counseling is here to help. Reach out to schedule a free consultation.
Here’s to nurturing your growth while honoring the Earth that sustains us.
