In honor of Earth Day I went back and revised and added to my post “Nature Heal You — 10 Ways to Enjoy It“. Nature has always been an important part of my life (even when growing up in NYC). Now I see it also as important in the life of my children and my coaching clients as well. Nature can heal and it is my pleasure to share the Ten Ways Nature Heals me and share how it helps my children and clients. I also to invite you to write in how YOU enjoy nature and give you some links to find out about Earth Day events in your area.Ten Ways To Enjoy Nature
1) Walking
Whether alone or walking a dog, walking is great for you and gives you time to be quiet and let your mind wander. I have written about walking and what it means to me previously. Growing up a city girl I loved to walk and it was typical to walk several miles in one day without even thinking about it. Now that I am in a suburban/rural area I have to become more conscious that I am getting my walking in. I am lucky enough to live by a park that I can walk to and use for long walks either in the woods or in the big open fields. If you are ill, walking may seem difficult but even a short walk down your block/road or driveway and back will get your heart pumping and will let you experience different scenery. I was fortunate when I was ill that I did have to get out every day to take my kids to school, do errands, etc. even though many days I just wanted to stay in bed. I know when you are in chronic pain and ill — the house can seem like a prison. Getting out and breathing fresh air is healing and will change your mood and inspire you. Walking can be very meditative when you are alone if you are able to stay in the moment and just take in your surroundings. I also greatly enjoy walks with friends or my family as a way to connect with them.
2) Exercise
There are so many wonderful exercises to do outside. Take advantage of the nice weather and explore an activity or sport you have been interested in. I took up cross country skiing when I knew I would be living in a climate that is cold 6 months out of the year. My children take tennis lessons (free via our wonderful recreation center) in the summer. We have a pool that we are in quite often. My husband was a spring board diver through high school and college and coached diving afterwards. Get a friend interested in doing something with you — jog, shoot basketball hoops at a local park — anything but get out and work up a sweat in the great outdoors! Even throwing a Frisbee will get your heart rate up and bring a smile to your face.
3) Gardening
I was brought up in NYC where I had the least green thumb of anyone I knew. If a plant or flowers were brought into my apartment — I felt they were being given a death sentence. Now, understanding my self talk better — I realize a lot of that came from me saying to myself “I can’t grow anything”. When you state something repeatedly and believe it — it usually will come true! When we moved upstate I told myself I would learn how to garden. While I am no Martha Stewart I am quite happy to say my perennial garden is very substantial and I am grateful I even know what a perennial garden is! I am learning more every year about growing vegetables and herbs and it is my hope this year to go to my garden when I need a salad for all the ingredients. Last summer I grew scallions, tomatoes, lettuce, spinach and peppers and several herbs and this year I hope to expand my garden.
When my hands are in the dirt during gardening I feel transported and very relaxed. Not to mention it can be a heck of a workout — pulling weeds, digging holes, pushing a wheelbarrow around, squatting, raking and watering can all make those muscles burn. If you live in a city you can maintain plants and herbs in your house or volunteer to help out at a community garden. YES – I GREW those sunflowers — and those veggies I am pcking — I would have never thought it possible! 
Gardening even inspired my poem “Weeding My Thoughts to plant New Seeds”.
4) Sit Under a Tree, in the Grass or near flowers and JUST BE
It is meditative to just sit and be with nature. Included in the incredible webinar course offered by Oprah and Eckhart Tolle on his book “A New Earth” are worksheets that accompany every chapter’s lessons. I would like to include an activity from the worksheet for Chapter One for you to try.
“Spend some time in the presence of something you consider beautiful—a flower, a gem, a piece of artwork, etc. As you look at the object, try to see it without naming it mentally. When we appreciate beauty in this manner, a window opens into the formless, and into a state of gratitude. See if you can experience that and write about your experiences.“
5) Read or Listen to Music Outside
When I ran my desktop publishing business in NYC I was lucky enough to set my own hours. I would wake up at 6AM and work until 11AM. I would then walk to Central Park (5 blocks from my apt.) and relax from 11:15-1:15 and then return home refreshed to put in a another few hours of work. Sometimes I would people watch but mostly I would read, listen to my discman (no IPODs then) and rejuvenate myself. I would let go of the work I had done and not think about the work I was going back to. I continue to enjoy occasional walks with my IPOD and reading outside on my back deck where I can feel the sun on my face and listen to the birds in the background.
