The art of being in nature

My hippy heart
Written By Sarah Womack
The trees of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina show off their new spring foliage.

Take in nature, like the stunning North Carolina mountains, with more than just your eyes. Take it in with your heart, your cells, your entire being.

Oftentimes in nature, I catch myself in DOING mode. 

Anxious to see what’s around the bend. Determined to get a great photo. Cranky there are so many people. 

I might as well be sitting at my desk or looking for a parking spot at Costco. 

In DOING mode, I treat nature as if it’s something to complete. Just another task on my to-do list. Another thing at which I must excel. 

Except, I didn’t come here to only DO. I also came here to BE. 

To not have deadlines. To not accomplish. To not worry if I’m doing it right. 

But, instead, just to BE. 

To feel my mind empty. My nervous system ease. 

To let my sense of wonder and play take over. To run wild and free. 

For my spirit to soar as high as the trees and as deep as the lake. 

““Hello, I’m so happy to be here. Thank you for having me. ”
— Me greeting nature like I would a dinner party host

So, when I catch myself DOING, I take a moment to pause and tap into my BEING.

I might have to sit down or step away from all the other humans who are busy DOING so I can be still and close my eyes.

Then, I simply breathe in and out a few times. I feel my body soften. 

I connect to my heart and say to myself, “I am in nature and nature is in me.” 

I acknowledge my surroundings, much like I would a host at a dinner party. 

A female hiker sits on a rock near a stream at Cloudland Canyon State Park in Georgia.

Cloudland Canyon State Park in Georgia offers many opportunities to sit on a rock and just BE.

I might say, “Hello, I’m so happy to be here. Thank you for having me. This place is so beautiful. I love it here.”

Then, I listen. To the birds, the stream, the critters in the underbrush, the leaves in the wind. 

And, I listen beyond all that. Because nature might just have a message for me. 

While my eyes are still closed, I make sure to say one last thing to myself: “I receive the beauty and healing of this place with my entire being. Thank you. I am grateful.” 

Then I open my eyes and take in my surroundings from a place of BEING. 

It’s amazing how differently things look. Sparkly even. Fresh and new. 

And, at last, I have what I’d been seeking all along: Peace, connection, presence, gratitude. 

I try to take this BEING with me as I get back to paddling or return to the trail. 

Because that’s why I came in the first place: To BE in nature. 

To really be in nature. All of me.

 

Explore nature with us on Instagram

Pawhuska, Oklahoma 🤠 Human population: 2,926 🦬 Bison population: 2,200 In this small town in northeast Oklahoma, there are almost as many bison as people. Yet, Pawhuska has three huge claims to fame. 1️⃣ It’s the epicenter of Ree Drummo
Sarah Womack

Hey there, super cool of you to stop by. I’m Sarah, the creator of this site. I’ve been spending time outdoors and taking road trips since before I can even remember. That journey continues today, mostly with camper van travel, paddle boarding and hiking. I’m a terrier and cat mom, published journalist, content designer / ux writer and Etsy seller. And, I’m glad you’re here.

Next

Get ready for the perfect day in Pawhuska, Oklahoma — here’s your itinerary