There’s something about being in nature that feels like a reset for my soul. For me, it’s not just about fresh air or beautiful landscapes—it’s about the way it quiets my mind and brings me back to myself.
When I’m overwhelmed, when my pain is relentless, or when my thoughts feel too heavy, I turn to nature. Because, simply sitting near water, listening to the wind move through the trees, and watching the animals go about their day brings me peace. It is true, it doesn’t take away my struggles, but it makes them feel a bit smaller and more manageable.
The Magic of Small, Slow Moments
You don’t have to hike mountains or take on big adventures to experience nature’s healing power. In fact, some of my favorite moments are the simplest ones— like sitting by my back door with a hot cup of coffee listening to the birds in the trees, watching them sit and eat from the feeder, hearing the clucking of my chickens, watching my bunnies play in the grass and watching my Golden Retriever run around in the yard.
I don’t know exactly what it is, but animals have this quiet way of bringing me into the present moment. They don’t rush. They don’t overthink. They just exist. And in watching them, I remember that I, too, am allowed to slow down band just be.
Adapting the Outdoors to Your Needs
For those of us with chronic illness or limited energy, nature can sometimes feel off-limits—like we need to be able to hike for miles or do something “adventurous” for it to count. But that’s not true.
Nature isn’t just for the super-fit or the able-bodied. It’s for everyone and it meets you where you are. I think we often forget this, so I want to share some light here. Some days, that might mean walking or rolling on a quiet trail. Other days, it might mean sitting by an open window, feeling the sunlight warm your face.
Remember this: It’s about finding what works for you and making the outdoors accessible in whatever way you need.
How Animals Help Us Connect to Nature
Animals have a way of reminding us to slow down, breathe, and simply be. My golden retriever, my chickens, my rabbits—they each play a role in keeping me connected to the world around me.
Birds at the feeder remind me of several things, like, perspective and resilience. If you really think about it, they come and go with the seasons, always adapting and finding their way. Watching them go from a branch to the feeder makes me think about how life keeps moving, no matter what.
The soft clucking of my chickens brings a sense of routine and comfort. Watching the way they scratch the ground, lay to soak up the sun or even chase after treats.
Watching my rabbits explore the grass and nibble at it with no care in the world always makes me smile too seeing their little expressions of curiosity and small joys.
There is something deeply healing about observing these little creatures who live so fully in the moment. They don’t dwell on yesterday or worry about tomorrow. They are just here, now. And they remind me to just be here, too!
If you’re someone who struggles with mobility, energy, or simply feeling like nature isn’t accessible to you, I want you to know there is no “right” way to experience nature and here are some ideas to bring nature into your life:
- Step outside for just five minutes of fresh air.
- Listen to birds in the morning.
- Bring elements of nature inside—plants, stones,a small water fountain.
- Sit by a window and watch the clouds move.
Nature is not something we have to chase. It’s always here, waiting and ready for us to notice.
REMEMBER —In Any Way You Can
Join Adaptive Adventures: A Community for Nature Lovers at a Slower Pace
I know firsthand how frustrating it can be to want to enjoy nature but feel like your body holds you back. That’s why I created Adaptive Adventures—a space for people who love nature but need to explore at a slower, more accessible pace.
💚 Join Adaptive Adventures to connect with a supportive community and find ways to make nature more inclusive for all
I would love to hear from you—how do you connect with nature in your daily life? Let’s start a conversation in the comments.