6) Be Near or in Water
Whether it is swimming, kayaking (my favorite), canoing or just sitting on a beach or by a lake … water has a soothing aspect to it. I mentioned Carl Schurz Park before and one of the reasons it was my favorite park was it was by the East River. No, not the prettiest of rivers but it was calming to sit on a bench and look out at the water. I would think, relax and take myself out of the hustle and bustle that accompanies living in NYC. It was the closest getaway from my house and I spent many teenage angst years there contemplating life. When I had my first official date with my husband I took him there and it changed the way he looked at NYC. He subsequently proposed to me by the East River which was the best place he could have picked!
7) Picnic
For years my husband and I celebrated “date night”. Each week we would get out of the house and go out to eat, go meet up with friends or go for a walk. My fondest memories are just packing some sandwiches and some water and having a picnic dinner somewhere. My kids absolutely LOVE picnics and willingly will pack lots of food and snacks in a backpack to bring to a park to sit and eat. Something about eating outside on a picnic blanket makes us smile. Treat yourself if you don’t want to pack up the whole family… pack a few healthy snacks and some water and a blanket or one of the wonderful, reusable Neat Sheets and be outside and enjoy your next meal.
8. Meet Up with a Friend(s)
Just sitting outside and noticing the world around you with a friend or friends brings new topics to mind and gives you a new kind of energy than just sitting in the house. Agree to meet up with a friend at a local park or if you have a backyard meet up there to relax together. In the summer time we entertain a lot and whether it is by the pool, by the fire or just sitting around in some chairs — it is always a lot of fun and being outside brings a new dimension to “hanging out”. My good friend Angela at my local park — she is my most frequent walking buddy and we have shared many great talks walking at this park.
9) Go to a Playground and Swing on the Swings
Yes you might have to go after hours to ensure not getting the children too upset or go to a park with A LOT of swings. But swinging on a swing can be freeing and fun. The pumping of your legs as the movement takes you higher is liberating and I can never imagine being sad while swinging in a swing.
10) Go to an Open Field or Top of a Tall Building
The park near my house was an airplane field so when I am in it I can look up and see mountains all around me and realize just how small I am in the scheme of things. The same is true when you go to a tall building and look down and all the people, vehicles and other smaller buildings. You can accomplish the same thing by looking up at the stars at night. When you realize just how vast this Universe is, even your “biggest problem” can shrink down to miniature status.
These are ten of my favorite ways to enjoy nature. Being outside (even if you are ill) has healing qualities, the sun’s Vitamin D and the feel of fresh air in your lungs…. Being with nature has helped some of my “grandest dilemmas” shrink away to nothing. Try some of these outdoor activities and feel, enjoy and be grateful for nature’s soothing and healing qualities.
How Nature Helps My Children and Clients
My Children
Getting outside is so very important for everyone including children. We just ended the “winter blues” here in upstate New York. To say I have seen a HUGE shift in my kid’s energy level since they are able to play outside for long stretches of time would be a HUGE under-statement. It doesn’t matter to them if they are blowing bubbles, hula hooping, on their scooter or bikes or just simple sitting — there is a VAST difference in their happiness when they have a significant amount of outside time. You do not have to have a big yard — kids simply LOVE being outside. Make homemade bubbles with dish soap to entertain them. Get a rope and play jump rope. Bring dinner out for a “picnic”. Spend time and make a treasure hunt or play hide and seek. Play the good old favorites like Mother May I and Red Light Green Light…. Growing up in NYC my big game was “stoop ball” against my stoop — there is no shortage of things to do outside. Your children will be VERY grateful for you spending the time with them and for the fresh air. Vitamin D is so important for health and if your children have allergies make sure the first thing they do when they come in is to change and wash their hands and face WELL.
