As an introvert, self-proclaimed homebody, and a lover of routine, quarantine life has not been as draining on me as it may be for others. However, even for me, the days and weeks of sameness, isolation, and uncertainty have taken their toll. I find myself battling my own thoughts, questioning my ability to make an impact, and feeling that I am stuck in a rut in all areas of life.
Fortunately, nature provides a much-needed boost. I know this to be true for myself, but more and more evidence seems to show that this is true in general. Spending time in nature is good for us, physically and mentally. For me, even just a few minutes outside helps me to remember that there is so much beauty, even in dark times, and that we never know what joys the future will bring.
A few days ago, I was struggling under the weight of a tough day and missing family members that I haven’t seen in months. After feeling particularly low, I decided to take a minute to rest on my back patio. I was treated to the usual chorus of bird songs. Then a song cut through the air that I hadn’t heard before. The unfamiliar trilling call was immediately cheering on it’s own, but also awakened my sense of excitement and curiosity. Something new to explore! My bird ID apps helped me to discovery that this new caller was likely a small warbler called a northern parula. A common bird, but one that was new to me, and one that I’ll be listening for from here on out.
It sounds almost silly as I write it, but that small moment was enough to remind me that what we are going through isn’t permanent. Each day is a new day, even when it feels the same. That day, it was a new birdsong. Last night, it was the familiar, soothing sound of a thunderstorm. Today, it was taking the time to count how many robins I spotted on my afternoon run (five). None of these were extraordinary moments, but all of them were simple joys. There’s a beautiful, living, changing world right outside the door. We just have to remember to look for it.
Stepping Outside 