I am always amazed by the power of nature and the impact that it can have on our mental clarity. Faced with a tough business decision, I strapped on my cross-country skis, took in a breath of fresh pine-scented air, and took my challenge to the trails.
Within five minutes or so, my stress seemed to dissipate and my inner conflict seemed a little less intense. I continued to connect with my senses, seeing the sun sparkle off the fresh fallen snow and feeling contact with the icy surface. Fifteen minutes later, I had some surprising new insights and started getting a sense of my next step forward.
With my heart rate up and the rush of the cool air on my face, I hit the thirty-minute mark…EUREKA! I knew exactly what I needed to do with my business challenge. I seem to recall that on my way back to the cabin, I had let the heaviness go and even got excited about my new path ahead.
What creates clarity when we spend time in nature? Science or Spirituality?
Scientist David Strayer has discovered that being in nature allows our brain to rest; unlike being in the city where it’s firing on all cylinders. As a matter of fact, our pre-frontal cortex, the decision making centre of our brain, gets very quiet, allowing new insights to occur. Did you just have an AHA moment? That’s what I am talking about!
One of my favourite spiritual teachers, Eckhart Tolle, states that nature is an access point into inner stillness. Its beauty acts as a mirror which allows us to see the beauty in ourselves. And who doesn’t want a little more of that?!
Science and spirituality are more connected than we might think. From both perspectives, spending time in nature creates space within us that enhances our ability to quiet the noise, think more clearly and connect with our true nature. And maybe, just maybe, there’s a certain magic that we will never understand and that mystery is what captivates us so deeply.
And now, let’s shift our perspective of why nature works to how nature can work you.
- What’s your next big decision?
- Where do you need more clarity in your life?
- What vista can you explore to clear your pre-frontal cortex?
We all have access to the magic of nature whether it’s deep in the forest, in a city park, or just outside our front door. Breathe it in, harness its magnificence and use it to your greatest advantage.
Wishing you many AHA Moments!
