childhood trauma & nature

I’ve had a lot of conversations with folks about their childhood relationship with nature.


So many, myself included, sought safety outside from a chaotic home life. For some, it was physically safer there, out of arm's reach from abusive family members. 

For others, nature was a place where they couldn’t be micromanaged, criticized, or verbally abused. 

Regardless if you were running away from something or towards it, as children we knew the secrets. 

The secrets...
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That WE belonged to the land. 
And she belonged to US. 

That outside, magic was real and we weren’t weird for seeing it. 


Outside, we were not too sensitive, but had the perfect amount to communicate with our wild neighbors. 

Outside, we were free to be US.
Outside, YOU are free to be YOU.  

As children we are often unaware of our intentions of using nature as a refuge, but with the acuity of time, looking with adult eyes, it’s clear that our young genius selves were keeping us safe. 

Unfortunately, chances are, something happened that caused you to stop going outside [but that’s a conversation for another day]. 

What I want you to know right now is that the land was always there for you. 

Nourishing, patient, and loving. 

And she’s still there for you.
If you haven’t spent quality time together lately, she understands. 

Just go outside.
Today. 
Place your hand on the Earth and say, “Hello again—do you remember me?”

And reintroduce yourself.

Your name.
Your passions.
Your fears. 
Your gratitude for her.
Whatever is in your heart. 
 
She’ll be all ears.



Photo Credit: Vitolda Klein on Unsplash