In touch with nature

How in touch are you with nature? I mean this question in a literal sense. I rarely walk through a greenspace without reaching out to feel the texture of different elements of nature that look like they might have an appealing texture or engage with the very varied elements that we have here in Scotland, be it rain, wind, sun or snow. For those of us that are blessed with good vision it can be easy to become over reliant on this one sense. However, engaging with nature through other senses is so enriching. Let’s explore a way of literally connecting to nature through the sense of touch.

One option is to take a mindful walk with the intention of specifically engaging your sense of touch to connect with nature. This can really help to get you out of your head and away from worrying about the future or thinking about the past and into the joy that can be found in the present moment in our natural environment - nature. This can calm us down and help to reduce our stress and anxiety.

When you arrive in your local greenspace start to notice the rhythm of your walking. Feel your feet in your shoes and the sensation of each step as your foot lands on the ground and steps forward again. Align your breathing with the rhythm of your stride. Start to notice how the weather feels. Can you feel any warmth in the sun, or rain or wind on your skin? How does it feel?

Start to actively look around for natural objects like leaves, flowers, the bark of a tree, a seed or fruit for example, that looks like it might have an interesting texture or feel. When you find something you think looks interesting, take a closer look. Look carefully at the object. Does it look safe to touch? Before reaching out to touch the item, consider how you think it might feel? Do you think it will be rough or smooth, hard or soft, fluffy or prickly, feathery or bumpy, sticky or slippery, dry or wet, warm or cold, or a combination of these? If you’re happy to do so, reach out and touch the object. What textures do you feel? Carefully explore it with your hands. Did the texture surprise you? Do you like the sensation? If you don’t, move on and get back into the rhythm of the walk again. When your gaze alights on something else of interest, go again.  Keep this going for as long as you like.

After the walk consider what were your favourite objects and why? Do you know what the objects were, or did you discover something you hadn’t noticed before? Do you feel compelled to find out more about them? As with each of these activities, it is worth considering how the activity made you feel. Did you enjoy the activity, and do you feel calmer and more present or more connected to nature for having done this activity during your walk?

‘If you can reach out and touch and love and be with wildlife, you will forever be changed, and you will want to make the world a better place.’ - Terri Irwin

‘It is only when there is no goal and no rush that the human senses are fully open to receive the world.’ - Alan Watts