Long after we have returned our loved ones to the earth and celebrated their lives with those who loved them most, there comes a time when we find ourselves alone with the pain and sorrow from the loss of their physical presence. Those who care about us and who provided support and comfort move on with their lives. Grief groups, therapy, and various other modalities may help. The one true constant, however, who is always there to provide us solace and guidance is Mother Nature.
A slow walk through a forest, a stroll along a lake, or simply sitting and gazing at the sky can tap us into a wellspring of wisdom and a sense of companionship in ways we may have never experienced or needed. We may notice a certain wildlife species that seems to stir something inside us. For example, my late mother always enjoyed watching the crows outside our kitchen window. “What do you like about the crows?” I once asked her. “I like the way they walk with that attitude, their chests puffed out, and shout what they have to say,” she responded. I think she envied the self-assuredness the crows exhibited. When she passed away, I found that a crow would appear at odd times and either fly right above me or land on a nearby branch and begin cawing repeatedly. The sound of the crow triggered something inside me that made me feel like it was my mother paying me a visit. This comforts me. When my maternal grandmother died, it was such a bone-chilling cold day we couldn’t bury her after her funeral because the ground was frozen solid. On the way home, I noticed a ladybug crawling on the window beside me. I reached out and held it in my hand, watching it crawl along, and again, I had a sensation like it was my grandmother with me. It eventually flew away, but ever since then, very often in unseasonable weather for ladybugs to be present, a ladybug will land on me, and I get that sensation of her presence which always warms my heart. Visiting with Mother Nature in whatever way we have access to, can also provide us with wisdom about life through the many metaphors it provides. A new branch sprouting from a fallen tree rotting in a pond displays the cycle of life. A cloud passing by in the form of an angel or the light streaming through the clouds as the sunrises can make us feel connected to the divine. Watching a batch of daffodils emerge from the soil in spring may make us feel that our loved one’s soul has flowered beyond this earthly life. Gazing at a night sky filled with stars can humble us and remind us that we are all a small part of this vast Universe. When the pain of grief becomes just too much to bear, remember Love Never Dies.
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The news is grim. According to the World Wildlife Foundation, wildlife populations have declined by an average of 69% since 1970. Those of us who spend significant time outdoors connecting with nature have seen these magnificent beings dwindling right before our eyes. But there is hope for those who remain, despite their small populations. Let’s take a look at some fierce, resilient wildlife species and how humans can help. When I was a kid, I remember the news stories telling us that our national bird, the bald eagle, was under the threat of extinction. Perhaps you remember this too? The bird that proudly represents America’s soaring spirit was estimated to only have 487 nesting pairs in 1963, down from 100,000 in 1782. The bald eagle was placed on the Endangered Species list. With collective efforts including eliminating DDT a deadly pesticide, as well as establishing conservation initiatives across the country, the bald eagle is now off the endangered species list and thriving. The two key factors that led to this recovery were eliminating harm and facilitating a healthy environment. Today I see bald eagles soar in my own neighborhood, nesting in the trees in my nearby state park, and I even had one dive and sweep just above my head while I was stand-up paddleboarding on a local lake! The sense of freedom they exude as they glide above us in the sky is palpable. The resilience they have demonstrated also makes them worthy of being America’s iconic symbol. Each of us can help the other species that are threatened today. There are over 2000 species of wildlife on the Endangered list today. Actions as simple as eliminating spraying toxic chemicals on our properties while simultaneously planting nourishing plants are one example of something many of us in the United States can do. This summer, for example, my husband and I noticed an unfamiliar bee repeatedly feeding on the canna flowers we planted in a container on our patio. The large bee, with distinct yellow stripes along its back, became a frequent visitor. I took a picture with my smartphone then used the identifying button on the phone and found out it was an American Bumblebee. Investigating further, I learned this was once the most common bumblebee in America. However, its population has decreased by 89% across the United States in the past two decades. Becoming familiar with our wildlife neighbors, and taking action to help them survive and thrive, may help us revive the precious remaining animals and insects for future generations.
