What if Reconnecting With Nature Can Help You Reconnect With Yourself?

Written by Sara Brinell, Author, Speaker & Awareness Guide

Sara has a unique ability to quickly shift energy into presence and joy through her work as a mindfulness coach, speaker, and yoga instructor. She is also the author of the book One With Nature (published in 2025) and a popular speaker in the field.

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The simple answer is, yes, it can. You might be wondering how, and perhaps even why. The short answer is this, you are part of nature. Nature is your natural state because you come from it. In other words, it is your home.

I’d like to share a passage from the beginning of my book, “I hope this book reaches you somewhere in the world, maybe by a beach, among icebergs, on a wild safari, or in a park in the middle of a big city. No matter where you are, we all share one thing, we come from nature. We are part of it, and it is part of us.”

In this article, I will share five simple but powerful things that nature has taught me. My hope is that, by the end, you’ll have a deeper understanding of why reconnecting with nature can help you reconnect with yourself, and perhaps feel inspired to explore nature more and, through it, to explore yourself.

Your mental health

If there is one thing nature truly helps us with, it is bringing us back to the present moment, helping us slow down, become more aware, and step away from the fast pace and constant busyness of everyday life.

Spending time in nature, even for a short while, can make a real difference. As little as 10 minutes in a natural environment can help reduce stress and improve both mood and overall well-being. It allows your mind to pause. In a world full of noise, notifications, and constant stimulation, nature offers something different, space. Space to breathe and to simply be. And in that space, something shifts. Your thoughts begin to settle, your body relaxes, and your attention naturally returns to the present moment. This is where clarity begins.

You may notice that after spending time outdoors, things feel less overwhelming. Your focus sharpens, your thoughts become clearer, and what once felt heavy can feel lighter.

And that is why spending time in nature can be so deeply supportive for your mental health. But not only that, but it can also nurture something deeper within you, something more spiritual. Because when you reconnect with nature, you don’t just clear your mind, you reconnect with yourself and your heart.

Source of creativity

Here is an excerpt from my book, “Nature boosts your creativity. To be creative is to be in tune with the creative force of life. Think about how often we hear that inspiration comes from nature, natural patterns, shapes, earthy colors, materials, and more. Whether it’s design, textiles, furniture, art, or music, nature offers an abundance of creativity when you take the time to observe the colors, patterns, and biodiversity around you.”

See for yourself how you can explore your creativity in nature. Use your senses. What sounds can you hear? How does it feel to listen to natural sounds instead of the constant noise of the city or screens? Perhaps birds singing, leaves rustling in the wind, branches creaking, water flowing in a stream, or insects buzzing. Notice the rhythm, the stillness between sounds, and how it all makes you feel. Chances are, it helps you settle more into the present moment, into a sense of harmony, moving away from stress. In that space, creativity can begin to flow more freely.

What can you see with your eyes? Patterns, colours, textures. Notice the contrast between light and shadow, the repetition in shapes, the diversity in forms. Let your eyes wander without purpose, this is often where new ideas begin.

What can you smell? The freshness of the air, the scent of pine, the earth after rain, or the subtle shifts between seasons. Scents have a unique way of grounding you and bringing back memories and emotions, often sparking creativity in a quiet, unexpected way.

What can you feel? The texture of bark beneath your fingers, the softness of moss, the coolness of the air against your skin, or the warmth of sunlight. Let yourself connect through touch, it brings you closer to the present moment.

I often sit in the forest and practise presentations. I literally sit there and speak out loud. Being in nature gives me focus and a sense of calm, especially without distractions, and I always gain new ideas and insights that fall into place.

Find light in the darkness

Nature has taught me to see the light in the darkness. Because the truth is, light always returns, no matter how dark it may seem. Even the smallest ray of light can brighten the surroundings, suddenly, it’s no longer completely dark. The same applies to life.

