Strengthening Nature Connection
Published by Anne Altor on Apr 8th 2026
Strengthening Nature Connection
In our worlds of concrete and screens, it can be easy to forget that we're part of the dynamic, unfolding natural world. This Earth Month we're focused on strengthening nature connection through remembering that we humans are part of nature too.
Consider our origins: every particle in our bodies originated in the stars. These particles and the water that makes up ~60% of our body mass have cycled through the biosphere since the beginning of Earth time. We are literally connected to all life and are part of one integrated whole.
Because of this, nature connection is inherent. Strengthening our sense of this connection can enrich our lives and deepen our commitment to care for the Earth as the source of our being, our life-line. Following are practices to help us develop a sense of that connection:
Find a Sit Spot
What's a Sit Spot?
A Sit Spot is a place you can go to regularly to observe the natural world with all of your senses. This can be a vacant lot, backyard, stormwater swale, place in the woods, patio. Ideally it's a place that provides some food, water and shelter for wildlife, whether insects and invertebrates or larger creatures. Close to home is ideal so you can get there easily.
What do you do there?
Go to your sit spot regularly and observe everything around you with childlike curiosity and all of your senses. Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical times of day, but any time will do. The more you go, the more wildlife will recognize you as a non-threat and you'll be able to observe things that were previously hidden. Consider journaling about what you observe. And try this: get low and view the area from the perspective of a squirrel or beetle!
How long do you stay?
Stay for whatever time you have, from 5 minutes to much longer. You can do daily meditation at your sit spot, if that's part of your routine. The key is to return to your sit spot regularly. As you do, you'll notice subtle happenings, and you'll develop a connectionw with your spot. Make it comfortble by taking something soft and dry to sit on if you like.
Guided Meditations for Nature Connection
Why guided meditation?
Meditation can help us gain clarity and focus and calm the nervous system. There are many types of meditation. Some practices help us accept and love ourselves; some help us center ourselves and develop compassion; and some focus on the breath or the physical body.
Guided meditations for strengthening nature connection
Guided meditations that focus on connecting with the natural world can help us strengthen that sense. Here are some to try:
> Listen: Natural Refuge Tree meditation with Lama Willa Baker (17 minutes)
> Listen: Nature Connection Meditation: The Web of Life, with Ollie Frame (16 minutes)
> Listen: Forest Teachings Meditations and Talks with Lama Liz Monson
Nature Observation and Learning
Who's here with us?
Learning about our plant, bird, fungi, rock and insect neighbors opens doors to deeper insights. When you know "that" plant is an Aster, that bird is a Nuthatch, your relationship to that being starts to change. You might get to know a certain plant or tree, notice over time how a bud opens into a leaf, how a spider web evolves, the progress of a flower.
Identification tools
> Check out our guide to our favorite nature apps to help you identify the species you observe in real time.
Taking it further
If you feel inspired to deepen your connection with the rest of nature, here are some additional resources to explore:
> Coyote's Guide to Connecting with Nature
> Speaking with Nature: Awakening to the Deep Wisdom of the Earth
> Keepers of the Earth: Native American Stories and Environmental Activities
Deepening our connection to the Earth naturally leads to a desire to protect it. Our mission is to help you honor that connection by eliminating plastic and toxins that don't belong in our ecosystems or our bodies, through Earth-conscious hair care and body care.