Earth Day was yesterday (April 22 - And April is also Earth Month), both of these give me space to pause and reflect on the deep, soul-nourishing connection I have with the natural world.

Nature has been one of the most consistent companions in my trauma healing journey. And even before I started healing…I felt better when I was outside. I couldn’t explain why earlier in my life and now I love exploring the many reasons why…..

Here’s some of them…..

When I’m spinning in all my “to do lists”, the things “I keep forgetting” or some form of hyperarousal —the woods, the ocean, even my own backyard offer me a rhythm that’s slower, safer. A rhythm my body can attune to when everything inside feels too much.

And when I’ve been stuck in freeze or disconnection, when I want to withdraw and hide or run away from what I said yes to or what I said no to —when the world feels flat and far away—stepping into the sunlight or hearing the birds wake up the trees helps me wake up too. Gently. Compassionately. Without pressure.

Nature grounds me when I’m anxious.​
It holds me when I feel sad or lonely.​
It expands me when I’m excited or grateful.​
​ It welcomes all of me—whatever I’m carrying—without asking me to change.

Whether I’m resting in awe of its beauty or moving to match its aliveness, it offers me both roots and wings.

Today, (on the day after) Earth Day, I’m not just celebrating nature as a planet or an ecosystem (though yes, that too….And Here & Here are some websites that give great ideas and ways to celebrate our planet).....

But Today…
I’m celebrating it as a place to come home to myself.

A place to explore.
A place to breathe.
A place to feel whatever is real in my body.

(And I love checking in with nature and my body throughout all the different seasons I get to enjoy in my hometown….)

So, with all that said, I want to offer a gentle invitation today...​
​ If you’re feeling overwhelmed, numb, scattered, excited, grateful—or just human—I invite you to step outside for a few minutes today.

No big expectations.
No pressure to feel a certain way.
Just go let the earth hold you, she is always available for this.

What comes up for you?

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And if you want to add another step….Again no pressure to feel a certain way or have a certain experience, just curiosity for what comes up…..

🪷 Somatically Settle In:​
​ Once you Step Outside, Find a place to sit or stand where your feet can connect to the earth. Barefoot if possible, or visualize roots growing down through your shoes into the soil. How would you describe the roots? Are the a specific color, texture, size or shape....? How would you describe the soil? Is it cool, warm, soft, hard…? How do your feet feel in the soil? (Whether you are in actual dirt, or grass or on a stone or wood porch, you can still do this imagery or actually feel the sensations of the surface your feet are on). Do they feel held, dirty, strong, messy…? Can you also tap into your Breath? Noticing the Inhale and the Exhale….

What comes up for you?

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And if you feel like sharing, I’d love to hear:​
🪷 What does nature offer you right now?
🌱 Where does your body want to land today?

Whether you’re planting your feet in the grass, soil, on the sidewalk or just pausing to feel the sun on your face—I hope you let this Earth Day (and this Earth Month) remind you that you belong here. Fully. Deeply. Naturally. 💚

With dirt on my feet and gratitude in my heart I invite you to....

Remember, ❤️

You Matter. Your Healing Matters. You Are Worth It!

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P.S. I am continuing to heal right along with you all. Last week's email was all about how the length of my hair could cause a visceral fight response in my body.... Here's the Episode about it...

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