To learn more about what actions you can take, consider visiting your local wildlife organizations, national organizations, and global organizations. Simply google wildlife conservation, endangered wildlife species, and conservation groups to find information and see which efforts resonate most with you. Book Review: Nature Connection: Fixing our Broken Relationship with Nature. *This blog contains affiliate links which will contribute a small fee to the work of The Nature Nurse™, PLLC without any added charge to you if you choose to purchase one of the books mentioned in the blog. Imagine being on the Titanic tourist submarine right now. The world watching with bated breath hoping and praying that the people trapped way below the ocean's surface with limited air are found and rescued. It’s yet again, another real-time, real-life drama playing out before our very eyes. Just as the images of orange-tinged smoke engulfed New York City and other areas in the United States due to wildfires miles away in Canada this month. All reminders of how important the ability to breathe is to our survival. As it turns out, trying to live without a reverent relationship with our natural world, is like trying to survive without breathing. Dr. Mile’s Richardson newly published book, Nature Connection: Fixing our Broken Relationship with Nature is a much-need dose of oxygen to aid not only the health and well-being of humans but the health of our planet. Richardson skillfully weaves several recent studies into a relentless manifesto declaring that having a relationship, not just visiting or recreating, with our natural world is essential to humans' well-being and the more biodiverse the setting, the more it supports our mental health. This comes at a time when biodiversity is plunging. What Richardson does not include in his book is the big elephant in the room: the human population has been growing rapidly over the past several years. The author does include how the shift in our thinking and relationship with the natural world has been a catalyst for our destruction of plants, soil, wildlife, water, and more. So how do we begin to restore our home, planet Earth? Richardson outlines a formula, based on recent studies, that needs to be integrated into policy, practice, and education immediately to turn this modern-day Titanic situation around. Although most of this book references situations in the United Kingdom, I found it very pertinent to what is going on in the United States also. Richardson’s book joins the likes of other nature relationship-promoting books such as Blue Mind by Wallace J. Nichols and Sacred Nature by Karen Armstrong. Each of these authors calls on us to establish and cultivate a loving relationship with our natural world. This is a bold step in the world of science which traditionally dictates keeping emotion out of the narrative. Yet emotion is the biggest motivator for behavior. Nature Connection: Fixing our Broken Relationship with Nature is an essential read for leaders, policymakers, educators, healthcare professionals, and anyone else looking for the path to a planet where we can live well and in harmony with our natural world. Ready to learn more about how you can deepen your relationship to our natural world and live a more sustainable, vibrant life? Subscribe now to The Nature Nurse™, PLLC seasonal, free e-newsletter on the homepage of this website now.
Preface: If I had a dollar for every time someone said to me, "I don't know how you can be a nurse. I could never do that," I could have retired YEARS ago. Nursing tests your mind, body and spirit. Finding ways to sustain ourselves personally, and professionally, is imperative. I am delighted to see more nurses developing a relationship with Mother Nature and sharing this important connection with others. Please welcome guest blogger, Ashley, and be sure to share your thoughts in the comments below. Thank you, Sue Allison-Dean Nature and Nursing. These two may seem to have much in common, but getting out in nature helped me become a better nurse. Maybe it could help you become better at what you do too.
I started getting outdoors as a stress reliever during the pandemic and was quickly hooked! The more time I spent in nature, the more I realized how it helped me to be a more confident, calm nurse. Here are the ways that time outdoors can improve your life:
If you feel like the heavy weight of nursing or anything that you are devoting your time to, is starting to become overwhelming, consider spending more time outside. You may be surprised by how much better it can make you feel. About Ashley: Ashley is a registered nurse with 6 years of experience in bedside and outpatient nursing. During the pandemic, she started to spend more time outdoors and realized how beneficial it was to her physical and mental health during an incredibly stressful time. This has inspired her to motivate others in the healthcare field to spend more time outdoors to prevent burnout. She hosts Minnesota trash cleanups and group hikes to help other healthcare workers connect. In September she is hosting a group camping trip to teach others how to hike & camp in a safe and welcoming environment! Connect with Ashley on Instagram @theroamingrn |
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