I go outside every morning, no matter the weather or the time of year. During the winter months, it’s almost pitch black at 6 a.m. Still, I’ve had the chance to witness the gradual transition from night to day, simply by being present and observing. There is something deeply powerful in that experience. It reminds me, again and again, that the light always comes back.

Research also supports the importance of morning light. Exposure to natural light early in the day helps regulate your circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock, which can improve sleep, mood, and overall well-being. Morning light signals to your brain that it’s time to wake up, increasing alertness and supporting a more balanced energy level throughout the day.

So even when it feels dark, outside or within, there is a quiet reassurance in knowing that the light always returns.

The answer is always nature

Have you ever paused to consider what makes it possible for you to have a roof over your head, food on your table, clothes on your back, and support for your health? These are things we so often take for granted. The answer is always nature.

Everything we rely on, in one way or another, comes from it. The materials that build our homes, the food that nourishes our bodies, the air we breathe, the water we drink, it all begins there.

We often live as if we are disconnected, as if nature is something “out there.” But the truth is, we are part of the same system. What we take from nature, we depend on. And what we give back matters just as much.

The further we move away from what is natural, the further we often move away from well-being. Highly processed foods, artificial additives, and fast solutions may be convenient, but they are not what our bodies are designed for. We are meant to be nourished by what comes from the earth, by real, whole, living foods, by simplicity.

Perhaps this is something to remember. Something to return to. To come back to the way we were created to live, more in tune with what truly supports us. And perhaps, when we begin to truly see this, something shifts. We don’t just look at nature differently, we begin to live differently.

The wise tree

Here is an excerpt from my book, “How do you look at a tree? Where do your eyes go? What do you think when you look at a tree? Perhaps you've never asked yourself these questions before. If so, wonderful. Now you have. I see a tree the way I see a human being, or any living creature, for that matter. I look without judgment and with curiosity. Each tree is unique, with its own history and future.”

Trees carry a deep sense of wisdom and grounding, something we as humans can truly learn from. They stand firmly rooted, yet they grow and adapt. They come in different shapes and sizes, with branches reaching in all directions. Some carry visible scars. Some have deeper roots. Some have stood for centuries, while others are just beginning their journey. And yet, each one has its place. Each one serves a purpose. Each one matters.

There is something powerful in simply being near a tree. Hugging a tree, does it sound strange? A bit unusual, maybe even a little crazy? But in reality, it can be a deeply calming and grounding experience. Studies have shown that spending time close to trees can reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure, and promote a sense of well-being. For example, research on “forest bathing” (the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku) has demonstrated that being among trees can lower cortisol levels and support both mental and physical health.

So the next time you pass a tree, pause for a moment. Place your hand on its bark, or simply stand beside it. You might feel more than you expect. And if you feel open to it, give it a hug. Sometimes, stepping boldly outside your comfort zone is where something meaningful begins.

One with nature

So, as you can see, all of these insights and lessons come from Mother Earth, for us, for you. And this is just a very small part. She is like an infinite library, ready for you to open any book and explore the beauty and wisdom within. And you know what? It doesn’t cost anything. You are welcome just as you are, and she will generously share everything with you.

If you feel ready to explore the power of nature and, in turn, yourself, I warmly invite you to dive deeper into my book One with Nature, and connect with me for more inspiration on Instagram. And most importantly, go out into nature. Enjoy.

Connect with me on Instagram and through my website for more inspiration on meditation, yoga, and inner harmony.

Read more from Sara Brinell

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Sara Brinell, Author, Speaker & Awareness Guide

Sara is an expert in inner harmony and the healing power of nature. She carries a profoundly healing story, having experienced depression in her teenage years and, later in life, the early loss of both her parents. These experiences became part of a deeper journey that eventually led her to guide others back to their hearts through her work as a yoga instructor, mindfulness coach, and speaker. She also shares her insights through her book One With Nature. Her mission is to show that loneliness can become a path to deeper connection, and that nature can heal where words are not enough.