I would also love to add VACATION as a way to enjoy nature. We just went to Orlando, Florida and the kids and I were so happy to see different birds, plants and trees. It opened my children’s eyes up to learning about different environments and they were all questions. 
My Clients
I help many chronically ill people. I am a mind/body mentor and one of the saddest things I find is MANY do not leave their home besides going to see doctors. This alone can spiral someone downwards into more serious illness. Our body needs sunlight and fresh air. Recently I interviewed Enrique Villanueva who existed 2 years solely on sunlight by sun-gazing (no food) — that SHOWS you how important the sun is. It IS as important as food, drink and air. Even a person in severe pain can usually find a patch of sunlight in the house to sit by and open a window. When I was in my most dis-eased state I would sometimes drag myself out to my deck to just sit with my face to the sun (eyes closed) to rejuvenate. It is very depressing to be stuck inside. I know I replayed the messages to myself “I am too sick to go out” but when I did manage to drag myself out even if for 5 minutes I would feel noticeably better. Whether you are an at home mom with tons of chores in the house, a self employed person working (non-stop) from home or a chronically ill person — GETTING OUTSIDE AND EXPERIENCING NATURE, SUN AND AIR IS CRUCIAL TO YOUR HEALTH. Look at the ways above I highlighted to get out and enjoy nature. Promise yourself you will just “try it” and see how different you feel when you return.
HOW DOES NATURE HELP YOU? HOW CAN YOU HELP NATURE?
I would love to ask my readers to share how they enjoy nature. I would also like to ask you to take some time on Earth Day (or on any or ALL days) and give thanks to nature.
Here are a couple of sites you can visit to find out more about Earth Day, events happening and how YOU can help preserve nature:
Guide to Earth Day Around the World
Thanks to everyone — I wish you and all your loved ones a very Happy Earth Day!
Hi Jenny: I completely agree that nature is vital to our well-being. In fact, I just finished reading an article on the NY Times on the relationship between happiness and nature. I walk to and from the gym every day, Monday to Friday (even when it’s raining), and I love going to the beach.
Marelisas last blog post..Creating In the Dark – Your Sacred Dance
Hi Marelisa,
GREAT to hear from you… ahh the beach…. been a while since I have made it to one but want to make sure we get to one this summer with the kids.
Glad to hear you walk every day. It always puts a smile on my face to walk no matter where I am. I will look for that NY Times article — makes so much sense – thanks for telling me about it.
Your new post title is VERY intriguing. Off to check it out!
Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Love,
Jenny
Happy Earth Day!
Good looking cabbage you are growing. Since it’s your own veggies, don’t forget to eat the outer dark leaves too. (Maybe juice them)
Earth is ascending and I so agree it’s critical to take time outside. It’s nurturing, grounding, and just plain refreshing.
Akemi
Akemi – Yes to Mes last blog post..Creating The New World, Part 2 Light
Happy Earth Day! I love your suggestions on connecting with Nature. I had a great connection two weeks ago when I went to the park (the biggest one in Singapore) nearby. I came back feeling refreshed and rejuvenated! I also like the idea of the date nights with picnics. I usually go to restaurants. But picnics sound like great ideas too!
Evelyn Lims last blog post..Confessions Of A Shopaholic Ego
Jenny, I love this topic. Your descriptions of walking through Central Park brought back such fond memories. When I lived in NYC I quickly learned it was so important for me to spend time every weekend sitting by the lake. It was like the trees and the water cleansed and balanced all the disparate energies I would pick up during the week. And I also really see how being out in nature helps do the same for my kids also. I also love to meditate in nature, and love to take groups out to do so. I think there are energy centers or ‘chakras’ in the earth just like in our body, and certain places are particularly conducive to healing, others to meditation, others to sports etc. So I seek out great meditation spots and try and go there or take people there myself.
