3 Tips and 15 Coaching Questions to Connect with Nature

As I write this, we are at the official midpoint of summer and the launch of the harvest season. Days will start getting noticeably shorter as we approach the Autumn Equinox.

In our modern lives, we may lose touch with these natural rhythms. But taking a moment to pause and reflect on where we are in the seasonal cycle can provide valuable wisdom and a chance to reconnect with the world around us.

Nature has a profound healing power, helping to reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and restore our sense of well-being.

To honor this seasonal shift, here are three tips and fifteen coaching questions to help you connect with the cycles of the season this weekend and beyond.

Tip#1: Take Mindful Walks

Take a walk in a nearby park or nature reserve. Pay close attention to the sights, sounds, and smells around you. Notice the changes in the foliage and the subtle shifts in the landscape as summer progresses.

Questions to ponder

1. What are you noticing about your surroundings that you may have overlooked before?

2. How do the sights, sounds, and smells of nature influence your mood and thoughts?

3. What parallels can you draw between the changes you observe in nature and the changes in your own life?

4. How does spending time in nature affect your sense of presence and mindfulness?

5. What feelings or thoughts arise as you connect with the natural world around you?

Tip #2: Get Out and Go Stargazing

Find a quiet spot away from city lights and spend some time stargazing. This weekend offers a special treat for those in the Pacific Northwest: there is a strong likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights due to an ongoing geomagnetic storm. The best viewing times are between 10 p.m. and midnight on Friday and Saturday nights. Make sure to find a dark, rural location for the best experience.

Questions to ponder

1. What thoughts or emotions come to mind when you gaze at the vastness of the night sky?

2. How does contemplating the universe and your place within it impact your perspective on daily challenges?

3. What intentions or wishes would you like to send out into the universe tonight?

4. How can the stillness and grandeur of the night sky inspire a sense of peace and wonder in your life?

5. What does the experience of stargazing teach you about patience and the passage of time?

Tip #3: Embrace the Harvest

If you have a garden, take some time to harvest any ripe fruits or vegetables. Reflect on the effort and patience required to grow them. If you don’t garden, consider visiting a local farmer’s market to support local agriculture and enjoy fresh, seasonal produce. I’m often astonished at the sheer abundance that nature provides. Consider how you are nourished by the plant kingdom — nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, fungi and sprouts — and take a moment to offer gratitude for the gifts that nature freely gives.

Questions to Ponder

1. What do you feel when you engage with the process of harvesting and preparing food?

2. How does the act of harvesting remind you of the effort and growth in other areas of your life?

3. What are you grateful for in this moment, and how can you express that gratitude?

4. How can you celebrate the 'harvests' or achievements in your life, both big and small?

5. What lessons have you learned from the growth and fruition of your projects or goals?

By taking some time to align ourselves more closely with the natural world and its cycles, we can experience a deeper sense of gratitude and connection.

Wishing you a harmonious and nature-connected season!