Pause. Look Up. Begin Again: A Nature Practice for Emotional Reset

#StressManagement #SelfCare #SelfNurturing #Wellness #Pause #MindfulMoments #IFS #Nature #SkyGazing #NatureHeals #ReconnectWithSelf #SelfLeadership

As a disclaimer, EnvisionCo Blog is reader-supported. Some links on this site are for additional informational purposes whereas some others are affiliate links (don't worry, these will be clearly marked as such). When you click through an affiliate link on our site and sign-up for a service or finalize a purchase, we may earn affiliate commissions. This of course is at no additional cost to you. Additionally, EnvisionCo Blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is in no way intended to be a substitute for financial advice by a registered certified financial planner, medical advice by a qualified physician, or therapy by a trained mental health professional.

Ever have one of those days where your mind just won’t stop racing? Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stretched too thin. When you get into this zone, you may find that no matter what you try, it’s hard to settle down. In moments like these, different parts of us jump in to help. One might tell you to push through, another might beg for a break, and yet another might spiral into worry. Do any of these sound like you?

In Internal Family Systems (IFS), we see these responses as different “parts” of you with each trying to protect or manage your experience. But what helps all of them settle? Sometimes, the answer isn’t in figuring things out... it’s in stepping outside. Literally.

Nature has a quiet way of inviting us back to ourselves. Whether it’s the sky, the trees, or just a breeze across your skin, being in nature can give your parts a moment to breathe which opens up space for you to reconnect with your calm, clear center. That’s what this practice, Sky Gazing with Nature, is all about. It’s simple, grounding, and takes just a few minutes. But the shift it creates can last much longer.

What Is Sky Gazing?

Sky Gazing is a gentle, simple practice to reconnect with nature and yourself, even when your day feels overwhelming. The technique involves softly shifting your gaze upward towards the open sky or a distant horizon, then gradually lowering your eyes to settle on something nearby, like a tree or even a houseplant. This calming, five-minute exercise can be done almost anywhere but to really give yourself a boost, try to do it outdoors. Sky gazing can be particularly helpful when you're experiencing mental fatigue, stress, or pre-event nerves. It offers anyone feeling overwhelmed a chance to pause, settle, and refocus. Ready to try it? Just follow the simple 5-step guide below; it only takes five minutes, but its benefits can positively impact your entire day.

Finding Your Spot:

First, head outside and find a spot where you can easily look up at the sky. Next, locate a big tree nearb preferably one you can comfortably see both the sky and the tree from, without moving your feet. Try to stand close enough to touch the tree, or at least see its bark and leaves clearly. Pick a tree that you genuinely like and feel drawn to, whether it's because of its leaf color, branch shape, or trunk.

Releasing to the Vastness: 

Now, slowly look up and let your eyes go as far as they can into the sky. Imagine you're letting go of all your worries and troubles, sending them up into that huge, open space above you. Just release any feelings of uncertainty, not knowing what's next, fear, sadness, doubt, or wishing things were different. Send it all into the sky; it's big enough to hold everything. Stay there as long as you need, just breathing and letting go.

Grounding with the Tree:

Now, bring your hands down to the tree as you look from the sky to where you're touching it. Picture your feet growing roots deep into the earth, just like that tree. (It's pretty amazing to think trees are the biggest living things on Earth!) Feel your connection to this vast, natural network that keeps our planet healthy and makes our lives possible. As you feel the rough bark under your hands and fingers, let yourself really feel how much the natural world surrounds and supports us.

Observing Detail and Growth:

Now, starting at the bottom of the tree, slowly move your eyes upwards. Notice all the tiny details: how the bark feels, any changes in its color, or where new leaves and branches are sprouting. Keep looking up, broadening your view until you reach the very top branches of the tree.

Unity and Wisdom: 

Let your tired mind relax as you feel connected to Nature and the wisdom it offers. Remember that the natural world teaches us about cycles: a time for planting, growing, harvesting, and even pausing. Be open to these lessons in the coming days.

When we pause to gaze at the sky, we’re not just looking outward, we’re turning inward too. This practice isn’t about escaping your thoughts or silencing your emotions; it’s about creating space for all your parts to breathe. In IFS terms, it allows protective parts to soften, so your core Self can lead with calm, curiosity, and compassion. Whether you're feeling emotionally overloaded or simply in need of a reset, Sky Gazing with Nature is a gentle invitation to return to yourself; one breath, one cloud, one moment at a time. And please remember that wherever you are on this wellness journey, do not worry about getting it perfect; just get it going. Until next time. Happy reading!

Affiliate Link to Follow

Join Us in Reading “No Bad Parts” by Dr. Richard Schwartz

If this article resonated with you, especially the parts (😉) about inner conflict and calming your system, you might love the book I’m reading this month with a therapist friend: No Bad Parts by Dr. Richard Schwartz. This book dives deep into the Internal Family Systems (IFS) approach and reminds us of a powerful truth: every part of you,even the ones that feel anxious; avoidant; angry; or overwhelmed, is trying to help in some way. And none of them are “bad.”Whether you’re brand new to IFS or have been curious for a while, this book is a compassionate, accessible guide to understanding yourself more deeply. Want to read along with us? Grab your copy here: https://amzn.to/4mkeKY4

“In every walk with Nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” ~John Muir

---

Here at EnvisionCo Blog, we try to keep ads to a minimum making our blog entirely reader-supported. We may feature links on this site for additional informational purposes. From time to time, we may feature other links which are affiliate links (and these will be clearly marked). When you click through an affiliate link on our site and sign up for a service or finalize a purchase, we may earn affiliate commissions. This is of course at no additional cost to you. However, if you like what you see and would like to make a donation to help us keep ads to a minimum, we would greatly appreciate it! Nothing fancy. We accept the price of a cup coffee with as much gratitude as we would the price of a tank of gas!

DONATE