Rediscovering the "Self" Through Nature

Rediscovering the “Self” Through Nature

Self-discovery has become a luxury in today’s fast-paced world. Entangled in work, bills, family responsibilities, and the constant noise of social media notifications, life feels increasingly off-balance for many of us. But is this luxury only accessible to those who have the time, space, and resources to pause and reflect? Or is it something anyone can access, if only we take the time to realign our inner mechanisms?

What is Self-Discovery?

Self-discovery is not a destination but a lifelong journey inward. The deeper we go within, the more we can see ourselves becoming a witness to our emotions and thoughts, both the positive and negative ones. And as our self-awareness expands, we can realize that we are neither our emotions nor our thoughts because they are constantly changing by the influence of external situations.

The more self-situated we become, the more we learn to embrace silence. And through silence, we find it easier to subside our emotions and thoughts without judging them or identifying ourselves with them. In this way, we can unlock and take advantage of our inner potential and become a better version of ourselves – perhaps a version we never even imagined.

Why is Self-Discovery Important in Today’s World?

As the world moves at lightning speed, we often find ourselves caught in the same frantic pace—rarely pausing to reflect and ask, “Where am I going?” We become increasingly consumed by everything around us, from constant digital stimuli to other people’s perceptions of who we should be. In the absence of presence and awareness, we unconsciously allow external circumstances to shape how we think and behave. As a result, we become reactive rather than responsive to life’s challenges, often leading to actions we later regret.

This is where self-discovery plays an important role in our lives. But it becomes possible only when we’re willing to step out of our comfort zone and break patterns that no longer serve us—habits that only cause stress and reduce our productivity. By being receptive to challenges and shifting our perspective from “things are happening to me” to “things are happening for me,” we can tap into our inner strength and focus on what truly needs our attention in each moment, thereby optimizing our time and energy.

Tools and Practices for Self-Discovery

There are many powerful tools and practices that can support us on the path of self-discovery and they are all gifted by Mother Earth, and already integrated within ourselves:

1. Conscious breathing practices

Our breath is a powerful tool and when we become conscious of it, it helps us embody the highest version of ourselves and release overwhelming thoughts and emotions. This not only benefits our mental and emotional well-being but also positively impacts our physical health. Such techniques include the alternate nostril breathing, the humming bee, the cleansing breath and more.

2. Journaling

Journaling is a powerful way to communicate with ourselves. When practiced daily, it brings greater clarity about the direction of our lives, increases awareness of our strengths and weaknesses, and helps us tap into our inner potential to grow into a better version of ourselves.

3. Conscious Barefoot Walk

Most of the time, our feet remain confined within our shoes, not allowing tensions and toxins to be discharged from the body. With conscious barefoot walk, we can allow the body to release excess electromagnetic energy and absorb the Earth’s natural healing frequencies – a gift from mother nature which is accessible to all.

4. Conscious Eating

Conscious eating involves a series of mindful steps—sitting on the ground if our body allows, being grateful for the food available to us, eating in silence and without distractions, chewing each bite thoroughly until it becomes liquid, and pausing between each morsel or sip.

Life becomes truly beautiful when we learn to master our emotions and thoughts, no longer getting swayed like a leaf in a storm. Real power lies in hearing our inner voice amid the noise of the world and acting in alignment with our inner self, which is uncovered through the journey of self-discovery.