 Imagine yourself swaying gently in a hammock on a remote Caribbean island with a population of just fifty. The soundtrack of your day is the hush of waves rolling toward the shore and the soft hum of music drifting through the salt-kissed air. There are no distractions here—only two offerings: diving into the deep blue and watching whales breach the surface in slow, sacred arcs. No television. No internet. Just you, a handful of kindred spirits, and a couple of feral donkeys roaming freely. As the sun begins its descent into the horizon, something shifts. You’re still in the hammock, still hearing the quiet murmur of conversation nearby—but suddenly, you’re somewhere else. Not physically, but spiritually. You’ve entered a new reality, one that defies language. The closest you can come is to call it complete peace. Perhaps this is what they mean by nirvana. You long for nothing. You want nothing to change. You simply are. This moment happened to me in the year 2000, on the island of Salt Cay. I’ll be sharing more about this experience in the book I’m writing, but for now, I can tell you: it was life-changing. And I’ve come to learn—I’m not alone. Even Oprah has spoken of her own transcendent moment while walking in Hawaii. In this podcast, she and physicist-philosopher Dr. Alan Lightman explore the profound ways nature can dissolve the boundaries of self and awaken something eternal: Meanwhile, scientists are beginning to map the contours of these ineffable experiences. Bethelmy and Corraliza (PMID: 30918493) developed a tool to measure what they call “sublime emotion toward nature.” Their findings describe a state of inspiring energy—feelings of vitality, joy, oneness, freedom, eternity, and harmony with the universe.
This #SoulFULLSummer, as we deepen our relationship with the natural world, we invite you to share your own otherworldly encounters. As we like to say: it’s no longer Woo-Woo—it’s WOW-WOW. And now, even the science agrees.
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 In 2025, couples are stepping beyond traditional venues and embracing the natural beauty of the outdoors to say “I do.” From sun-drenched meadows to ocean-kissed shores, outdoor weddings are more than a trend—they’re a soulful return to reverence, reciprocity, and celebration. The Numbers Speak: Outdoor Weddings on the Rise Recent data reveals a powerful shift in how couples are choosing to celebrate:
Why Nature Beckons According to The Knot’s 2025 Real Weddings Study, couples are increasingly drawn to venues that reflect their values. Backyard gatherings, botanical gardens, and forest clearings are among the most sought-after spaces. Many cite the emotional resonance of being surrounded by nature as a key reason for their choice. Outdoor weddings offer more than scenic backdrops. They invite couples to:
This shift toward outdoor weddings mirrors a broader cultural movement—one that values sustainability, soulful living, and intentional celebration. It’s not just about where we marry, but how we honor the celebration. This week our as part of our SoulFULL Summer Series, our theme is Celebrate in Nature. What better way to explore how we are incorporating the natural world into our most precious moments than to look deeper at the trend toward nature nuptials. Enjoy our interview with floral artist Joseph Richard Pugni, owner of Joseph Richard Florals in Armonk, New York: Did you choose to get married outdoors, or have you attended a wedding in nature? Share your thoughts and experience in the comments below.
 July 30th is International Friendship Day, and as I sit with that, I’m drawn to reflect on the many beautiful friendships that have blossomed through my journey with The Nature Nurse over the past ten years. I’ve been gifted with countless connections—kindred spirits who share a deep love of the natural world and a desire to heal through it. There are far too many extraordinary people to honor in just one blog post, but today, I want to celebrate one friend in particular whose impact has reached far beyond my life into the hearts of people around the globe. Wallace J. Nichols-“J” to those of us lucky enough to know him—was not only a groundbreaking marine biologist, but a trailblazer who dared to stretch ocean science beyond its traditional boundaries. He followed his deep curiosity about how being near, in, on, or under water can transform us: making us happier, healthier, more connected, and even better at what we do. His passion crystallized in the pages of Blue Mind, a book I stumbled upon at a local bookstore and immediately felt drawn to. It was more than a read—it was a revelation. Could this explain my deep love for the ocean, my affinity for warm baths, and the peace I feel by the water? As a nurse who once dreamed of being a marine biologist, I was captivated. When I discovered J’s book tour was stopping in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, I didn’t hesitate. I made my way there and met him in person. I had just launched The Nature Nurse, PLLC, a venture dedicated to exploring and sharing the healing power of nature. That evening, something clicked. As J looked out at the crowd, he said, “The Nature Nurse is here. I think we’ve found a friend.” And just like that, a friendship began—rooted in a shared mission to awaken people to the restorative magic of the natural world. Over the next decade, J and I supported each other’s work. He focused on how water nurtures and heals; I explored nature’s broader embrace. Together, we advocated for a relationship with nature built not just on receiving, but on giving—restoration, stewardship, and heartfelt reciprocity. J had a gift for community-building. His beloved Blue Mind movement gave water lovers around the world a symbol—a small blue marble, passed from hand to hand as a token of connection. He created spaces for learning, gathering researchers and storytellers alike to share how water can relieve anxiety, offer therapy, and inspire joy. Surf therapy, blue health coaching, floating for mental wellness—his work brought science and spirit together in ways that felt deeply human.  One moment I’ll never forget: J invited me to a screening in New York City of a documentary featuring Force Blue Team—special ops veterans partnering with marine biologists to restore coral reefs. Their stories mirrored the unspoken trauma many nurses carry. I sat there holding back tears, recognizing the pain of being expected to be “tough,” while inside, we carry so much. These warriors—like so many of us—found healing and purpose beneath the waves. During the outbreak of the COVID pandemic, when I was coaching frontline nurses through chaos and heartbreak, I reached out to Force Blue Team. I asked if they’d share a message of hope. Days later, they sent me a video that moved countless nurses to tears. It said: We see you. We understand. You are not alone. Watch the video here: vimeo.com/401018929?share=copy J brought playfulness into his work as well. At one Blue Mind Summit, we floated in a hotel pool wearing VR headsets and snorkels, diving into virtual coral reefs together—turtles, sharks, and even a giant humpback whale! He reminded us that healing isn’t always solemn. Sometimes it’s buoyant and bright. That water can be a source of play and a place to meet non-human friends. J's favorite were sea turtles. I asked him why turtles? He said, "because of who they are." Just over a year ago, J passed away. Yet his spirit endures—through the ripples he created, the lives he touched, and the love he inspired. His legacy, #BlueMindForLife, is more than a hashtag. It’s a call to live with wonder, connection, and care—for ourselves, each other, and this beautiful blue planet. To J—thank you for the friendship, the inspiration, and the courage to cross boundaries. You helped me remember that healing is not a solo journey, and that nature connects us all.   Photo credit: Ignacio Correia, Unsplash Over the past ten years, I’ve had the joy of working with several younger women who have helped shape The Nature Nurse. Their ease with modern technology has been both impressive and entertaining—I still chuckle at my surprise when I first learned about Airdrop. One tap and—poof—a photo appears on another phone! What a timesaver. Beyond the tech-savvy brilliance, what’s been most rewarding is their eagerness to learn about the powerful role nature plays in our lives. One of these bright souls is Maddie Chen. She helped launch The Nature Nurse YouTube channel, and her video editing and technical talents have introduced many people to nature-based practices that inspire joy, vitality, and awe. When I asked Maddie to create a video demonstration of Just Being with Nature, she embraced the challenge wholeheartedly—and the result is a beautiful, gentle guide to simply being. Enjoy the video: |
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