By Andy Meeks, April 14, 2020
Even as we collectively approach a solid month of this new unprecedented reality called The Quarantine, I’m still not sure if I’ve made peace with our new reality, my daily routine and all the disruptions being caused throughout the community and our world. I’ve even felt some specific loss – and that’s the ability to get outside and explore beyond the blocks of my neighborhood. With all of Portland’s city parks, Oregon’s state parks and the US Forest Service’s Gorge trails being closed, how does one connect with nature, breathe deep and escape the daily routine of Zoom calls, sweatpants and more Netflix? Even an escape to the coffee shop to sit and sip amongst others would be a vast adventure. Sometimes it can feel hopeless, so what can we actually do to stay grounded and maintain a healthy perspective?
A friend of mine, Zoe Presley – a counselor and certified forest therapist – was recently featured by the Oregonian in two articles in which she offered some perspective and professional insights about the complex emotions we’re feeling at this time. She explains how much good can be accomplished inside our brains and hearts without having to travel anywhere, buy anything or interact with anyone. She says, “[t]he way we think about our engagement with the natural world is being challenged right now. There’s a natural grief response to that. It’s not the same satisfaction we’re accustomed to. But there’s a different quality of experience that we can have now, and one that might actually better suit the challenges of stress and the anxieties people are having.”
So, with that in mind, I’ve been doing my best to take this opportunity to be more reflective and to practice gratitude for all of the good we have around us. There is great solace that all of this disruption is happening at the most beautiful time of year. Take the opportunity to walk and gaze, if even for a few blocks, to soak up the warmer sun, the blossoms and colors, and the sounds and fragrances of the natural world coming back to life. Digging in the dirt and planting natives in our garden has helpful for, too. Spending a few hours each afternoon — while taking calls and texts and emails from clients — has kept me grounded in hope and with a deep feeling of peace in these crazy times.
Be sure to also read the second article that features “10 Ways To Stay Connected To Nature At Home” – reprinted below:
10 Ways To Stay Connected To Nature At Home
- Grow Seedlings Inside
- Get To Know Your Houseplants
- Break Out Your Rocks, Shells and Sticks
- Sit Outside And Just Listen
- Start Bird-watching At Home
- Visit Nature Through Photos
- Explore Your Yard Blindfolded
- Look At All The Little Things
- Get Your Hands In The Dirt
- Transplant A Seedling To The Garden
Wishing everyone refreshed perspective, expanded mental space and a new appreciation for the little details all around us, as we enter month two of The Quarantine.
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ANDY MEEKS
Living Room Realty
Licensed Oregon Broker | Earth Advantage REALTOR®
andy@livingroomre.com | 971.400.0195 | PDX
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