Rediscovering our sacred connection to ourselves and the earth

Restore and nurture your soul through nature

Lately, I’ve been thinking, writing, and researching our connections to others, nature, and ourselves. Shell, the author of Encounters with Nature, reached out to me about my post last week on connections. She mentioned she’s interested in our spiritual and physical connection with nature. That sparked a whole lot of questions and ideas on my part, so that is this week’s focus.

When I think of a place that truly restores my soul and reconnects me with nature, Sedona, Arizona, comes to mind. The energy there is palpable, and it's as if the very rocks are whispering ancient secrets. Climbing those majestic red rocks, I'm transported to the present moment, the world outside fading away. It’s a sacred space, a sanctuary where I can hear the gentle whisper of my spirit.

One of the most famous landmarks in Sedona is Cathedral Rock.

One of my beliefs is that connecting with nature brings us back to ourselves, our spirit, and the greater all that is. Since our origins, indigenous cultures across the globe have maintained deep spiritual connections to the land, viewing themselves as integral parts of the natural world rather than separate entities. They understood that honoring and respecting nature also nurtured their spiritual growth and well-being. Deep within our souls, we all have a spiritual connection to nature.

Once, we were deeply intertwined with the natural world, viewing ourselves as integral parts of it. But as time passed, we migrated to cities, embraced the Industrial Revolution, and faced the demands of a growing population. In this process, we lost touch with the richness and vitality of nature, and began to see ourselves as separate entities. This evolution, while necessary, also severed the sacred ties that once bound us to the earth.

This separation from earth’s gifts and energy contributes to our feelings of isolation from each other and ourselves. Our spirits are often not at home in our bodies. All is not lost, though. We can purposefully reconnect to our spirit and nature. Read on for ways to restore your soul and spiritual connection to the earth.

Spending time in nature can restore our spirits and connection with Mother Earth.

By recognizing the importance of reconnecting with nature and nurturing this sacred bond, we can unlock a wealth of spiritual benefits that remind us that we are all connected and also connected to a greater force of the Universe, which the earth is part of.

One reason we feel so disconnected and separate from each other is our lack of connection with the energy and majesty of the earth.

We can strengthen our spiritual connection with ourselves and the world around us by simply being in the presence of trees, plants, water, and mountains. Who can say they weren’t awestruck by the Grand Canyon, majestic redwoods, or the coastline along a favorite ocean? These places can evoke feelings of awe and wonder, reminding us of the beauty and splendor of the world around us.

Why is it important to be connected to the natural world?

Feeling connected to our planet is essential for our overall well-being and the planet's health. In addition to supporting mental, physical, and emotional health, here are some other reasons to spend time away from concrete:

1. Find your sense of purpose and belonging: Connecting with nature fosters a sense of interconnectedness with all living beings and the earth itself. It reminds us that we are part of something larger than ourselves and instills a sense of purpose and belonging.

2. Foster environmental stewardship: When we feel connected to nature, we are more likely to care for and protect the environment. This includes adopting sustainable practices, reducing our carbon footprint, and advocating for conservation efforts. This is good for humanity and Gaia.

3. Accelerate spiritual growth: Nature can inspire awe, wonder, and reverence. By immersing ourselves in the beauty and majesty of the natural world, we can deepen our spiritual connection and gain insight into the mysteries of our existence.

Research supports the benefits of spending time in nature

Ming Kuo, a psychologist at the University of Illinois, published her study "How might contact with nature promote human health? Promising mechanisms and a possible central pathway" in Frontiers in Psychology in 2015. The study explores the psychological and physiological benefits of nature exposure.

Her research highlights how spending time in natural environments can reduce stress, improve mood, enhance cognitive function, and increase physical activity.

NPR reports that decades of research have shown that forest bathing is good for your health. It can boost your immune system, lower blood pressure, and help with depression.

Easy and practical ways to connect with nature and restore your soul

By now, I hope I’ve convinced you that being in nature connects you to your spirit and evokes a sense of peace. So, what can we do about it? Here are some practical steps:

1. Walk in your favorite park. Don’t be afraid to go off the path. Get your feet on the ground. Take a blanket and sit and watch the clouds.

Sunset at my favorite local park.

2. Start a garden: Cultivating a garden, whether a small plot of land or a collection of potted plants on a balcony, allows us to nurture and care for living things, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

There’s nothing like digging in the dirt to connect with the earth. Here is a Substack article by my friend, Shell, a nature photographer and enthusiast, about starting a garden

From Earth to Health

There’s something so rewarding about growing herbs and vegetables. I don’t like bugs and the heat, so if you aren’t up to backyard gardening, you can always grow herbs and small vegetables like cherry tomatoes or hot peppers indoors. There are hydroponic kits available that fit on your kitchen cabinet. It’s satisfying to cut fresh cilantro for your salad or burrito bowl without paying so much for it at the grocery store.

