Spring is on the horizon, bringing with it the lilting music of songbirds, the welcome sight of the soil unfurling from beneath a months-long blanket of snow, and the scents of freshness and renewal. This is the time to engage all five senses – taste, sight, touch, smell, and sound – in the natural world to expand your mind and delight your soul. Stop, breathe, see, touch and listen with the following experiences.
Indulge in the Taste of Nature
Forage the woods, wetlands, and roadsides to discover the wild places where tasty edibles grow. Search out the light green shoots of wild asparagus found along treelines and in gullies, or taste the golden notes of cattail pollen. Sip in the healing goodness of pine needle tea, and indulge in the tart notes of pickled day lily buds.
Marvel at the Sight of Nature
Discover the sparkling night sky, free from light pollution, right in your backyard. Wonder at the realm outside our planet and let your eyes trail over the constellations and celestial beauty above. Head outdoors under the stars to take in the dark sky when a celestial event takes place. Pack a small, dim flashlight to see where you’re walking to find the most stars and get the best views of the Milky Way.
Discover the Touch of Nature
Is there anything softer than a pussy willow in spring? Immerse yourself in a tactile sensory experience with a brush of your hand on the new green shoots emerging from beneath melting snow. Close your eyes and breathe while you see with your hands instead.
Breathe in the Scent of Nature
Breathe in the scent of melting snow, freshly awakened earth, and sunshine upon your face. Cradle a cup of coffee in your hands as you perch on a windowsill or outdoor step and drink in the warm, comfortable aroma of roasted beans. As spring flowers emerge in roadsides and backyards, savour the scents and delight in the newness of spring.
Sway to the Sound of Nature
Take the time to listen – really listen – to what’s going on outdoors. Every second that passes is a bustling highway for the natural world, a buzzing of bees, the scratch of an ant scurrying on its way, the sound of water dripping. Can you hear the earth awakening after its slumber? Breathe in the fresh air, sway with the leaves on the trees and drink in the wonder of nature.