#5. Focus on Your Breathing
Regardless of where you are and what you do, you always breathe. And what could be a better reflection of nature than the human body? If you are looking for ways to connect with nature, notice how you breathe effortlessly. Think of how it just happens. Breathing is the single, most influential natural force that keeps us going, and we don’t even realize it. Only when you take out a few moments to pause and focus on your breathing, you realize its significance.
#6. Look Around for Life
Another great way to connect with nature is to look around and find signs for life. Even when you live in a big city, you can find life all around, whether your colleague at work, your pet at home, or your favorite plant in your backyard. And that’s not just it. Look for life in the form of spiders hanging from your ceiling or the plants that grow in between cracks and the mold and moss on walls. All of these are subtle signs of life around you.
#7. Visit the Local Zoo or Botanical Garden
Are you looking for more obvious ways to connect with nature? Plan a visit to the zoo or a botanical garden over the weekend. Learn more about the unique species of birds, animals, and plants, and give yourself a break from the busy urban life. Most of you may think of a zoo visit as an activity that you should do with kids, but that’s not always true. It’s a unique way of connecting with nature that gives a break from busy city life while having therapeutic effects.
#8. Befriend a Tree
You can easily find a tree in most cities. And they can be a great company. Choose one tree that you see on your way to work every day and befriend it. Meet your new friend with all your senses. Feel the texture, observe the smell, the colors, and sights and sounds of your tree. Over time, you will realize how it is growing and changing its shape and telling you a story about its life. Only when you listen intently, will you learn to enjoy your new friend’s company.
#9. Grow Your Container Garden
If space is a limitation and you are more inclined to gardening, you can grow your container garden as a way to connect with nature. Your container garden can flourish right next to your kitchen window or staircase of your apartment, so why not grow a few plants at home.
#10. Volunteer At Local Nature Conservation Organizations
If you are looking for opportunities to connect with nature that require more active participation, it’s best to volunteer at a local nature conservation organization. Find an organization that aligns with your personal mission, and get involved. If time is a constraint, you can always donate and support the cause.
Urban living comes with its unique challenges, and perhaps one of the worst aspects of city life is a disconnect from nature. Fortunately, nature always finds its way everywhere. All you have to do is to make a conscious effort to connect with it.