This picture is of a spot I go to either be still, find inspiration for something I’m working on, or meeting with a client. Do you think my ability to connect to a deeper truth/wisdom is heightened here? Absolutely! I have come to this spot long enough that my nervous system has entrained itself to respond. As I approach this space and settle down, I can feel my body relaxed and grounded. Thoughts of past and future fade away, and I feel a sense of well being and connection. My ability to be present for myself and others is significantly increased.
The neuroscience connection…
- Connection with nature pulls us into the present moment. From this connection, our brains become focused in the here and now, not the past and future. We have access to a deeper wisdom and our energy is more focused rather than scattered in directions. Nature resides in the present moment and can help us settle into this moment.
- You can’t predict nature, it is always novel, always changing. Guess what! Your nervous system is intrigued by novelty. It starts to pay attention, rather than go to sleep when we are in our habitual patterns. When we are in a state of awakeness, we can tap into our creative potential, solve problems in unique ways, and be aware of patterns that no longer serve us.
- You couple the novelty of a nature-connected moment, with an elevated emotion (such as delight- a strong feeling of happiness: great pleasure or satisfaction)- you have the power for real change within your nervous system. When I arrive at the spot pictured above, my nervous system responds without me having to do much, except being in the present moment.
Through sustained awareness, novelty, and elevated emotion, neurological pathways are created to shift my body into a state of groundedness, presence, well-being, and felt connection. I am able to tap into wisdom that is not accessible in my habitual states of consciousness. With practice over time, we build resilience in our nervous systems. Say “Goodbye!” to anxiety, habitual fears, and stress that is depleting our immune and nervous systems…. and “Hello!” to ways of being that are life-giving to you.