Thanks for the great reminder of Earth Day, and the gratitude for all nature does…
Lisa (mommymystic)s last blog post..New Blogroll, Positive Reinforcement, and The Self
Hi Jenny – funnily enough, we have just got back from a walk in the parklands near our house. I had to laugh when you said that when you used to bring plants into the house, you felt you were giving them a death sentence! Because I have always been like that, too. Frank and I are growing chilies in several pots now, which we are really enjoying – though they are not doing very well. We call them our “babies”.
Lovely post about nature, Jen!
Robins last blog post..Tomato Seeds And Delicious Fruit
Hi Akemi,
Ray and I just began juicing after Christmas when he received a cool juicer from my mom. Thanks for the reminder… I have to plant lots of veggies good for that as well.
Know how to grow beets? I see lots of gardening internet research in my future. 
Being outside IS all the wonderful adjectives you used and Springtime is my favorite time of year. New beginnings, new life and a whole 6 months before I have to think about snow and snow clothes again!
. Ahhh — life is GREAT Akemi! 
Now to take off “that last 10 so I can proudly wear a bikini for my 40th (Aug 17th). 
Happy Earth Day and thanks so much for commenting. I LOVED your review of Bruce Lipton’s book.
Love,
Jenny
Hi Evelyn,
I LOVE visiting other parks when we travel. I can’t even begin to imagine how beautiful a park in Singapore must be!
Some of our BEST date nights have been picnics. No getting all dolled up, thinking about what to order or the service — lots of hand holding as we walk… very romantic and fun. Just the two of us connecting in nature… very special and I am happy it is Spring time here so we can resume some picnic date nights.
Just in time because Ray just got the go ahead that he’ll be working from home again and with us full time. Whoo Hoo! 
Happy Earth Day Evelyn.
A pleasure to hear from you. Your latest post made me smile and I resonated with a lot of it – I am a sweats and T shirt gal myself these days….. but in summertime I become a dress fanatic — don’t have to be expensive (in fact MOST are CHEAP) but my weakness has always been cute summer dresses. 
Love,
Jenny
Hi Lisa,
The parks in NYC are so important to living there. The concrete can get to you quickly – it is so nice that there are parks in every part of the city to run to when you need to see some nature.
I am so grateful for nature and that was one thing I was able to keep gratitude for when I was sick – I always had the park near me and the mountains out my window — it helped tremendously.
Group meditations outside sound so incredibly powerful. Ray has offered to send me on a weekend retreat somewhere around my 40th with a girlfriend and I am definitely looking for something that will have me meditating outside with others.
Ahhh Spring time has me so excited every day of things to come, flowers to bloom, animals and people coming out of hibernation! Earth Day is a wonderful idea and I can’t think of a better thing to celebrate than the Earth and nature.
Thanks for sharing Lisa… I’m getting out the catalogs today and making sure I get to that retreat!
Thanks also for the link in your blog roll. GREATLY appreciated.
Lotsa Love,
Jenny
Hi Robin,
Oh I hope your chili’s make it!
I managed to kill a baby cactus when I was living in the city that I LOVED. That was a sure sign for me to stay AWAY from planting for a while. 
It’s interesting because the Reconnective Energy is being used on plants and landscaping in other parts of the world so I am SO excited to see my garden this year. We had indoor plants that have always struggled for years that bloomed all winter after I got my certification. Pretty cool! I expect tons of veggies and am trying to figure out now how I can expand my garden. Last year we had salad veggies for a month — this year I will try to have enough for the entire summer.
Thanks Robin. I would love to visit the parks in Australia some day! Any pictures I have seen are so stunning and discovering the different animals and foliage would be WONDERFUL.
Happy Earth Day!
