As we head into a new month, we pause to discover new rituals, set intentions and celebrate our inspirations. This month, we think about our sense of place, and we explore the idea of connecting with nature.
INSPIRATION
During November, we are inspired to take some time to notice the changing autumnal season and reconnect with our surroundings. As we prepare for winter, we can enjoy the spectacular and the simple, observing and experiencing our environment, adapting to change, and nourishing ourselves by simply connecting.
As the landscape outside transforms, nature reminds us of the passing time and of dramatic yet necessary changes.
The term 'connection to nature' is often used to describe our enduring relationship with nature, including emotions, attitudes and behaviour. Research shows that people with a greater connection to nature are more likely to behave positively towards the environment, wildlife and habitats...
“Come forth into the light of things. Let nature be your teacher”.
- William Wordsworth -
INTENTION
Keeping in touch with nature can make you feel more alive and radiant. That feeling of vitality and the sense of grounding we get from nature is a necessary part of life for all human beings' health - mind and body.
Being close to nature or simply viewing nature through a window can improve your well-being. It reduces the physiological symptoms of stress in your body. So when we recognise how our natural cycles are mirrored within our human experience, we can truly feel connected.
Look at your inner and outer landscape. Is it blooming? Is it cold or warm? Do you feel a sense of familiarity or distance? Are your landscapes placid or tempestuous? Do your inner and outer landscapes reflect one another?
November is sometimes regarded as the beginning of the New Year because it follows the harvest season. Now can be a good time to start abandoning negative thoughts and bad habits you’d like to shed or be rid of. Embrace this new season while breaking free of these impediments holding you back to increase feelings of harmony. Figure out what dams you need to create to stop draining or negative energy from influencing your physical and spiritual wellbeing.
RITUAL
Find a way to connect with nature; be mindful of your internal and external landscapes, which can take many different forms. It may simply be the act of acknowledgement or something more physical.
At Pu-la, we enjoy finding creative ways to connect with places and spaces, such as drawing something that catches our eye, or writing down some words inspired by our daily walk. It doesn’t have to be for anything or anyone, just something to cherish for yourself. You may feel like you want to turn your attention to the inside of your home. You could organise your space, do some redecorating, or change the layout of a room to bring some harmony indoors.
Try incorporating this new ritual into your routine in the coming weeks. Expressing a mindfulness toward your surroundings and notice how they impact your inner landscape.
Find our November playlist here for some more inspiration...