Rediscover your connection with nature, yourself, and others
More and more people are rediscovering their love for nature. Which is beautiful because that love had been lost for a while. In recent decades, nature has primarily served us, but we are increasingly realising how important it is, both in itself and for our own happiness. When we are close to nature, we feel better.
That's why we are venturing into nature more and more often. We are seeking a connection, not only with nature but also with ourselves and the people around us.
The relationship between humans and nature
The way people perceive nature is constantly evolving. Two concepts alternate over time: the idea of connecting with nature and the idea of humans being and nature being on opposite sides.
We are currently at a turning point. We are increasingly realising that we cannot live without nature, and that's why we are also seeking a stronger connection with it. Do you feel that too?
Making responsible choices
By making conscious and responsible choices, you can rediscover your connection with nature, yourself, and others.
Making conscious choices while travelling
Taking good care of nature also applies to our travels. This means taking the train more often instead of the plane or heading into the mountains with a camper. But it also means travelling slowly, taking the time to truly absorb a place, going for a forest or mountain hike, and spontaneously plunging into an icy river or lake. It also means treating the landscape with respect and avoiding places where wild animals are held in captivity for no reason.
Choosing yourself consciously
Self-care means different things to different people. Some reconnect with themselves through a yoga or meditation session. For you, self-care may involve treating yourself to a cappuccino with a croissant, curling up on the couch with a good book, going outside to soak up the sun's rays on their face, or baking a batch of healthy granola.
Taking good care of others
Taking care of others benefits not only them, but also yourself. People who help others are happier, sleep better, experience less pain, are healthier, and get sick less often.
In everyday life, you can take care of others, but this is especially true while travelling. Take the time to connect with the people who live in the places you visit. Treat them with respect and learn from them. And when you want to make a purchase, spend your money at a local business.
The search for connection is evident in interiors
The trend toward connecting with ourselves, others, and nature is not only reflected in how we spend our time, but also in our interiors.
The trend of decluttering and minimalism has been visible for several years. Negative space becomes something positive. The calm Scandinavian and Japanese interior styles align well with this trend, or even better, the combination of both: Japandi.
You can recognise the Japandi style by the functionality of Scandinavian furniture combined with the rustic and minimalist style of Japanese interiors. This style exudes simplicity and incorporates many elements from nature. The focus is on quality—items that last and are therefore sustainable—rather than cheap, disposable goods. Natural shades like sand, taupe, olive, and oak are prevalent. Calm and peaceful colours. The home becomes a place to rest and recharge.
And in fashion
We also see a return to the basics in fashion. While ultra-fast fashion brands are doing well, an increasing number of people are opting for slow fashion. They prefer a small collection of high-quality items that are not trend-sensitive over a closet full of disposable clothing that loses its appeal after one season.
One or two good jeans, one pair of trousers, one little black dress, a few high-quality blouses and sweaters, some well-fitting T-shirts, and a blazer—these are all a person needs.
The return to nature
This way, a return to nature is visible in every aspect of our lives. Not only are we seeking nature more often in the literal sense, but also by connecting with ourselves and others, we are increasingly in touch with our own nature. And that feels good.