When life gets busy or I’m buried in a stressful task, I find comfort in pausing for a moment and thinking of my “nature space.” It’s a place in nature I’ve identified as my calm retreat—a space I can return to, either physically or mentally, at any time to reset, recalibrate, and find a peaceful moment during the day.
My nature space has evolved over the years, and its meaning has been flexible, shifting with the seasons of my life. When I worked in tech and lived in Waterloo, Ontario (which, for me, felt like a big city), my nature space was a fountain across the street from my office. I’d sit by it during lunch breaks, letting the sound of the water bring me a sense of peace in the midst of a busy workday.
Later, when we moved to the suburbs, my nature space became my backyard—a 1,000-square-foot vegetable and flower garden with three hens and a beloved spruce tree. I made full use of every inch of that space, transforming it into an urban homestead. For five years, I sat on a bench in that backyard, watching the sunrise, whether it was a warm summer day or a frosty February morning. I saw the seasons change and witnessed the shifting angle of the sun, observing how the shadows in the yard evolved with each passing month.
Even when visiting someone else’s home, I create a temporary nature space for myself. It might seem odd, but if I feel overwhelmed in a social situation, I can glance out a window and feel emotionally grounded in nature, even if it’s just for a moment.
Now that we live on our homestead, my ultimate dream has come true. My nature space is larger and more beautiful than I ever imagined, with tall white pines swaying in the breeze and clover scattered with busy bumblebees. A quick glance out the kitchen window, and my nature space is there, always waiting for me.
When I think of my nature space, I picture it as a calm place where life unfolds slowly and magically. Song sparrows sing, crickets chirp, and the trees sway. The bees don’t worry about politics or dinner plans—they’re simply following their instincts, living honestly and peacefully. Life in my nature space moves at its own unhurried pace.
I believe everyone can find their own nature space. It could be as small as a potted plant on a balcony or as vast as a forest on a farm. It could even be a public park near your house, or a wild patch you pass on your evening walks. The most important thing when choosing your nature space is that it’s accessible—somewhere close to home that you can easily visit. Whether it’s a balcony or a backyard, the easier it is to get there, the more likely you are to visit it regularly. And the more you visit, the more you’ll connect with it and learn its natural rhythms.
Get to know your nature space. Visit it often, and avoid distractions like phones or computers while you’re there. Observe the patterns—the times of day your flowers bloom, the creatures that inhabit the space, the way the light changes. Engage all your senses. Soak it in. And continue to appreciate your nature space, even through the changing seasons. In winter, you might find that the seasons take on a deeper significance as you watch life unfold around you.
In the end, your nature space is more than just a physical place—it’s a sanctuary for your mind and soul, a way to reconnect with the natural world and restore balance in the midst of life’s chaos. Whether it’s a quiet corner in your backyard or a forest far away, these spaces offer a gentle reminder that life, at its core, is simple and beautiful. As you visit your nature space and witness the steady rhythm of the seasons, you may find a deeper sense of peace, an appreciation for the small, quiet moments, and a renewed connection to the earth. So, carve out your own space in nature, and let it ground you, inspire you, and remind you that no matter how fast life moves, there’s always a place where time slows down.
