Global Sustainability Story submitted by Jessica Paradysz of Pennsylvania, USA
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It’s so easy, almost second-nature to spend hours mindlessly scrolling through Instagram, the colors, ads and words blurring together until they fade into a bleak white. Or spending hours curled up on the couch with buttery popcorn and ruby-red wine binge-watching a new addictive series. Now, don’t get me wrong, I still enjoy those things.
But isn’t there more?
We spend more time with our eyes locked on our phones and computers and TV screens all day than we do getting out in nature. For most of us, the only time we get to see the cerulean sky and emerald green grass are the fleeting moments before and after work.
And we don’t even notice.
We’re too busy stressing about work, finances, relationships, what to make for dinner, etc. that the outside world feels as one-dimensional as a painted movie set than something real. Buzzing Alive.
Recently, I have been drawn to witchy things. Let’s just call it that for now. But in truth, as I’m sure many can identify with, I have been drawn to this my whole life. Although your mind might be conjuring up ideas such as swirling amethyst bubbles in a cauldron, spells, candles, crystals, tarot cards and more ( which are all incredible) an aspect that really enchanted me was connecting more to nature.
It’s that simple.
In my bedroom, I’m fortunate to have a view of a small forest in our backyard. Right now, it’s lush and endless deep green in the summer. While I’m putting on my makeup at my vanity or looking over my witch altar (a converted bedside table housing oracle cards, candles, crystals) I am mesmerized by the scene outside.
The Storybook View From My Window
Mischievous squirrels frantically climbing up trees. Delicate white butterflies flitting around the old trees and twisted branches and flowers in the storybook forest. Gorgeous bluebirds, so striking in their hues, taking a minute to relax on my roof – so close I feel like I could touch them – before jetting out into the expanse of the forest and freedom.
What makes me the happiest of all is hearing the leaves crackle in the forest, and seeing beautiful female deer. Their soft caramel coat, deep black eyes and sweet demeanor are both comforting and majestic.
Essentially, I fancy myself as Snow White with all of these adorable creatures in my backyard.
I wish I was donning a flowing gown, dripping in all sorts of diamonds, rubies and pearls. I daydream about opening the old glass windows of a Tudor mansion, overlooking a vibrant English rose garden that backs up to the forest.
And although that’s fun, I don’t need all of that.
You don’t have to be a fairytale woodland princess to connect with nature. You can be your own Snow White if you will by connecting to the witch within you. And I don’t mean the wicked one.
How to Take Time to Connect With Nature And Be Your Own Snow White
- Take Leisurely Walks in Nature: There’s so much power in the elements. Take time to take a walk. It doesn’t need to be an elaborate hike, it can just be a stroll around the neighborhood. Close your eyes, bathing in the warm energy of the sun on your face, the wind dancing in your hair. Feel free to carry your favorite crystals, which I do, along with black salt for protection. And red lipstick – which of course is essential.
- Walk Barefoot on the Grass: Slip off your glittery sandals ( or whatever you’re wearing) and gleefully put your feet in the lush grass. There’s something so grounding and magical about connecting directly with the earth. Dance around. Twirl. Enjoy. Smile.
- Swim in the Ocean: When at the beach, close your eyes and be grateful for this moment. Smell the delicious salt air. Don’t worry about anything holding you back in your thoughts ( but of course be safe!) and dive into the waves. Swim like the mystical mermaid you are. Float. Laugh. Embrace your inner child.
- Stop and Stare at Nature’s Beauty: Take time to notice the beauty around you. While bringing in groceries, be dazzled by the fireflies lighting up the sky – looking like fairies throwing fistfuls of glitter in the night. On a full moon, run outside and see the beautiful full moon shining through a crown of leaves in trees, and take a minute in awe.
- Have Picnics on the Hill: Put out a beach blanket or chair ( you don’t need to be at the shore) pack a delicious lunch, bring a great book and enjoy being outside, bathed in sunshine. Notice the trees, the birds singing. The sweet smell of honeysuckle in the air.
- Pick Or Buy Yourself Flowers: Pick flowers from your garden, or buy your own to bring inside and brighten up your day. Anything from crimson-red roses, magenta carnations, sunflowers – whatever makes you happy! It doesn’t have to be a special occasion and it doesn’t have to come from someone else.
There’s Magic Within And Around Us
The key takeaway is that there’s magic all around us and within us, if we just took the time to notice.
While I still have a lot to learn, no matter who you are, we can all benefit from taking time to just be ourselves outside. Every little thing you do adds up. And will make you feel more at peace and connected.
Jessica Paradysz
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