Nature is not a place to visit, it is home.
~ Gary Snyder

Good feng shui creates a seamless harmony between the built environment and nature.

One way we can experience that connection is by properly arranging our space. With just a few adjustments, we allow ourselves to easily view the beauty just outside our window.

It doesn’t matter if you live in a rural or urban area, a well-placed desk, dining table, or window seat creates opportunities to tune into the beauty and wonder of the natural world.

…and you never know who you’ll see!

You too can observe the beauty of flowers and nature through the windows of your life if you are willing to open them.
~ Noel Marie Fletcher

I encourage you to create a nature viewing window. You can start by asking yourself:

Where do I eat my meals? (It’s often not the dining room)

Which room do I use most often?

Where do I like to relax?

Outside the windows in these spaces, place something to attract birds or animals, such as a:

Bird feeder

Hummingbird feeder

Birdbath

Don’t forget to see if there is a way to add food and or water for your furry friends.

You can also certify your yard or garden with the National Wildlife Federation, to make sure it is optimized for local critters. Check out their certification check list, which is very informative.

There’s a whole world out there, right outside your window. You’d be a fool to miss it.
~ Charlotte Eriksson

For city dwellers, follow the path of the sun…

Determine what time of day sunlight enters your home, and make a point of sitting near a window and basking in the light. This allows your circadian rhythm to sync up with nature and can help improve sleep. If you’re not a morning person, watch the changing sky at sunset.

The night sky is also an amazing show. The stars might not be so visible in the city, but the moon’s phases are wonderful to observe.

If you have a view of trees, you can look for birds or squirrels that might feed there. In NYC, the hawk population has been growing rapidly. It’s amazing to watch them nest in trees or on the terraces of high rise buildings!

And don’t forget to bring nature in. Remember the many benefits of the humble houseplant. In addition to producing oxygen and absorbing toxins, they are proven to improve mood and reduce stress.

Observe the wonders as they occur around you. Don’t claim them. Feel the artistry moving through and be silent.
~ Rumi

Our experience of home expands when we link it to the magic of nature that is all around us.

What do you do to stay connected to nature?

How does it nurture your soul?

P.S. For the holidays, the hardcover version of my book More Than Just a Pretty Space makes a beautiful gift for anyone who loves home design, self transformation, or both!