Nature talks. Take a walk and listen.

Being in the outdoors with children is to witness the magical world of nature through a child's playful and curious eyes. The awe and intrigue in everything is so contagious.

There's so much adults can learn from children at play. This is assuming all children enjoy being outside and most adults overlook the magic in their park walks or the trees they pass on the way to work or their local coffee shop. Yes, there is an age-related stereotype here.

Most adults do marvel at the natural world around us. Our playful spark hasn't died out since puberty. And unfortunately, many children believe they prefer to sit with idle bodies and transfixed minds staring at a screen in an enclosed space. Open a goddamn window. Please.

How can we engage more deeply with nature and with each other through nature? Here are some ideas for all ages:

🌱 Share silence together under a tree.

🌱 Thank a wildflower.

🌱 Try to find a feather on your walks.

🌱 Gift each other a fallen leaf blessed with a heartfelt compliment.

🌱 Take a shared inhalation and release a grievance on the exhale.

🌱 Schedule a window meeting where you take note of the wildlife outside. (Yes, other humans walking past do count. Silently wish them well.)

🌱 Try to share a sunset or sunrise—even if the sky is grey, acknowledge the rising or setting of the sun and the passing of time shared together.

🌱 Keep track of the moon cycles—create your own rituals for each phase. It can be as simple as blessing your toast or making giggle-infused orange juice.

🌱 Each time you see a bird, call out to it in song.

🌱 Tell a joke to an insect.

🌱 Make a friend of a local tree or bush—I'm sure they've noticed you.

🌱 Get your toes dirty in the same soil. (Or your hands.)

Be in nature—connect better with those with whom you spend your time, to have an immersion of the self while immersed in the elements, to be immersed in each other's hearts.

There are endless ways to purposefully connect with nature and make time for each other.

Let me know what ideas you come up with. Rose.

ins: @opalinequill

rose@opalinequill.com