Find Happiness in Nature
Ranked #3,423 in Healthy Living, #66,316 overall
How to Find Happiness by Nurturing a Love of Nature
It is all too easy to take nature for granted. Yet one of the quickest ways to feel better and at peace is to spend time in the natural world around us.
You can find happiness in nature at just about any time of day or night, and wherever you are. Even when you live or work in a city you may be surprised at how close you are to an oasis of nature in a park or botanic garden.
You will find here a number of simple ways to get close to nature and to gain more enjoyment from the beauty of wildlife and of all growing things.
Our Home is Precious
I have spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.
~ William Butler Yeats ~
1. Turn your focus outwards
There's so much to see and hear
Even if you have children with you, agree to go there to admire and learn about nature. Try treading softly and keeping voices low - you will see so much more. As the saying goes, take nothing away but memories and leave nothing behind but your footprints.
Marsh Wren in Oregon Wildlife Refuge
Binoculars for your children
Carson Hawk Kid's Binoculars
Amazon Price: $10.97 (as of 02/17/2012)
A good pair of binoculars can make an incredible difference to outdoor explorations. But that heavy and expensive pair of binos that let you see nature up close are not much use for younger members of the family. Don't let them miss out any longer. A child's pair of binoculars can be inexpensive, lightweight, and still give them a chance to share in the magic of the natural world. This one has 5x magnification.
2. Help endangered species
Before it's too late...
If you try to focus on all the currently endangered species, it can become overwhelming, so just pick one. Find out why it is at risk and what can be done about it.
Endangered: Douc Langur Monkey
Learn about endangered species
100 Animals to See Before They Die (Bradt Guides)
Amazon Price: $6.44 (as of 02/17/2012)
Used Price: $6.43
This book is both educational and beautiful - filled with stunning color photography and packed with information about endangered species and the organizations that are trying to protect them. Some you will have heard of, others may be new. All deserve our help.
3. Everything grows with love
Cultivate a green thumb
Many house and garden plants take very little care and will reward you with their beauty (some even with food) in years to come.
An undemanding companion
Growing an Organic Garden
Burpee : The Complete Vegetable & Herb Gardener : A Guide to Growing Your Garden Organically
Amazon Price: $21.41 (as of 02/17/2012)
Used Price: $14.79
This gloriously illustrated encyclopedia includes easy-to-follow tips and advice on growing over 100 different vegetables and herbs.
4. Lend a helping hand
Your input DOES matter!
Projects might include cleaning up beaches, planting trees or helping with essential fund-raising projects. Or help charities that assist sick, homeless or rescue animals. Whatever you do, you'll be making a difference.
Keep wild places beautiful
....to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~
5. Get creative with nature
Be inspired by the natural world
Those who are gifted with words could write a nature-inspired poem and share it online. Photographers, inspire us with your best nature photography. Artists, use your paintings and drawings to deliver the message that our world is beautiful and fragile.
Capture the fragility and beauty
Keeping a Nature Journal
Keeping a Nature Journal: Discover a Whole New Way of Seeing the World Around You
Amazon Price: $9.25 (as of 02/17/2012)
Used Price: $5.73
6. Teach kids - and learn from them too!
Watch nature through a child's eyes
Kids are often close to nature and are fascinated by wild things. Let them celebrate what they love about nature, while helping them to understand that animals and other natural things are more than playthings and need to be treated with respect.
And, in turn, learn from their enthusiasm! Try watching a beetle with the eyes of a child and relearn to see the small things you stopped noticing.
Children love Nature!
Kids Nature Book
The Kids' Nature Book: 365 Indoor/Outdoor Activities and Experiences (Williamson Kids Can! Series)
Amazon Price: $3.84 (as of 02/17/2012)
This fun book has an incredible 365 suggestions for indoor and outdoor nature-themed activities for children. Written in a calendar format, there will be something to do no matter what time of year it is.
7. Let Nature come to you...
The natural world needs only a little encouragement
If your day is non-stop work and family commitments, try to simply take 5 minutes to notice the beauty of the sunset as you travel home, or birds in the park at lunchtime. Put out some seed for garden birds to invite these feathered friends - and other wildlife - into your space.
Give Nature a place in your life
Beautiful Bird Feeders
Strathwood Basics Iron and Bubble Glass Bird Feeder with Brushed-Copper Finish
Amazon Price: $34.99 (as of 02/17/2012)
Bird feeders don't have to be boring! This one is a work of art - and will still do the all-important job of helping feathered friends survive. It would make a beautiful gift for a bird lover.
Leave nothing behind but footprints
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How Do You Find Happiness in Nature?
Any tips to share of getting close to nature?
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grannysage
Nov 10, 2011 @ 12:12 am | delete
- I came by to let you know how much you are appreciated as part of the Thanks Pal quest but not just for that reason. I seem to have lost contact with some old friends and wanted to stop by and hug your pretty pear. You've always been so supportive of my writing and I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate it. We've also started full time RV-ing so are getting to see and be part of nature every day. It is wonderful, even when acorns are dropping on the RV every day from the oak trees overhead. :-)
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WordCustard
Nov 10, 2011 @ 2:05 am | delete
- Thank you so much, Grannysage, and pear hugs back to you. :) I can see the attractions of an RV lifestyle, I think it would suit me too if only I lived in a much bigger country with wider roads and lots of room to roam.
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ShamanicShift
Feb 3, 2011 @ 9:43 pm | delete
- Happiness in nature breaths, walks, flows and sings into me -- blessed by a SquidAngel!
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Sylvestermouse
Jan 19, 2011 @ 9:46 am | delete
- Oh, yes! This is fabulous! Now you know a nature loving, tree hugging, animal enthusiast mouse would love this page! LOL I couldn't agree with you more. Beautifully written!
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WordCustard's Bio
Writer and nature lover
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by WordCustard
Discover the ways in which you can find happiness in nature and bring a little peace into your life. more »
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