Christmas is a time of togetherness, when we meet friends and family, and gifts are exchanged. However, it is also a time to reconnect with the natural world, a world that has been increasingly detached from. Today’s winter solstice, or Yule, marks the shortest day and longest night, and is a time of hope and renewal.
As the sun sets, take a moment to step outside and take a frost walk. Feel the cold air on your face, notice your visible breath, and savor the crunch of crisp grass or fallen leaves under your feet. The science behind how our bodies respond to the cold is fascinating, with our sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems working together to maintain balance and calm.
When engaging with nature, it’s easy to miss the sensory gifts that surround us. By noticing nature, tuning into the sights, sounds, and sensations around us, we can bring an important and long-lasting boost to our wellbeing. This can be as simple as watching the playful antics of squirrels or staring at the clouds scudding across the sky.
Nature has much to offer, including invisible friends like microbes, which play a vital role in our health and very existence. By taking a moment to breathe in deeply and imagine these tiny friends joining our internal ecosystem, we can foster a sense of connection with the natural world.
The presence of birds in our lives also brings joy and good health. Research shows that the richer and more various the birds in a neighbourhood, the higher people’s satisfaction with life. By watching birds, whether in a garden or in a woodland, we can experience joy and a sense of well-being.
As we celebrate the winter solstice, let us also make a plan to give back to nature in the New Year. Winter is a great time to plant a native tree, either in our garden or in a community space, and gather with family and friends to make the occasion merry. Toast nature’s wellbeing and a closer relationship with the gifts of the natural world.