How Nature can Increase Our Ability to be Observant During Lockdown
Inside those four walls, you call home, you might be confused, irritated and finding it hard to focus. But step outside and you might just see your attention start to increase.
For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, spring has officially sprung! Living in Berlin and having experienced my first winter here, I’ve never been happier to see, let alone feel, the sun on my pale, vitamin-deprived skin. When the sun hits, my routine would be to roll out the picnic blanket, prep an unnecessary amount of snacks and round up the friends. But since isolation has been in play, my experience outside has been altered and I think it’s for the better.
Pink, small and punctual,
Aromatic and low,
Covert in April,
Candid in May
Emily Dickinson — May Flower
For those of us lucky to be able to go outside still, the daily walk is one of our main activities.
Take a moment and ask yourself if you have ever noticed the blossom this much? The different bird calls you can hear? The buds appearing on the trees and the fact that they are increasing day by day?
My vocabulary has changed and I’ve felt an obligation to start learning more about the trees I see. I’ve always felt a little sad that learning the names of trees, plants and flowers wasn’t a priority at school (or at my school at least). It’s something my mum had to learn and no doubt, repeat over and over, before being tested — such was the teaching style from the 1960s. Acquiring new knowledge is something that brings me great pleasure.
Pre-lockdown, I would’ve definitely called myself a ‘nature person’. But, only now have I truly come to appreciate the tiny changes and nuisances I’m witnessing on my walks.
“Oh, it’s wisteria!” “Oh, the blossom is looking particularly vibrant this year!” “Oh, I think that’s a blackbird just landed in that down yonder.”
Usually, we have a long list of out-of-home options that it doesn’t take much imagination for us to remember; going to the pub with friends, eating out, seeing a film, show or gig, etc.
Now our options are limited, the humble walk is taking centre stage. Being forced to shift our activities is good for us — adaptability is a key trait for improving our mental health. It’s even better for us if we’re subbing in an activity that has been widely known to benefit our mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.
Many of us will be aware of mindfulness and it’s meaning
I like headspace’s description: ‘Mindfulness is the quality of being present and fully engaged with whatever we’re doing at the moment — free from distraction or judgment, and aware of our thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them’.
This is exactly what I’m practicing without even trying. I’m being observant. I’m taking in what’s around me, not sifting through thoughts.
Being present has a multitude of benefits. It can help us to:
- practice gratitude
- use active and deep listening
- clear our mind of racing thoughts
- distinguish what’s important and gain perspective
Especially in times like these when change is uncertain and daunting, the seasonal changes in nature can be relied on and offer a sense of comfort and routine.
Beyond the outdoors
Your being more observant outside and want to bring some of that newfound attention and comfort back into the home?
Having your own plants to care for can help shift your focus, especially if you’re feeling down or anxious.
Knowing that you have a responsibility to feed these plants in order for them to grow, adds more structure and purpose to your week. And, you’ll reap the rewards of caring for them well.