During the pandemic, I planted herbs in the backyard. I thought it was a good idea until the mice trampled through them. It was a nice experiment, so I decided to plant herbs in an indoor hydroponic garden.

2. Visit a nature center: Nature centers often offer educational programs, guided hikes, and interactive exhibits that help people of all ages learn about local flora and fauna. Visiting a nature center is a great way to deepen your understanding of the natural world and connect with the beauty of your surroundings. In McKinney, where I live, the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary has trails, a science center, special exhibits, a butterfly exhibit, classes, Zipline events, plant sales, and more. Check your local area for nature centers and wildlife sanctuaries.

The Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas, not only has a fabulous collection of art but also trails and forest lands on its property. I could wander all day and feel at peace.

Views like this endear me to the forest at Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas.

3. Explore forest bathing: In recent years, the Japanese practice of "forest bathing," or shinrin-yoku, which translates to "taking in the forest atmosphere," has gained widespread recognition for its profound ability to reconnect individuals with their inner selves and the outer natural world. The practice originated in Japan in the 1980s as a response to the country's rapid urbanization.

Unlike traditional hiking or outdoor activities focused on reaching a destination, forest bathing emphasizes slow, deliberate movements and deep sensory awareness. It encourages participants to engage all five senses—sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell—to experience nature’s healing power.

In Japan, forests are considered sacred spaces imbued with spiritual significance and healing properties. Forest bathing honors the interconnectedness of all living beings and promotes harmony between humans and the natural world.

For me, being in a deep forest is magical and healing.

Muir Woods is a magical place for forest bathing.

Nature has a way of stripping away the layers of pretense and ego, revealing our authentic essence. Muir Woods is one of the forests where I feel a solid connection to nature and my inner spirit. Walking through the tall coastal redwoods is humbling, and I’m grateful each time I wander through those giant trees. It’s a spiritual experience that helps me reconnect with myself on a deeper level.

Tall coastal redwoods in Muir Woods, Mill Valley, CA

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve is in the same part of Northern California as Muir Woods and is peaceful and serene. It reconnects me to a larger world and reminds me of who I am.

A fairy ring of trees in Armstrong State Nature Reserve. This occurs when a tree dies or is cut down. New growth surrounds the dead tree in a circle called a fairy ring.

How being in nature restores your spiritual connection to yourself and the world around you

However you choose to explore our home, firma terra, Mother Earth, Gaia, and the living world, through local exploration or travel, you’ll benefit in many ways, including:

1. Solitude and reflection: Sitting in or walking in an environment of plants, trees, flora, and fauna with an open sky above offers a sanctuary away from the distractions and noise of modern life. In the serenity of the wilderness, we can retreat into ourselves, allowing for introspection and self-reflection.

   

Sacred Mother

Heal the wounds of my heart

Soothe the frayed edges of my soul

Restore the essence of my spirit

to reclaim my self-love and sovereignty

To give back to those I love, my community, and the global heart.

Connect me to the sovereignty of my own heart and

The agency of my soul.

For this, I am grateful.

- Kathy Garland, Sedona, Arizona, October 2022

2. Connection to the rhythms of life: While honoring ourselves and Mother Earth with our presence, we are surrounded by the cycles of birth, growth, decay, and renewal. Witnessing these natural processes gives us a deeper understanding of our journey and place in the world.

3. Simplification and clarity: Nature has a way of stripping away the complexities of daily life, revealing what truly matters. In its simplicity, we often find clarity and direction. The presence of sounds from the trees, the wind, the waves, and the animals gives your spirit a better chance of being heard, and you can find the clarity you seek about your life.

4. Inspiration and creativity: The beauty and diversity of the living world inspire creativity and imagination. Nature ignites our senses and sparks our creativity, whether it’s a breathtaking landscape, a delicate flower, or a magnificent animal. Go ahead, take that photo, sketch that landscape, and write that poem.

Grand Prismatic Springs, Yellowstone National Park, is magical and mystical. Being here reminds me of the miracles of life on earth.

Healing and renewal: Trees, forests, oceans, and mountains have a therapeutic effect on the body, mind, and soul. The sights, sounds, and sensations they offer soothe our spirits, heal our wounds, and replenish our energy.

The sound of water soothes my soul. Maybe it's because I’m a Sagittarius, and water soothes my fire energy. Whatever it is, water brings me peace. Enjoy ten seconds of peace and calm from this flowing creek in Sedona.

I want to leave you with this thought. Our spiritual connection to nature is a precious gift that can profoundly enrich our lives. This gift taps us into a wellspring of peace, joy, and fulfillment. Don’t cheat yourself on the opportunity to restore your connection with nature and yourself. I’m off for a hike at our local nature sanctuary. Enjoy your weekend!

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