Bare 5 Essential #4…

Connect With Nature

This is a big one. Humans have been living in and interacting with natural environments for our entire existence and have, unfortunately, just recently removed ourselves from the outdoors. An uncountable number of benefits occur from exposure to nature. Sunlight is the biggest one- don’t be scared of it, we would not be here without it. But simply feeling the hot air in the summer, wind in the fall, cold air in the winter, and rain in the spring all do wonders for our health and well being. Feeling grass and dirt, smelling trees and flowers, and looking at rolling hills are all experiences our bodies and minds expect and yearn for. Many of our basic physiological systems are based on natural rhythms developed from a primal kinship with the earth… reconnecting is usually a great antidote for much of what ails us.

One of the best ways to reconnect is to practice “seasonal” living. This simply means live by the seasons. Sleep more in the winter, less in the summer. Eat food when it’s in season, more plants in the spring, more fruit in the summer, more meat in the fall and winter. Be active in the spring, summer and fall, relax in the winter. Expose yourself to heat in the summer, cold in the winter. The list goes on. In essence, take clues from nature. Life was not the same every day, every month, all year round. We thrive on some consistency and some change. Life is about rhythm and breaks in the rhythm. From day to month to season, we live best in rhythm with nature. The more you can incorporate seasonal practices into your life, the better you will feel and function.

Last but certainly not least, don’t forget to connect to other people. They are part of this world, they are part of nature. Connect with other humans. Talk, smile, laugh, shake hands, give high fives, share hugs, rub shoulders, look people in the eyes. Cherish other people, they are in this world right there with you. Humans are social creatures, let’s not forget our roots tribal and communal people as technology starts to takeover our world. Pets and animals also offer great opportunity for companionship, don’t overlook the power of connection.