Understanding Nature Mystics: What It Means to Be a Nature Mystic

Have you ever felt that deep, almost electric connection when you step barefoot on damp earth or listen to the whisper of leaves in the wind? That feeling, that pull towards the natural world, might just be the first step on a path many find themselves drawn to—the path of a nature mystic. But what does it really mean to be a nature mystic? Is it just about loving trees and flowers, or is there something more profound at play?

Let me take you on a little journey through the heart of nature mysticism, sharing insights, stories, and practical ways to deepen your own connection with the wild world around us.

Understanding Nature Mystics: A Deeper Look

When I first stumbled upon the idea of nature mysticism, it was in the stack at Sneate House library. I was researching Mary Webb, and trying to understand what she was doing when she was immersed in nature. People said she would sit so still and for so long, that fuel workers would see her on the way to and from their work on the land, and birds would land on her. These periods that she referred to as deep absorption, would then be followed by bouts of intensive writing. It was clear there was something in the alchemy between her spiritual relationship with nature and her creativity.

I stumbled upon the term ‘Nature Mysticism’ when I discovered a book written in the 1920s by a reverend, and although it had fallen out of use, it described what Webb was doing down to a tee.

Some people might think it is just a poetic way to describe people who love hiking or gardening. But it’s so much richer than that. Nature mystics are individuals who experience the natural world not just with their eyes or hands, but with their spirit. They see the forest as a living, breathing entity, not just a collection of trees. They hear the songs of birds as messages, not just background noise.

Nature mysticism is about relationship—a sacred, reciprocal bond between human and earth. It’s about recognising that the soil beneath your feet, the wind on your face, and the stars above are all part of a vast, interconnected web of life. And in that web, you are not separate but deeply entwined.

This understanding can transform how you live your daily life. Suddenly, recycling isn’t just a task you have to do; it’s a ritual of respect. A walk in the park becomes a pilgrimage. Even the smallest flower can teach you something about resilience and beauty.

A moss-covered ancient tree trunk in a dense forest

What Is the Meaning of Nature Mysticism?

So, what exactly does it mean to be a nature mystic? At its core, it’s about experiencing the divine or the sacred through nature. It’s a spiritual practice that doesn’t necessarily require a formal religion but is deeply rooted in reverence for the natural world.

Nature mystics often find themselves drawn to:

• Solitude in nature: Spending time alone in natural settings to listen and observe.

• Meditation and mindfulness outdoors: Using nature as a backdrop for spiritual reflection.

• Rituals and ceremonies: Honouring the cycles of the moon, the changing seasons, or the elements.

• Intuitive connection: Trusting feelings and insights that arise when immersed in nature.

  
  

For example, I remember sitting by a quiet river at dawn, watching the mist rise and feeling a profound sense of peace wash over me. It wasn’t just the beauty of the scene; it was a moment of connection that felt sacred. That’s the essence of nature mysticism.

How to Embrace Your Inner Nature Mystic

Now, you might be wondering, “Okay, I get the idea, but how do I actually become a nature mystic?” It’s less about a title and more about a way of being. Here are some practical steps to help you start embracing your inner nature mystic today:

1. Spend intentional time outdoors

   Don’t just walk through nature—be in it. Sit quietly, breathe deeply, and notice the details. What sounds do you hear? What smells? What textures can you feel?

   
   

2. Keep a nature journal

   Write down your observations, feelings, and any insights you receive. Sketch plants, note the phases of the moon, or record the weather. This practice helps deepen your awareness and connection.

   
   

3. Learn about local plants and animals

   Understanding the life around you creates respect and curiosity. Plus, it’s fun! Try identifying birds by their calls or learning which plants grow in your area.

   
   

4. Practice gratitude for the natural world

   Before meals, during walks, or at bedtime, take a moment to thank the earth for its gifts. Gratitude shifts your mindset from taking nature for granted to honouring it.

   
   

5. Create simple rituals

   Light a candle or burn some incense to mark the changing seasons. Celebrate the solstices and equinoxes. These rituals anchor your spiritual practice in the rhythms of nature.

   
   

6. Listen to your intuition

   When you’re in nature, pay attention to the feelings and thoughts that arise. Sometimes, nature speaks in subtle ways—through a sudden breeze, a bird’s call, or a pattern in the clouds.

   
   

Wildflowers blooming in a sunlit meadow

The Role of Nature Mysticism in Personal Growth

You might be surprised to learn how powerful nature mysticism can be for personal growth. It’s not just about feeling good in the moment (though that’s a lovely bonus). It’s about transformation.

When you connect deeply with nature, you start to see yourself differently. You realise you’re part of something bigger. This perspective can:

• Reduce stress and anxiety by grounding you in the present moment.

• Enhance creativity by inspiring new ways of thinking.

• Build resilience by learning from nature’s cycles of growth and renewal.

• Foster empathy and compassion for all living beings.

• Encourage mindful living by slowing down and appreciating the small things.

  
  

For instance, noticing how a tree sheds its leaves in autumn and then blooms again in spring can teach patience and hope during difficult times. Nature mysticism invites you to embrace life’s rhythms rather than fight them.

Bringing Nature Mysticism into Everyday Life

You don’t need to live in a forest cabin or spend hours meditating by a river to be a nature mystic. The beauty of this path is that it’s accessible wherever you are. Here are some easy ways to weave nature mysticism into your daily routine:

• Open your windows and let fresh air and natural sounds fill your space.

• Grow a small herb garden on your windowsill or balcony.

• Take mindful walks during your lunch break, noticing the sky, trees, and animals.

• Use natural materials in your home décor—stones, wood, dried flowers.

• Practice grounding exercises like walking barefoot on grass or soil.

• Celebrate natural cycles by marking the phases of the moon or seasonal changes with simple acts like lighting a candle or journaling.

  
  

By making these small changes, you invite the sacredness of nature into your everyday life, creating a continuous thread of connection and meaning.

If you’ve ever felt that tug towards the wild, the sacred, and the mysterious in nature, you’re already on the path of a nature mystic. It’s a journey of discovery, reverence, and transformation—a way to live with open eyes, an open heart, and a spirit attuned to the rhythms of the earth.

So, next time you step outside, pause for a moment. Breathe in the world around you. Who knows? You might just find a little magic waiting there.

Happy wandering!