‘Mental Photo’ Nature Connection Practice
Whilst many of us go into environmental work because of our love of nature, what we can often find is that the work involves long hours working indoors, or that we are so upset about what is happening to nature we can no longer enjoy being in it.
In other words, environmental work can leave us feeling pretty disconnected from the very thing that inspired us to do this work in the first place.
No wonder we feel burned out!
Whether or not you consider yourself a ‘nature-y’ kind of person, this quick little practice is one fun way to build a little more connection to nature into your everyday life.
In this practice, you’ll work with one of the nature pictures below. Choose the one that most appeals to you.
Have a good, long look at the photo, taking in as much detail of the landscape as you can. You might want to imagine you’re taking a photo with your mind.
Next, close your eyes and try to recall that image with as much clarity as possible. Then, open your eyes, take another look and notice how much new detail you find on that second look!
Try at least three rounds of closing your eyes, recalling the detail, and then opening your eyes again to notice what you missed.
This deceptively simple practice, best used out in nature itself, can reconnect us with a childlike sense of wonder, helping us to notice all the amazing details we usually miss in the busyness of life.
