Reconnecting with Nature: How to Find Wonder in Everyday Life

There’s a moment in life when the ordinary suddenly becomes extraordinary—when something simple shifts your entire perspective. For me, it was a bird eating a piece of fruit.

It happened in middle school during a science class. The teacher played a video about the Amazon rainforest. Most of my classmates were bored, but I couldn’t look away. I watched as a bird flew over the lush canopy, landed on a branch, and ate a piece of fruit. The video followed that bird as it digested the fruit, the seed falling to the forest floor below. There, fungi and critters surrounded the seed, nurturing it until it sprouted into a sapling, reaching toward the light.

That was the moment it clicked for me—nature isn’t random. It’s a symphony. Every bird, seed, and tree plays a role, working together in perfect harmony.

I started looking for smaller versions of this orchestra everywhere: the ants carrying leaves in procession, the moss thriving on the cracks of a sidewalk, the way flowers bend toward sunlight. And here’s what I realized—we don’t need to go to the Amazon to see this beauty. It’s everywhere. It’s right in front of us. We just have to notice it.

In a world where screens dominate our attention and convenience often replaces connection, a quiet myth has taken root: that nature is a luxury. Something you experience only on epic hikes, in remote landscapes, or with an expensive ticket to somewhere far away. But the truth is—nature isn’t out of reach. It’s not an indulgence or a privilege.

Nature is who we are.

We’ve been told a false story that the natural world is separate from us, when in fact, we coexist with it every moment of every day. The real luxury isn’t finding nature—it’s noticing it. True intention in life demands attention, and when you start paying attention, you realize that nature and wonder are all around you, waiting to be rediscovered.

How to Find Nature in Everyday Life

It’s easy to assume that reconnecting with nature requires grand gestures—climbing mountains, hiking forests, or traveling to untouched landscapes. And while those experiences are incredible if you have the opportunity, they’re not the only path to connection.

The natural world is already woven into your everyday life. It’s in the sunlight streaming through your window, the breeze dancing with the trees outside, the wildflower stubbornly growing between cracks in the sidewalk—or the two squirrels chasing each other on my fence at 5 p.m., as if they’ve penciled it into their daily schedule. I can’t help but smile every time.

The problem isn’t that nature is inaccessible—it’s that we’ve stopped noticing it. Our digital lives keep us rushing in every direction, leaving little room to pause and take it all in. But here’s the good news: nature doesn’t demand much. It’s always there, waiting for us to pay attention.

According to research from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, spending time in green spaces—even for just a few minutes—can improve sleep, reduce blood pressure, and lower the risk of chronic diseases. It’s proof that nature doesn’t just surround us; it supports us, no matter how busy or urban our lives might be.

The Power of Attention in Reconnecting with Nature

Living with intention means aligning your actions with your values. It’s about slowing down enough to observe the world around you. Reconnecting with nature doesn’t require expensive gear or grand plans—it begins with a simple choice to notice.

Ask yourself:

• When was the last time I traced the texture of a leaf, noticing the delicate veins and patterns etched like a work of art? 

• Have I really noticed the quirks of the small creatures around me? Like that determined ant carrying a crumb twice its size, or the spiderweb glinting in the light, its delicate threads a testament to both strength and fragility.

• When was the last time I stood in the sunlight and let it completely surround me? The other day, I saw someone’s cat sprawled out on the sidewalk, soaking up the sun like it was the best thing ever. They might be onto something.

These are small moments, but they matter. Noticing them is a form of mindfulness, and mindfulness is a path back to nature—and back to yourself. Research shows that nature therapy, or ecotherapy, can significantly improve mental health by reducing stress and enhancing mood through intentional interaction with natural environments. You can learn more about the benefits of ecotherapy in this article on How Nature Therapy Helps Your Mental Health.

By mindfully observing the natural world around us, we can cultivate a sense of peace and self-awareness.

Simple Ways to Reconnect with Nature Daily

You don’t need to climb mountains or spend a fortune to experience nature. It’s not about going somewhere far away—it’s about noticing what’s already around you. Here are some simple ways to reconnect with the natural world in your everyday life:

1. Caring for a Houseplant

A single plant can teach you so much about patience, attention, and care. Watching it grow is a reminder that life thrives when nurtured, even in small, ordinary spaces.

2. Step Outside with Intention

Take a short walk with no agenda other than to notice. Look at the colors of the leaves, feel the texture of the ground beneath your feet, and breathe in the fresh air.

3. Bring Nature Into Your Home

Open a window, place flowers on your table, or decorate with natural elements like stones or branches. These small touches make your environment feel alive.

4. Pause for a Moment of Awe

Nature is full of wonder if you stop to notice. Watch how rain gathers on your window, how the wind moves the trees, or how shadows shift throughout the day.

Debunking the Myth: Nature Is Not a Luxury

Let’s challenge the idea that nature is something distant, difficult, or exclusive. It’s not a luxury—it’s a lifeline. Modern society might try to convince us otherwise, but reconnecting with nature is one of the most accessible ways to find peace, clarity, and inspiration.

Even if your life feels overwhelmingly digital, even if you live in the middle of a city, nature is still there, waiting to be noticed.

Rediscover the Everyday Wonders of Nature

The natural world is a constant reminder that growth is rarely linear. Branches don’t grow in straight lines; they twist and turn, finding light in unexpected ways. Just like nature, our own growth follows a winding path—one that requires patience, care, and adaptability.

This philosophy is at the heart of Bloom by Stella and the PLANT Framework. Inspired by the lessons of nature, the PLANT Your Life Planner is more than a tool for productivity; it’s a guide for intentional living.

The Seeded Page: A tangible symbol of growth, the planner’s seeded page reminds you that even the smallest action—like planting a seed—can lead to something beautiful.

The PLANT Framework: Each step mirrors the cycles of nature 

The PLANT Your Life Planner isn’t just about setting goals—it’s about honoring the natural ebb and flow of life, celebrating progress, and embracing the beauty of the journey.

A Life Guided by Nature

When you hold the PLANT Your Life Planner, you’re holding more than a book—you’re holding an invitation to reconnect. To reconnect with the natural world, your intentions, and the path you’re creating.

Like the wildflower breaking through a crack in the sidewalk or the branches reaching for the sun, you are capable of extraordinary growth in the most ordinary moments. Growth may not be linear, but it is always possible.

And here’s the thing—you don’t need my planner to start this journey. The beauty of reconnecting with nature and yourself is that it’s always within reach, no tools required. But if you’d like a companion to nudge you along the way, the PLANT Your Life Planner is here when you’re ready.