“How do I connect with nature without escaping the city?” This is a recurring thought I’ve had ever since I moved to a new city. Okay, let me rewind a bit. I’ve been silent on here for a while because life has been changing in ways I never quite expected. Five months ago, I packed my life into suitcases and moved halfway across the world, from Colombo to Toronto, to finally close the gap on a four-year long-distance relationship and start a new chapter with my partner. It was exciting but overwhelming because it also meant leaving behind the home that had shaped me for the past 11 years.
I knew it wouldn’t be easy. I wasn’t fully prepared for how daunting it would feel to start from scratch either. I also didn’t anticipate was how much I would miss the little things back home like waking up to the sound of birds, the hit of daily dose of sunlight on my skin, the fresh thambili, and spontaneous weekend escapes to the mountains or the south coast. Whereas, Toronto, with its towering buildings and long winters, felt EXTREMELY different. My tiny apartment here, surrounded by more apartments, started to feel isolating. During the winter, the sun would set by 5 p.m.; the freezing rain, four months of snow, and gray days had me longing for the tropical climate I missed dearly back home.
Is Escaping the City the Answer to Connect with Nature?
I thought the only way to feel connected to nature was to do what I used to in Colombo—escape the city altogether. Would spending a weekend in a remote cabin in the woods help me adjust to this new environment, or did I simply need to shift my perspective? While I sat with these thoughts, I realised that nature isn’t something we need to chase after; it’s constantly present and I just need to be more present to see it. Even on the gloomiest days, the sun is still there, just hidden. Even when the trees have shed their leaves, they’re already preparing to grow new ones. So instead of yearning for what I left behind or focusing on what’s missing, I decided to bring nature into my daily life, right here, in the middle of the city.
And if you’ve ever felt the same, I hope these simple ways I’ve started reconnecting with nature, without leaving the city, helps you too.
Bringing the Outdoors In
One of the easiest ways to connect with nature is by surrounding yourself with plants. I started with a few potted plants and a tiny herb garden on the windowsill. Watching them grow, watering them, and seeing little sprouts reach for the sparse winter sunlight made my space feel more alive. If you have a balcony, fill it with plants. Even a single leafed friend in the corner of your room can make a HUGE difference to your mood. And if taking care of plants isn’t your thing, incorporating natural materials like wood, stone, or linen into your space can help bring that organic, grounding energy into your home.
Soaking in Natural Light and Fresh Air
Winters in Toronto are harsh, but I’ve realised that even a little bit of natural light can make a difference. Keeping my blinds open the first thing in the morning, stepping outside even for a few minutes, and opening my windows letting fresh air circulate through my space instantly lifts my mood. And when it’s sunny, I make the most of, sitting in its presence, feeling its warmth on my face.
Curating a Nature-Inspired Soundscape
One of the things I miss most about home is how the sounds of nature were always buzzing in my ears—the soft rustling of leaves in my garden, the rhythmic crash of the ocean waves on my commute to work and the heavy drum of monsoon rain. After I moved into my apartment, it was mostly plain silence or the occasional sound of firetrucks and vehicles passing by. But I’ve found a way to bring nature sounds into my life through a curated playlist on YouTube and Spotify. These sounds transport me back home, helping me feel more connected, more at ease.
Eating with the Seasons
Back in Sri Lanka, I tried to eat seasonally and locally when possible. This not only supports local farmers but also has health benefits. After moving to Toronto, I’ve started making an effort to eat more seasonally, visit farmers’ markets when possible, and cook with ingredients that are locally grown. It’s a simple practice, and it helps me align myself with the natural cycles of the region.
Exploring Green Spaces in the City
At first, I thought my neighborhood had little to offer in terms of greenary. But as I started exploring, I found pockets of green hidden in the most unexpected places. I found parks and trails tucked between neighborhoods, tree-lined streets, and even tiny community gardens in the middle of downtown. Going outside in winter takes more effort, especially if you don’t own a vehicle, for obvious reasons. It’s not easy to stay out for long, but I want to make it a habit to go for walks in these spaces during spring and summer. If you’re lucky enough to live near a park or trail, make it a habit to visit regularly. Even a short walk in green spaces or among trees can boost not just your mental well-being, but also your physical health.
Practicing Gratitude
More than anything, I’ve learned that staying connected to nature is about being mindful of the ways it shows up in our daily lives. Being thankful for the sun rising each morning, being able to explore and walk, the air filling my lungs, the fresh food on my plate, and the getting to witness the beauty of different seasons while having a roof over my head. These little things, when noticed and appreciated, have helped me feel more rooted, even in a place that is unfamiliar. Gratitude really helps shift your focus from what’s lacking to what’s present, helping you appreciate your life and what’s around you.
Nature is Right Where You Are
The more I settle into this new life, the more I’ve learnt that connecting with nature isn’t reserved for escapes to the wilderness; it thrives wherever I am. Every ray of sunlight streaming through a window, every living green corner, and every walk to appreciate my surroundings reminds me that nature is always within reach. We just have to be open to receiving it.
If city life ever makes you feel disconnected, I hope you find relief in the little things, and let your everyday environment become a canvas where nature and city life seamlessly come together.
