What little, or big, things have you noticed outdoors that give you pleasure or joy? Sharing your enjoyment of the outdoors positively impacts you and those you share with. Let your authentic enthusiasm shine to have the most impact. Just tell the story of your experience. If they share a story back, listen and receive their enthusiasm.
"Talking about nature improves well-being and social connection." (Rim, N., et all, 2025).
"Research shows that people are highly attuned to and responsive to others’ positive emotions" (Campos, B., et all, 2015).
"We tend to connect more deeply with emotionally charged expressions." (Citron, F., & Goldberg, A., 2014).
A couple years ago I attended a Town Forest Conference in MA and the very last session of the day was a group of students sharing what they LOVED about the town forest. I was so moved by this moderated, panel session. “Where else could these students gush this much about their love of the forest?”
Why do we (I’m going to use a strong word here), why do we bully each other when we hear someone sharing about how much they are excited by something in nature? Echoes of “Your weird, or tree hugger” echo in my imagination. We even bully ourselves by saying things like, “Don’t think I’m weird or silly…”
The fact is that we humans remember the things that are said with the most emotion (whether positive or negative). I remember my mom exclaiming her total adoration over the willow and birch trees in our backyard. I didn’t take too much notice at the time. It was just her way. But now, this is one of the things I remember most about her. Her love of those two trees. Her love of the bright green of moss, and the dark, rich brown of a tree trunk after it had rained in combination with spring green leaves. She wan not shy about sharing her love of these things! Thank you Mum!
"One touch of nature makes the whole world kin." — William Shakespeare
Let’s choose positive! Make your most emotionally charged shares about the things you love. Let that be what you pass on to others.
The next time Nature offers you an experience that makes to feel good, tell folks about it. And know, that even if they don’t seem too excited about what you are sharing, or they even tease you… that you are having a positive impact on them.
P.S If some rest among the trees sounds good, consider joining one or my forest bathing programs or retreats.
