In March of 2020, the day before the shutdown when into effect, I was scared. Really scared…Home life would change and work life would change…a total upheaval of my day to day experience. Just like what happened for all of us…
I remember saying to myself: “find something that hasn’t changed and hold onto it.” My instinct told me that, as life was about to change in an unprecedented way, my ability to stay emotionally regulated was to find something stable that could anchor me.
So, I started to go to the beach. Every day, I would go to the beach (and still do). I parked in the same spot (and still do), each and every time. My routine, my place, my anchor, my place of calm…
The familiarity and power of this place in nature are not surprising. The soothing sound of the tides, the waves crashing, the smell of the water, the feel of the breeze coming off the surface and, sometimes, even the faint taste of the salt water make it to me.
In times of high stress, we can lose sight of the impact being in nature can have on us. Whether it’s at the beach or in a forest or at a park or even in the yard, we don’t have to go far to find something that connects us. Being in the sun also has mood boosting qualities. It’s a true sensory experience. And, just like we are triggered through our senses, so, too, can we be soothed through our senses.
Life is hard at times. On a personal level, on a familial level, on a community level…now is no exception.
Some other positive, soothing associations that come to me as I write this: lavender, pine/balsam, freshly cut grass, eucalyptus, citrus, lilacs…
What are your go-to places in nature? What sights, sounds, smells, tastes or textures nurture you?
Now is a good time to take a moment and remember what soothes us.
PS Check out more art journaling reflections in my book Diary of a Curly Top, Reflections Through Art at
Through My Mind's Eye 