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The Gift of Nature and Solitude
When was the last time you allowed yourself to truly unplug and be still?
Recently, I spent time at Puntzi Lake in the Chilcotin, heading west toward Bella Coola. It’s a place of raw, untouched beauty—endless skies, water stretching wide and calm, the mournful call of loons at dusk, eagles soaring overhead, and pelicans gathered along the reserve.
Being there reminded me of something I too often forget: solitude is not loneliness—it is a gift.
When I settled into the stillness of that place, I felt myself finally exhale. Away from distractions, I wasn’t just disconnecting from what weighed me down. I was reconnecting with myself.
Solitude as a Reset
We live in a world where it feels like we’re only valuable when we’re doing, producing, or checking things off a list. But inspiration and clarity rarely arrive when we’re in that constant hustle. More often, they show up when we pause.
And solitude in nature offers more than just a break from busyness. It actually helps regulate the way our body and mind respond to stress.
One of the most fascinating parts of this is the vagus nerve. This is the longest nerve in the body, a true communication highway between the brain and the body. It directs signals that influence how we feel—physically and emotionally. It also controls the parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” system), which promotes relaxation, recovery, and balance.
When we activate the vagus nerve—through slow breathing, listening to natural sounds, being near water, or simply sitting quietly—we’re helping the body shift out of “fight or flight” and back into calm. Stress eases. The body rests. The mind clears.
And when those negative thoughts and frustrations rise up—as they always do for every single one of us—solitude gives us a way to quiet the constant stream of negativity, disillusionment, or self-criticism. Instead of spiraling, we create space. The chatter softens. We remember who we are beneath the noise.
Simple Ways to Invite Nature and Solitude In
Not everyone can spend days at a remote lake—but you can weave small pieces of nature and stillness into your everyday life. Here are a few ideas:
- Seek out water. Find a lake, river, stream, or ocean. Even a fountain in a park can have a calming effect.
- Create a corner of peace. A chair in the garden, a nook on your patio, even a small indoor space with plants and soft light—let it become your personal sanctuary.
- Walk without distraction. Leave your phone and music behind. Listen to the birds, the wind, the insects.
- Bring plants into your space. Real greenery changes the energy of a room. Even one or two plants can lift your mood.
- Pause to notice. A butterfly drifting past, the sound of crickets at night, the movement of clouds overhead—nature doesn’t just live “out there.” It’s all around us, waiting to be noticed.
The key is not to “do” these moments, but to simply let yourself be in them.
Reflection Prompts
I encourage you to sit with these three questions—perhaps journal about them, or just pause quietly and see what comes up:
- When was the last time you allowed yourself to truly unplug and be still?
- What emotions come up for you when you think about spending time alone in nature?
- How could creating more quiet moments shift your clarity or energy right now?
At Puntzi Lake, it took me a day or two to fully unwind. But once I did, I realized it was better than any vacation resort or any gallery of great works. Because nature heals in a way nothing man-made can.
When we allow ourselves solitude in nature—even for just a few minutes—we shut down the stream of noise and step into clarity. We see ourselves again, unfiltered, with no expectations. We let go of the burden of performance and reconnect with our soul.
And from there—creativity flows, energy renews, and inspiration comes naturally.
So I leave you with this invitation: give yourself permission this week to find a quiet place—whether in your yard, on a trail, or simply by noticing the sky above you. Let solitude meet you there. Let nature hold you. And notice what awakens within when you do.
✨ If this reflection on solitude and nature speaks to you, you might also be longing for more energy, focus, and clarity in your everyday life. That’s why I’m offering a free online workshop called
“Stuck to Steady : The Power of Micro Moves.”
We’ll explore how small, intentional actions can shift your energy, regulate your stress, and help you start moving toward the life you want—without overwhelm. You’ll leave with simple practices you can use right away. Tentative Date : September 4th at 5pm PDT. I will send out the sign up sheet soon.
And for those who prefer gathering in person, I’ll also be hosting a September workshop:
“Ease into Autumn: Step Into Clarity, Energy, and Purpose.”
Together, we’ll explore how to restore your energy, clarify your focus, and map out the next steps for your fall season. More details to come soon—I’d love to see you there.
Staying Connected
As always if this has value for you drop me a line and please share this with anyone who you think may be interested.
While you cannot control all the
changes
in your life, you do have control over the
choices
you make