Lotsa Love, xo
Jenny
Jenny Mannions last blog post..Earth Day — 10 Ways to Celebrate and Enjoy Nature
Jenny,
You said it! Nature is so powerful I think I would go nuts if I couldn’t get out into it. Anything to do with nature, I’m there. Growing up a country girl, I climbed trees, rode bikes to the lake with my sister and cousins (our parents told us to “Git and don’t come back until the sun goes down” all the time), and explored the woods behind my home. Thank you for this refreshing Earth Day post. So when’s our next walk in Fortin Park?
Love and xoxo
Ange
Hey there Ange!
Did you see it is going to be 70′s here Friday and 80′s on Saturday? Whoo Hoo! I think we need to do a walk then! Sat is OH Fest so we’ll be near you.
I always smile when I see you have read and left a comment.
What your parents said remind me of what I tell Alex – “OUTSIDE! — run laps if you have to”
It is so awesome to see him and Christina able to play outside nicely now and they have been loving the good weather. Not even any complaints “they don’t have anything to do” – they are just loving the fresh air.
Thanks Ange — I love doing so many things with you in nature and our walks and skiing have meant the world to me.
Looking forward to tonight – lots to figure out with you — all GOOD STUFF!
I’m not breakin’ the rules this time — um at least the ones I remember! 
Lotsa Love,xoxo
Jenny
Jenny Mannions last blog post..Earth Day — 10 Ways to Celebrate and Enjoy Nature
Hey Jenny! Hope you had a great Earth Day! I love this post, as I am a HUGE nature lover. Here’s something that I wrote the other day on my blog, about how I feel about nature…
I love nature more than I can find the words to express. Going outside can center me immediately, and fills me with new life and strength, both physically and spiritually. I feel more connected, more in tune, and at peace, like I can reach right out and touch God. I sense the spirits of the wild, growing things – especially trees, and feel connected to the great circle of life. I love being in a place where the natural and primal and untamed is in charge. Nature keeps me grounded, yet lets my spirit soar.
Stacies last blog post..On Food, Eating, Health and Spirituality
Hey Stacie,
LOVE what you wrote esp. the last line… “Nature keeps me grounded, yet lets my spirit soar”… truly beautiful Stacie! 
Thanks SO much for the comment.
I had a good Earth Day although didn’t get the enjoy the outside as much as I would have liked – it was a bit of a hectic day. I did make sure to “give thanks” and was even more conscious of lights,etc…. The next 5 days are supposed to be gorgeous so I am making plans to be out for a good bit of time each day enjoying and soaking up nature.
Thanks again Stacie, LOVE your writing – thanks for sharing.
Love,
Jenny
You’re welcome, and thank you! Yes, I am so looking forward to the next several days of warm weather and sunshine. I too will be outside enjoying it!
Love, Stacie
Stacies last blog post..On Food, Eating, Health and Spirituality
Happy Earth Day! Our simple doings can greatly affect our environment. Small efforts from each and everyone of us can sum up to a huge move towards saving Mother Nature.
Louiss last blog post..Pacquiao vs Hatton on May 3
Hi Louis,
Welcome! You are so right — doing simple things can GREATLY affect our environment and also show it gratitude. By MANY of us shifting to helping we can have profound affects. Thanks for visiting and commenting.
Gratefully,
Jenny
This is a great list and it reflects why I love spring, summer, and fall so much. I miss being warm in nature during the winter time. Your list is why my family has been outside every possible minute we can find lately. Happy Spring!
Stacey / Create a Balances last blog post..Choosing Me Before We
Hi Stacey,
Happy Spring to you too – it has definitely sprung here. I, too love those seasons with Spring being my favorite as it means 6 months of no snow and cold. I LIKE snow, cross country skiing and the change of seasons but winter is about a month too long for me here.
Wishing you all the best Stacey for you and your family.
Love,
Jenny
Earth Day is a wonderful reminder that one can reconnect with nature anytme, anywhere. It is all about renewing acquaintance with one’s inner self, sources of unconditional love and joy. Those people and situations that bring out the best in you are inspiration to new levels of health and well-being. Mind, body spirit and everything are interconnected to heal each other.
Liara Coverts last blog post..10 reasons to be grateful for difficulty