The “Rest of Nature” Matters to Sensitive People

Let's spend some time with her every day.

Judging by the feedback I received on last week’s article, The Trees Hold My Soul, there are a lot of us in the Singularly Sensitive community who are profoundly connected to the rest of the natural world. And I say “the rest of nature” because humans are part of nature, not separate from it.

Highly sensitive people need to tap into that interconnectedness to feel whole, grounded, well. Being with the rest of nature is not optional.

Nature invites us in. Will we accept the call?

But it isn’t always easy to get to a secluded beach or run away to the forest in the midst of our everyday lives. Instead, we can start by connecting with the plants, animals, and landscapes that make up our home environment.

You might bring mindful attention to what is around you as you walk your dog, go to work or school, or get your mail. Even in densely populated urban areas, there are trees, flower boxes, birds, insects, four-legged critters. Notice the sky: day, night, and in the liminal spaces between them. Pay attention to the sounds, smells, and flavors that connect you to your environment.

After you’ve spent some time mindfully connecting with the rest of nature, I invite you to join me in reflection. This month’s Collaborative Journaling (CJ) prompt, in honor of Earth Day and in support of our relationship with the rest of nature, invites you to consider:

How can you connect more meaningfully with the rest of nature in your everyday life?

Collaborative Journaling Instructions:

1. Journal about the prompt in whatever medium you choose (writing, song, art, building, etc.).

2. Paste your typed journal in the body of an email or attach a photo/video of your responses. Email your response to me: journaling[at]singularlysensitive[dot]com (journaling@singularlysensitive.com).

3. Please send your response no later than 11 PM Eastern on Tuesday, April 22^nd (Earth Day!).

4. Technical issues can happen, and I’m human. I will make every attempt to email you my response within 48 hours. If it’s been longer than that and you haven’t gotten a response from me, please check in with me so I don’t inadvertently miss your response.

Please keep in mind these points if you choose to join me in Collaborative Journaling:

· CJ is meant to be an interpersonal exchange of ideas—think journaling pen pals. It isn’t therapy, coaching, a class, a medical intervention, or a prescription. You should contact the appropriate professionals in your life if you need those kinds of support.

· Trust your intuition about whether to participate and how. I trust you to be responsible for your reactions and your needs. If this process brings up distressing memories or emotions, seek professional help in your community and/or use the 988 Crisis Line (in the U.S.A.) for support.

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