In Nature

Written by: Liz Cerven

Dear Reader,

I hope this letter reaches you on a day when the sun is shining just a little brighter or the rain is falling in a soothing rhythm. Have you noticed how nature has a way of calling us back to ourselves? Whether it’s the whisper of leaves in the breeze, the steady crash of waves on the shore, or the stillness of a forest, nature holds a mirror to the parts of us we often forget in the chaos of daily life. Friedrich Nietzsche once wrote, “We love life, not because we are used to living but because we are used to loving.” In nature, we rediscover that love—not just for life itself but for the simple act of being present within it.

There’s a quiet magic in the natural world that invites us to slow down and simply be. When I stand beneath the open sky, whether it’s painted in the soft hues of sunrise or the fiery colors of sunset, I’m reminded of how vast and interconnected life truly is. It’s humbling in the best way—a moment of perspective that makes my worries feel a little smaller and my heart a little fuller. The cycles of nature, from the blooming of flowers to the turning of the seasons, remind us that life is not a race but a rhythm, one we are meant to flow with rather than fight against. These rhythms teach us patience, reminding us that everything blooms in its own time and that there is beauty even in the moments of stillness.

Nature also has an incredible way of grounding us in the present moment. When you pause to listen to the chirping of birds or watch the gentle sway of grasses in the wind, it feels as if time itself slows down. These small acts of observation—so simple yet profound—can quiet the noise in our minds and anchor us in the here and now. For me, a walk in the woods or by the water feels like a conversation with something ancient and wise, something that doesn’t demand answers but instead offers peace in the questions. Nietzsche’s words resonate deeply here: “All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking.” When we move through nature, we’re not just finding our way forward physically—we’re discovering clarity, creativity, and a deeper connection to ourselves.

Connecting with nature also has a way of bringing us back to our bodies, reminding us of the beauty and strength in being alive. The feeling of sunlight warming your skin, the crunch of earth underfoot, or the cool splash of a stream on your fingertips—it all reminds us that we are part of this living, breathing planet. In these moments, it’s as if the boundaries between ourselves and the world blur, and we become one with the air, the earth, and the trees. It’s a kind of healing that doesn’t require words, only presence. Nature reminds us that just as it regenerates, so too can we—each breath, step, and moment outside is an invitation to reconnect and renew.

So, dear reader, I encourage you to take a moment to step outside today, whether it’s for a few minutes or a few hours. Look up at the sky, breathe in the fresh air, and let yourself be still. Let nature remind you of who you are beyond the busyness of life. And if you find yourself inspired by its beauty, share it with someone you care about—a walk together, a photograph, or even a simple story of what you saw and felt. In connecting with nature, we often reconnect with ourselves and, in turn, with each other. And as Nietzsche suggests, perhaps the greatest gifts of life are found not in rushing through it but in embracing its stillness, wonder, and love.

Yours in the wonder of the wild