Connecting Like The Trees
Did you know that trees are actually all connected? Research shows that trees are connected through an underground network that allows plants to work together. Newer trees rely on older trees for nitrogen, carbon, and minerals. Trees actually communicate with one another through this vast network, responding to needs in the community of trees. Just like plants, I think people are interconnected in the way our kindness ripples outward to the world and to one another. As we think about Earth Day approaching, I am intrigued by how our kindness can mirror nature and how we can work together for the common good.
With gratitude,
—MiaLisa Millares, Executive Director
Do a Nature Scavenger Hunt. Take a walk in nature to enjoy all of the beauty around you. Find the shifts toward spring that you see along the way. Catalog the bugs, plants and animals that appear on your list. If you live in a city, visit a botanical garden or zoo to do this hunt and see what you can find.
Become a Community Scientist. Explore ways to observe and interact with nature through science. Contribute to actual scientific research opportunities through community scientist!
Citizen Science Month. Check out the opportunities to explore science and celebrate America’s 250th Birthday this April!
Make an Upcycle Bin. Create an upcycle bin for craft projects and give some of your garbage a second life! What kind of exciting things can you create?
Volunteer with Kindness. Check out our free volunteer listings for more ideas of how to spread kindness in the community. Simply subscribe to the list and receive a free monthly email that details a number of different opportunities in your community to give back as a family.
CONVERSATIONS
Take a moment to find a place in nature to visit.
Find a quiet spot
Sit on the ground in a comfortable cross-legged seat.
Set your intention – this might be for quiet, peace, or gratitude.
Clear your mind and try to focus only on your breath.
Close your eyes, listening for the sounds of nature around you.
Lengthen your spine so that you feel tall and so that the crown of your head is reaching upwards.
Take five deep, intentional breaths.
Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.
Think about your intention once again.
Open your eyes.
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Did you find it hard to sit still?
Did the few breaths you took make you feel more connected to nature?
Do you feel like your mind is clear?
Do you think it takes more than 5 breaths to quiet your mind?
When do you think a meditation might be useful?
Will you try a short meditation again?
READ
Check out our “Heal the Earth” book list for more ideas on how to help the environment this month!
INSPIRATION
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”
—Albert Einstein