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As a hardcore city person, I thrive on the electric pulse of urban life—the veritable kaleidoscope of activities, the diverse tapestry of cultures, and the conveniences that make city living so dynamic.
Yet, recently—and by that, I mean in the past few years—I’ve started to feel like something was missing in my life. There was a sense of yearning, a need to sit still and just…be.
Increasingly, I started to see the appeal of the quiet, expansive beauty and the peace found in nature.
As I’m getting older, I’m starting to feel the need to take things slow and not be on the go all the time. I guess with the combination of growing older and traveling more now than ever, I’ve started to appreciate the need to take in the world around me.
But this has not been an easy thing for me to handle. For someone who always believed that the only time she liked the color green was when she held wads of dollars in her hand, this new fondness for nature has introduced a surprising conflict within me. It started to pull me between the rush of the city and the serene embrace of remote natural landscapes.
So how do I reconcile these opposing desires within myself?
Here are some of the things I do in my day-to-day life to enjoy the energy of the big city while learning to sit back, relax, and find my zen:
1. Quick Nature Fixes
To blend these two worlds, I start with simple steps. I make time to visit local parks or nearby natural reserves. These help me connect with nature without straying far from my urban roots. Whether it’s a morning walk or an evening unwind, these brief escapes are perfect for refreshing my mind amid a busy city lifestyle.
To seamlessly integrate the tranquil essence of nature into my bustling urban life, I’ve adopted a few simple yet effective strategies.
Whether it’s a rejuvenating morning walk at dawn, when the first light bathes the city in a gentle glow, or a calming evening stroll to unwind after a day’s work, these moments in nature are more than mere breaks for me—they have started to become essential rituals that revitalize my spirit and clear my mind. Some of the more well-maintained parks, with their diverse flora and bustling fauna, provide a sensory feast that recharges my mental batteries. The rustling leaves, chirping birds, and the whisper of wind soothes my soul. These make these brief escapes not just a luxury, but a necessity for maintaining my mental and emotional well-being amidst the relentless pace of city life.
I’ve realized that dedicating tangible time every week to immerse myself in green spaces offers a respite from the concrete jungle. It’s almost as if these sanctuaries are vital green lungs amid the urban sprawl and fulfill my need for natural serenity even as they allow me to stay connected to my city roots.
2. Weekend (and Weekday) Getaways
Every few weeks, I take a break from the city and head to the mountains or the coast. Recently, I spent 10 days on the shores of a beach and it was the best time ever.
I don’t swim, so I wasn’t immersed in the water. But every day—morning and evening—I stepped outside my hotel room balcony, walked out onto the beach, and just stood by the water soaking my feet and taking in the beauty. And get this: I was not on a holiday. The best part about working from home is that I can take more trips during the week, apart from the weekend getaways. These are crucial, as they completely recharge me. It’s my time to immerse myself in nature, enjoy the quiet, and just reset. Returning from these trips, I feel refreshed and ready to dive back into city life with new energy.
3. Urban Nature Integration
Another thing I’ve started doing, which might sound a bit silly but is incredibly effective, is using nature sounds and ambient nature scenes at home. It’s surprising how much this small change can enhance my space.
Since I work from home and don’t have any colleagues, I play white noise in the background. Whether it’s the gentle sound of a babbling brook, ocean waves, or the rustling leaves of a forest, these sounds transport me from the concrete jungle to actual nature. I usually play these in the background while I’m working or unwinding after a long day. It’s like a continuous, soothing reminder of the natural world, making my urban environment feel more tranquil and connected to the outdoors.
4. Cultural Connection
Even in the city, I find ways to connect with nature that feel fun and light. For instance, I love hitting up nature-inspired photography exhibits at local galleries. I recently went to an exhibit that transported me to the middle of the Arctic! Another one was all about the jungles of Borneo, and it made me feel connected to nature even as the exhibit was in the middle of a bustling city with all its ambient noise.
While this is not always possible because they don’t happen often where I live (it’s just too hot here) I also enjoy outdoor film festivals in city parks where they screen movies about adventure, travel, or the environment. It’s a great way to spend an evening under the stars and adds a natural vibe to the film-watching experience. Plus, it’s a cool way to meet like-minded people who share a love for both the arts and the outdoors.
I’ve also started to do more casual walking tours. They combine my love for walking as a fitness tool and my newfound love for nature. Sometimes, I join walking tours that are focused on urban ecology, other times on landmark architecture that incorporates natural elements. These walks are super informative and give me a fresh perspective on how nature is integrated into urban planning. It’s like seeing the city breathe and live through its green spaces.
5. Local Market Explorations
We don’t have a lot of farmer’s markets like they do in the United States, but we do have our version of them. One of them is a massive urban store called the Pazhamudhir Nilayam or House of Fruits in Tamil. Shopping for fresh produce is something that I have added to my nature routine.
These markets are permanent, unlike many in the states, but the feel is the same. They are vibrant community hubs where I can touch, smell, and taste the freshest produce directly from local farmers. While the farmers are not always present, I learn about their farms and their experiences make me feel more connected to my agricultural roots. Each visit feels like a mini-adventure and is a refreshing way for me to combine support for local agriculture with a leisurely evening activity. It’s the perfect blend of the natural world and urban living.
Going to Pazhamudir Nilayam has become a cherished ritual for me that not only brings the freshness of the countryside into my life but has added a well-needed natural element to my city lifestyle.
Adapting to both the electrifying pace of city life and the serene rhythms of nature hasn’t just been a journey—it’s slowly becoming my new way of life. As I continue to blend urban excitement with the tranquility of natural settings, I find myself more grounded and refreshed.
The above strategies help me maintain a satisfying balance between the dynamic appeal of the city and the peaceful allure of nature. By carving out time for both, I ensure that I live a well-rounded life, enjoying the best of what each world has to offer.
I hope you’re able to find your own ways to bring a slice of nature into your city life. See what feels right and resonates with your lifestyle. The key is to keep it enjoyable and sustainable, so it naturally becomes a part of your everyday routine.
What I’ve ultimately realized is that we don’t need to escape the city to find peace in nature. Sometimes, it’s right there in our background, waiting to be appreciated.
So go ahead, explore these possibilities, and see how even the smallest connections to nature can dramatically enrich your urban existence.
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