Why Gratitude & Nature are Perfect for your Personal Growth

In our front yard we have a large tree. For most of the year it provides shade and a lovely green canopy. I love the simple beauty of its leaves and branches that provide a lattice as intricate as any fine lace from Europe. The tree started small and over the years has grown into the centerpiece of our garden.

In April, for just a short time, something magical happens. The tree blooms into the most magnificent riot of pink cherry blossoms. Just the sight of it brings a smile to my face and joy to my heart. Since it is close to the road it brings that same joy to the whole block. In fact, as you round the corner to our street, the tree in April seems to light up the whole road. It is the gateway to spring and is glorious.

I love the ripple effect of our cherry tree—bringing joy to us and many others.

I have always been in awe of nature. Its beauty and resilience. On one of my favorite hikes in the Adirondacks there is a tree that has found a way to grow on top of a great boulder. That is resilience, that is grit, that is amazing. Mother nature found a way forward in the hardest of places.

Nature is a wonderful teacher. The lessons I learn from my walks are endless, and I am always grateful for any time I can spend walking through the woods, paddling on a lake, or simply strolling around my neighborhood. I am grateful for a good storm, for sunrises and sunsets, for sunshine and snow, even the simple beauty of moss growing on an old stump reminds me that in nature nothing goes to waste (and it reminds me to recycle).

The Japanese have a wonderful tradition of something they call “Forest Bathing” or Shinrin-yoku. There is no bathing required, but this ancient practice has reemerged as a practice in professional circles to calm the heart and soul by absorbing the atmosphere of the forest. I highly recommend it.

I share all of this with you for one simple reason. When you have a hard day—and we all have hard days—find time to go for a walk and breathe in a little bit of nature along the way.

In countless interviews of very successful people we’ve have on our podcast “Anxiety At Work,” Adrian Gostick and I always ask our guests: “What do you do to manage your mental health?” Often they respond that they take time to go for a walk in nature. There they breathe deeply, appreciate the beauty, or meditate. Enjoying a little of mother nature’s wonders, they calm their souls.

This time of year, when so many trees and flowers are in bloom, a walk can be a wonder of color and awe. And if it isn’t spring where you live, mother nature will still find a way to inspire you. All you have to do is get up, get outside, and go for a walk.

Today, I’m grateful for Mother Nature and for you and the wonderful comments you leave about our newsletter.

I hope you will share your lessons from nature, maybe even a photo or two.

Have a great weekend and take care of yourself.

Love + gratitude,

ANXIETY AT WORK PODCAST

Each week, my co-author and dear friend, Adrian Gostick, and I get to talk to leading authorities on mental health and explore the causes of workplace stress and anxiety, along with practices that are proven to reduce tension and cultivate calm. 

Our guest is Shaun Randall, who is the author of Words Like Wine, A Peace of My Mind, and his new book Letters From Lima. His metaphysical poetry and novels take readers on a journey inside worlds they never knew existed to uncover truth and discover themselves all over again. You will learn:

- How to start meditating & think about your thoughts

- How to achieve mindfulness that will help you be a better leader

- How to control your future outcomes tofind inner peace and contentment in a complex world

Visit The Culture Works for free resources including

• videos,
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• and more

to help you build an "all in" #culture of #gratitude

Leading with Gratitude & Anxiety at Work are available wherever you like to get your books.