The Secret to Falling in Love with Nature!
During quarantine, I fell in love. It was love at first sight. I took pictures, and bragged about it on social media, did you see the pictures?
Well, it is not what you think, I actually fell in love with nature, again. I am a city girl, I’ve always been. As many families did during the pandemic quarantine, I replaced my ‘around the world travels with local hikes, several 3 days trips in California, and daily walks in my neighborhood. I discovered that I don’t have to go far to observe and cherish nature.
Spending time out of your busy day to connect with nature can seem like a task we keep putting away. For city families it might seem like an activity that requires much effort, like driving far and packing extreme gear.
But here is the secret: you do not have to go that far. Nature can be right next to your home.
As some of you may know, I am a love chaser.
Hearts, quotes, poems, art – all about love! I decided to combine my passions and came up with a fun, creative, and memorable way to build that bond between you and your family, even after quarantine: A Heart Treasure Hunt.
6 Easy Steps to Heart Treasure Hunt
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1. Visit Nature, walk outside 🌳
While national or state parks like Yosemite may be where everyone on social media seems to be going, and referring to as nature, you will be surprised you have nature spots right next to your home. Try taking a stroll in your neighborhood. Do you have gardens and patios? Is your street filled with trees? You can also visit parks you already know about or use a park locator- such as this one for Angeles.
- 2. Mark Out a Time in your Family Calendar 🗓
It does not need to be long! Several studies have shown that even brief moments in nature can yield the same benefits. However, it is important to designate time. It is so easy to forget and let it slip away. How about before dinner time? Or Sunday-Funday family activity?
- 3. Appreciate mother earth 🌏
This is the time to just admire the work of art that is nature. Too often we look to leave our impact instead of appreciating nature’s beauty how it already is.
- 4. Take an original picture of a heart in nature 📸
This step is essential because it facilitates that connection between us and the world of nature, like searching for shapes in the clouds. The more you look for heart-shapes, the more you will find them. I often find heart-shaped leaves, rocks, cacti, and bird nests.
- 5. Share Hearts 💞
Share with each other the hearts you find.
Post on social media with the hashtag #HeartInNature #SignShine #EtelLeit
Tag: @EtelLeit @SignShine
- 6. Spread the Love 🌿💚
Share this idea with your family and friends. Let’s say thanks to nature this Holiday Season and spark the love in the world. Share this blog; let’s create a community of love for nature.
+ Tag 2 friends 👥
What are the Benefits of Heart Treasure Hunt?
You and your family can gain many benefits from this connection. Spending regular time in nature has been linked to:
- Awareness
Heart Treasure Hunting reveals that Mother Earth is present in so much more of our lives than we often realize. - Appreciation
Seeing and connecting to the Earth can really expose you to the natural beauty of your surroundings. - Family Bond
It’s a great way to not only build that bond with nature but within your family as well. If you’re looking for a way to break up the usual family movie nights, try making the excursion into nature for a Heart Treasure Hunt. - Community Bond
Taking and sharing these pictures helps us to feel like we belong in our neighborhood. - Lifestyle
Making this a part of your daily routine can have a number of health benefits like lower blood pressure and healthier gut bacteria. - Self-Confidence
Kids connected with local nature feel more a part of their community and report higher self-confidence.
Once I started to search for heart-shapes, I find now that the heart-shape follows me wherever I go! Try practicing in passing whenever you come upon nature it, even teach your children the sign for heart. Don’t keep this to yourself, share this idea. It becomes an easy way for you to connect every day with nature, creating a world filled with symbols of love all around us.
