Grounded by Nature: A Calm Start to the Year
Week 1, 2025
Welcome, January!
As we step into this fresh chapter, I wanted to check in with how you're feeling.
I’ve been reflecting on how nature holds space for us, no matter the season. With winter’s stillness, it’s the perfect time to pause and consider how nature’s rhythms mirror our own.
Looking out at the bare trees, it’s clear that growth isn’t always visible. Beneath the surface, roots are strengthening, seeds are resting, and renewal is quietly unfolding. Winter teaches us that rest is an essential part of growth. It’s okay to slow down and trust that, even when we can’t see it, something is happening beneath the surface.
🌳 How Nature Supports Our Nervous System
Nature has a way of gently grounding us.
The sound of rustling leaves, the rhythm of waves, or even the smell of earth after rain—all these moments can help us feel more present. When we’re overwhelmed, nature signals to our body that we can relax.
Spending time outdoors can engage our parasympathetic nervous system—our “rest-and-digest” mode. This helps lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and brings calm. Even brief moments in nature can support our nervous system.
🌿 A Connection That Looks Different for Everyone
We each connect with nature in our own way—and that’s okay.
For some, stepping outside feels peaceful, while for others, it might bring discomfort or past memories. Wherever you find yourself, there’s no “right” way to engage with nature. Whether it’s noticing a plant on your desk or feeling sunlight through a window, these small moments count.
🌳 Gentle Self-Awareness in Nature
This week, I invite you to simply check in with yourself when you interact with nature.
Notice how you feel, without judgement. If you’re drawn to a particular sight or sound, pause and notice your response. Even subtle feelings are worth acknowledging, as they help us reconnect with ourselves.
📝 Practical Activity: A Nature-Grounded Practice
✔️ Pause and breathe three slow breaths 🌬️
Look for something in nature—a tree, a patch of sky, or a houseplant.
✔️ Notice any feelings that arise.
Does nature bring calm, curiosity, or comfort? Welcome those emotions without judgement.
✔️ Tune into your body.
How does it feel in this moment? Is there a sense of relaxation or grounding?
✔️ Take a moment to thank nature for its presence 🌳
Whether you’re outside or sitting by a window, this exercise can bring calm to your day.
✍️ Reflective Journaling Prompts
What did you notice when you paused and truly observed something in nature? How did this shift your sense of presence?
What feelings came up during your time with nature? How can you hold space for those emotions?
How did your body respond during the practice? Did you feel any tension release?
What feelings of gratitude or connection arose as you engaged with nature?
🌟 Let’s Affirm:
"Just as nature rests and renews, so can I. I honour my rhythm and trust in my growth."
🌿 Professional Life and Nature’s Influence
For those in the helping professions, these moments of connection with nature can have a profound impact on your work.
Even small moments of grounding help us show up more clearly and calmly for others. When we feel centred, we’re better equipped to hold space for those in need.
❄️ Winter’s Stillness
This time of year often encourages us to plan ahead. But let's also remember the value of winter’s quiet stillness.
Nature reminds us that growth happens even in stillness, and we can trust that rest is an essential part of the process.
🤝 A Shared Journey
Wherever you find yourself this week, know that you’re not alone. We’re all on this journey together, moving through seasons both in nature and within ourselves. Growth doesn’t have to happen alone—it’s supported by the spaces and people around us.
Thank you for sharing this space with me. I hope you find moments of peace, connection, and gentle renewal this week.
With Gratitude,
Dana xo.
P.S. I made a new page! Check out the following page for more info on the MESH method here: https://danasdiary.substack.com/p/the-mesh-method
Thank you for this lovely reminder, Dana! This post spoke to me in many ways. I'm currently looking for a life closer to nature again and trying different things to reconnect. I've missed being rooted in nature like I was in my youth. I noticed that not everything felt good, though, that some experiences made me rather uncomfortable than calm, and that I may have to find a different approach or go more slowly and gently. And that's okay. I so agree on the natural sounds and smells. Focussing on them have helped me a lot in recent years. I also love the reminder that rest is an essential part of growth. That's again something I've experienced and it's a good thing to remember when one tries just too hard to change (something).