Day 18: Nature & Pleasure
|
|
Time to read 6 min
Nature is one of the most abundant and accessible sources of pleasure.. Whether it’s the scent of fresh earth after rain, the warmth of sunlight on your skin, or the grounding sensation of bare feet on grass, nature has an undeniable ability to soothe, awaken, and delight the senses.
Pleasure is about presence, and nature is one of the greatest teachers in how to be here, now. It invites us to slow down, breathe deeper, and experience the world around us with fresh awareness. Today, we explore the profound connection between nature and pleasure, how to cultivate sensory experiences outdoors, and ways to integrate nature into our daily pleasure practice.
Today’s challenge is exactly that— to pay attention to pleasure and let words become a vessel for it.
Day 18 Challenge: The Pleasure of Nature
Your task today is to spend at least 15 minutes outside today—moving slowly, observing, breathing, and allowing yourself to fully experience nature’s pleasure.
Engage Your Senses – Notice the sights, sounds, and textures around you.
Feel the Elements – Let the sun, wind, or water touch your skin.
Slow Down – Walk without urgency, sit in stillness, or simply lie on the ground and listen.
No agenda, no distractions—just presence.
Journal Prompts:
What natural elements bring you the most pleasure?
Describe a moment in nature where you felt truly connected, at ease, or in awe.
How can you bring more nature-inspired pleasure into your daily life?
The Power of Nature in Pleasure Practices
There is a reason we feel drawn to the ocean, why walking through a forest clears the mind, or why lying in the sun feels like a full-body exhale. Nature regulates our nervous system and reminds us that pleasure isn’t just found in grand experiences—it’s in the smallest details: the rustling of leaves, the rhythm of waves, the scent of pine.
Spending time in nature naturally heightens our senses , making it easier to feel and receive pleasure. Whether it’s watching a sunset, listening to birdsong, or feeling a cool breeze against your skin, nature invites us to engage with the world in a deeper, more intimate way.
Lizzy Wholly, Director of Brand Experience at Bloom Farm, describes this connection beautifully, saying:
“My favorite way to connect with nature is through full surrender. Being in the ocean is my favorite way to connect with the earth because I feel enveloped, supported, and connected to the fluctuations of the earth itself.”
Nature invites us to let go, be present, and feel .
Why It Works
Nature is a portal to presence. It slows us down, reconnects us with our senses, and reminds us that we are part of something larger. The pleasure found in nature is both expansive and deeply personal—it can be as simple as feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin or as profound as losing yourself in the vastness of the ocean.
Science supports what we instinctively know:
Time in nature reduces stress, improves mood, and even increases creativity.
The natural world calms the nervous system and enhances our ability to feel pleasure.
Being outside helps us step out of our heads and into our bodies .
A walk in the woods, a swim in the sea, or even just breathing in fresh air shifts something inside us.
Pleasure in Practice
There are infinite ways to experience pleasure in nature, whether alone or with a partner. The key is intention—engaging your senses and allowing yourself to fully receive what nature offers.
Solo Practices:
Take a slow, mindful walk – Tune into the sounds, scents, and textures around you.
Lie in the grass or sand – Feel your body supported by the earth.
Practice barefoot grounding – Let your feet sink into soil, sand, or water.
Bring a journal – Write about what you observe, how your body feels, or what nature stirs in you.
Engage in a creative practice outdoors – Sketch, take photos, or write poetry inspired by your surroundings.
Partnered Practices:
Plan an “Art Date” in nature – Bring sketchbooks, cameras, or simply your eyes and appreciate beauty together.
Take a slow, silent walk together - Share what you noticed afterward.
Enjoy a meal outdoors - Whether it’s a picnic in the park or coffee on a quiet balcony.
Read to each other – Find a quiet spot under a tree or by the ocean.
Swim together – Let the water carry you.
The more we immerse ourselves in nature, the more we recognize its ability to bring us pleasure.
Intimate Insights
Lizzy shares how nature is a source of joy, connection, and deep presence in her life. From the healing embrace of the ocean to the grounding act of touching soil, she reflects on the sensory pleasures of the natural world and how they shape her daily experiences.
What is your favorite way to connect with nature, and how does it bring you joy or a sense of peace?
“My favorite way to connect with nature is through full surrender. Being in the ocean is my favorite way to connect with the earth because I feel enveloped, supported, and connected to the fluctuations of the earth itself.”
Can you describe a moment in nature that felt particularly grounding or pleasurable for you?
“There is one moment in my life that I continually relive, I think about it almost monthly. I was swimming at my favorite beach in Rhode Island and the weather was ideal. The ocean temperature was refreshing but warm enough to float all day. In RI that usually only happens for a few weeks. I was floating with my ears under the water staring up at the sky. A lifeguard paddled past me. I noticed. He paddled back around to pass me again. This time he said, “your smile is beautiful.” He was tan, fit, probably in his 60s with hair as blinding white as his teeth. I popped up and smiled. We talked, or maybe flirted. We shared our thoughts on why the ocean feels so healing. He explained his theories on how we can feel the vibrations of Mother Earth most directly there.”
How do you incorporate time outdoors into your self-care or pleasure practices, even on busy days?
“Busy days make it so hard for me to connect to pleasure or nature but on days when I am working at the farm, I will take my film camera for a quick walk outside. I trick myself into using the camera as a productivity tool—I think “maybe the shot I get will be great for social or the farm’s website” and suddenly I am on a nature walk and getting in touch with the environment while noticing beauty. If I am in NYC, e-biking is a must.”
What sensory experiences in nature—sights, sounds, smells—bring you the most delight?
“Scent is my greatest delight. If you’ve been in a garden with me, you know I’ll insist you pluck a glimmering tomato leaf just to inhale its sharp, earthy sweetness. I appreciate this moment where I pause and focus on my breath and scent. It calms my nervous system, a contrast to my tendency to move fast in daily life. This brings me to my other favorite sensory experience: the rush of changing scents while riding a motorcycle down country roads on a summer day is something I wish everyone could experience. I hope my parents don’t see this. :)”
Do you have a favorite outdoor activity or space that consistently helps you feel more connected to yourself or the world around you?
Even as someone who works on a farm, I wish I did this more consistently, but the repetitive tasks of planting or harvesting are extremely grounding for me. Touching soil has become a luxury. It can remind us that we are nature. It’s easy to forget that.
How can someone who feels disconnected from nature start finding pleasure in outdoor experiences?
“Put yourself in a childlike mindset and list five things you might like to do that involve the outdoors. Pick one and go try it! Volunteering is a great way to try new things outdoors. That’s how I got started with farming. I cold-emailed a farm in my hometown and my first day was as nerve-wracking as the first day of school.”
What lessons or inspirations have you taken from observing the natural world that influence your daily life or mindset?
“Chestnut trees are one of the most reliable nut crops because they are late bloomers; they usually flower in May, so they are much more frost-tolerant. This reminds me that we are all on our own timeline.”
Takeaways
Nature is a constant source of pleasure —one that is always available to us. Whether through the soothing rhythm of waves, the quiet stillness of a forest, or the feel of warm sunlight, it invites us to slow down, notice, and receive.
As you move through today’s challenge, remember: Pleasure is about presence, and nature demands it of us.
When we step outside, we step into an experience that awakens us. Breathe it in. Let yourself feel.
Want More from Lizzy Wholly?
Follow Lizzy on Instagram @LizzyWholley for all things nature, farming, and outdoor experiences.