Grieving is not easy, and it can be one of the most difficult yet potentially strengthening journeys of your life. But to become a stronger person on the other side of the grief journey, you must walk through the pain, no matter how difficult. As Dr. Alan Wolfelt, a nationally respected author and grief expert, puts it, “You don’t get to go around or above your grief. You must go through it.”
One habit that has helped many people process their grief is spending time in nature. You may be thinking, “Nah, I’m not an outdoorsy person. That won’t work for me.” Before you dismiss the idea, take a moment to read through some of the benefits of adding time outdoors to your schedule.
Nature reminds you that death is part of the cycle of life.
As much as we’d like to escape death, it is a part of life. The natural cycle is very evident in the cyclical nature of the seasons. In the spring, life begins anew, continues into summer, begins to fall in autumn, and dies in winter. But there is hope because life begins again. In many ways, every person experiences these seasons. Perhaps you are in the winter of your grief and feeling lifeless on the inside, but as you walk through your grief, spring will come.
Nature provides physical evidence that life does go on.
Similarly, just as the seasons highlight that death is a part of life, they also act as a reminder that life goes on. This cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth helps put life and death in perspective. Even though it may feel like life has stopped with the death of your loved one, it hasn’t. In some ways, this truth may make you angry (how can life just keep going?), but there is also comfort and assurance in the certainty of the continuation of life.
“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” Albert Camus
Nature nurtures mental and emotional health.
A Stanford-led study found that people who walked in natural areas (versus urban) showed a significant decrease in brain activity associated with depression. In fact, research also shows that there is a link between a connection to nature and faster recovery rates, reduced stress, and less severe symptoms in both mental and physical disorders. Just looking at nature can be beneficial to your health.
Nature demands nothing from you.
During times of grief, you may feel pulled in many different directions. Work. Family. Friends. Endless errands. All the big and small responsibilities of life. In contrast to these things (even though they are good), nature asks nothing of you. In many ways, it gives you something. It accepts you as you are, never asking questions or demanding answers. And during times of grief, a quiet break from all the noise can be just what you need.
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” Albert Einstein
Nature provides quietness and solitude.
When you’re grieving, time away to think and process is necessary but can be hard to achieve. Go for a walk, gear up for a bike ride, or hike a mountain trail. All of these things give you the time and solitude needed to process your thoughts. You have an opportunity to enjoy the quietness without feeling cut off from the world. And when needed, you can talk out loud to yourself or your loved one without an audience.
Nature allows you to disconnect from the world around you.
In a world that is becoming increasingly chaotic and negative, sometimes you just need time to unplug, especially when you’re processing feelings of grief. For some, it’s hard to completely unplug, but doing so is valuable and healthy. Taking time to enjoy nature gives you the opportunity to embrace the world without its distractions and miscommunications. Even if something is good and positive, isn’t it nice to take a little break?
“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.” John Lubbock
Nature brings wonder back into your life.
When you’ve lost someone, life can seem a bit dimmer. Its joys aren’t as joyful; its mysteries aren’t as fascinating. But nature can help bring wonder back into your life. The majesty of the Rocky Mountains; the beauty of a sun-kissed beach, flanked by turquoise waters; the rolling green hills of spring. Nature is limitless in its artistry and can remind you that there is still beauty in the world.
Nature draws your attention outward.
Grief is often mentally exhausting. In some cases, the events of the death play in your mind over and over again, especially in the case of an unexpected or traumatic death. Most of your life is lived within your own mind, where you can get caught up in circular thoughts that may not be healthy for you. Nature can be an outlet for your thoughts and draw your attention outward, giving your brain a much-needed break.
“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” John Muir
Nature activates social support if you enjoy it with others.
As a human being, you’re wired for interaction and community. During times of grief, some people tend to isolate themselves, perhaps as a defense mechanism against further pain. But, despite the pain, it’s important to receive support from others. You aren’t meant to go through life alone. If you enjoy walking or hiking, invite a friend to join you and allow them to support you through your grief.
These are only a few of the reasons why nature positively benefits any grief journey. If you decide to incorporate outdoor activities into your life, start out slowly. The act of grieving is tiring. If you can only walk for five minutes before you need a break, start out with five minutes. Over time, you will be able to go for longer periods.
As you begin, don’t worry about what other people are doing to deal with their own grief. This is about you and your personal grief journey. Find what works best for you and stick with it until you come to a place where the pang of loss doesn’t sting quite as deeply.
Dr. Alan Wolfelt is a noted author, educator, and grief counselor. Dr. Wolfelt believes that meaningful funeral experiences help families and friends support one another, embrace their feelings, and embark on the journey to healing and transcendence. Recipient of the Association of Death Education and Counseling’s Death Educator Award, Dr. Wolfelt presents workshops across the world to grieving families, funeral home staffs, and other caregivers. He also teaches training courses for bereavement caregivers at the Center for Loss and Life Transition in Fort Collins, Colorado, where he serves as Director. Dr. Wolfelt is on the faculty of the University of Colorado Medical School’s Department of Family Medicine. He is also the author of many bestselling books, including Understanding Your Grief, The Mourner’s Book of Hope, Creating Meaningful Funeral Ceremonies, and The Paradoxes of Grief: Healing Your Grief With Three Forgotten Truths. For more information, visit