NATURE AND GROUNDING

SPRING INTO NATURE

I am a tree hugger, plant fanatic and overall nature loving gal who love walks in the woods, watering my plants, waterfalls, and sitting near a stream. My mind, body, and spirit is greatly affected when I am not able to get into the woods and get grounded. I have plants all over my house, and in the nice weather, we have flowers in our gardens and I'm outside in the woods somewhere sitting on a big rock or tree, or sitting in my Kim's cozy corner in my yard. Hence why I LOVE the Spring.

Spring is the time when we plant seeds in our garden and watch them growth and bloom into something beautiful. The same can apply with metaphorical seeds and planting. What is it that you wish to bring into your life? What would you like to see thrive, grow and flourish? The Springtime signifies new life and beginnings. It is the perfect time to plant those seeds and watch them grow.

You can think about this concept and how it applies to your own life or you may incorporate this into simple activities with the residents. Some ideas include:

• Gardening such as windowsill gardening, planting seeds, sorting seeds, etc.
• Trivia and discussion such as outdoor activities, Spring cleaning, gardening, hiking, camping, agriculture, etc.
• If you can't get outside, gather plants, rocks, sticks, etc., set up a table top waterfall, window birdfeeder, turn on a salt lamp, and create a soothing nature-loving experience.
• Spring quotes: "Spring is the time of plans and projects.: - Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina.

  "If we had no Winter, the Spring would not be so pleasant. If we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome." - Anne Bradstreet.

• Creative activities such as rock painting, painting flower pots or pictures or flowers and trees, making paper flowers, bulletin boards, etc.
• Spiritual and inspirational activities such as affirmations or quotes about Springtime and planting seeds - ask residents what they would like to "plant" and watch "grow".

• Plant Seed Affirmations - Simply stated, you plant actual seeds as well as metaphorical seeds and watch them all grow! It's a very easy and powerful experience. Just grab a plant pot of some kind, soil, seeds of your choice and have your affirmations ready to go. As you plant your seeds, state your affirmations. Here are some Spring affirmations to share with the residents.

*I plant the seeds and watch them grow.
*I am ready and open to receiving.
*I am ready to bring forth changes in my life.
*I let go of what no longer serves me and I welcome in the new.

Bring any of these activities outside to heighten the experience. Just have fun with it. Many people look forward to the Springtime and the rejuvenation that it brings!

GROUNDING AND NEGATIVE IONS

Sunshine, fresh air, grounding and negative ions are sure to help you feel calmer. You likely are aware that we get vitamin D from the sun and sad to say, many people don’t get enough vitamin D. I can attest to how that can cause not only physical issues but also emotional. As for grounding, this is a term that refers to tapping into the electrical energy of the Earth. Think about this saying, “A tree with weak roots will fall over”. There are many references to this concept. You hear of “having both feet planted on the ground”, and phrases like this. This is referring to being stable and connected to the Earth. When you walk barefoot outside on the grass or on the beach, you are connecting directly to the Earth and that feels AMAZING! There’s research on this. Dig deeper if you are interested.

Negative ions is another one you may wish to investigate. Ever wonder why you feel so relaxed and peaceful after being near a waterfall, in a forest, or at the beach? Part of that is the grounding experience but it’s also the positive effect that negative ions have on us. This is science. Point being, get outside and tune into nature.

Grounding Affirmations

I am safe and secure.
I am grounded and stable.
I have all that I need.
I am connected to the Earth.