Studies show that time spent connecting with nature and the environment carries some incredible health benefits, improving our immune system, lowering stress, decreasing muscle tension and promoting healthy blood pressure levels and heart rate. It is for this reason that we see major cities creating elaborate park systems, and large office buildings bring in plants and fountains, bringing a little bit of the natural world into our fast-paced and high demand lifestyles.
In order to promote optimal mental and spiritual health, it is recommended that we find time in our schedules to retreat to the natural world in some way, shape or form. This may mean meditating in a quiet room with an open window and houseplants or taking a walk through the local park if we are in a more urban setting, or for those that have the opportunity, a weekend camping or hiking through the backwoods.
Regardless of which opportunities we have available to us, simply being in nature isn’t optimizing the incredible power that the environment holds. Instead, we need to learn to truly connect with nature, grounding ourselves and welcoming its positive and healing influence. The best way to do this differs from person to person, however, astrologists believe this ability is rooted in our zodiac sign. Each zodiac sign is associated with a specific element, providing us with an opportunity to connect with the world around us on a deeper and more meaningful level.
Discover How to Connect with the Natural Environment According to Your Zodiac Sign:
Fire Signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Passionate and driven, the fire signs manifest this element through the dynamic way that they live their lives. When a fire sign is looking to connect with the environment, the secret lies in the sun. These individuals will find peace, calm and serenity through simply basking in its warmth. If you are stuck in an urban area, ensure that you open the curtains allowing the sun into your office or home. If you do have the opportunity to work outside, or simply slip out for a walk, take advantage of it. The more time you are basking in the sunlight, the better you will feel physically, mentally and spiritually.
Earth Signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
The stable and determined earth signs are seen as the strong and reliable individuals. Often seen by friends and family as being ‘the rock,’ you bring a sense of grounding and comfort to everyone that you meet, however, that doesn’t mean that you are always feeling grounded in your own life. When you begin to feel as though you are struggling, you need to spend some time in a forested area or even near a single tree in your local park. Allowing yourself to sit or stand beneath its branches, close your eyes and meditate. Feel the energy of the early moving up through your feet as though your legs are the roots of your own personal tree. You can also find peace and serenity through the act of gardening.
Air Signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
The air signs are the people who bring us life’s greatest ideas and innovations, able to see the world through a different and unique lens. You seek to enjoy life, however, sometimes this can leave you feeling lost and disconnected from the world around you. When this happens, it is time to find balance and re-center your thoughts. This is accomplished through breathing in the natural environment around you. You may have the luxury to get out in the great outdoors, or you may simply have access to a window, either way, allow yourself to close your eyes and focus on the scents that are moving about you. What do you smell? Fresh cut grace? Last night’s rain? Focus on these scents and you will notice that your otherwise busy mind will begin to slow down. Continue to do this long enough to allow your mind to let go of the clutter and negativity, freeing yourself to accept positive energies moving forward.
Water Signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
As a water sign, you are sensitive and intuitive, able to see a side to the world that the other signs often overlook. You are uniquely gifted to connect with other people, however, this type of deep, emotional connection can be incredibly draining. If you find yourself feeling worn down, burnt out or overwhelmed, it is time to focus on your own needs. Remember, you can’t help others if you don’t first take care of yourself. It should come as no surprise that you draw your feelings of peace and calmness from the water. This includes everything from sitting on a beach or shoreline listening to the waves or swimming in the ocean right down to placing a small fountain in your urban office. Allow yourself to be swept up in the movement of the water, focusing all of your senses on the experience. Even a few minutes sitting alone on a shoreline may be all you need to feel recharged and ready to face the world again.