From “Passing By” to “Being Present”
Finding Magic in the Mundane
Last night, I was at a launch event for my sister-in-law’s (the brilliant Kiran Millwood Hargrave) new book ‘Almost Life’, whilst I was there a conversation about art really got me thinking.
Kiran mentioned how she used to view art. She’d walk through a gallery, glance at a painting, read the tag, and just... move on. But since being around my brother (an artist), she’s learned to “actively participate” in the art. She lingers. She feels it. And the mental health benefits of that shift have been massive.
It made me realise that I’ve gone through the exact same transformation—not with a canvas, but with NATURE.
The Power of Active Noticing
Through our work helping people connect with the outdoors, I’ve accidentally cured my own “nature blindness.” I used to just drive through the world; now, I’m in it.
I find myself pointing out the specific shades of the sky to my kids while we’re in the car. I’ll stop—actually stop—to smell a flower or just pause and breathe when the light hits the trees a certain way.
Why the “Right Now” Matters
When you’re feeling stuck, anxious, or overwhelmed, your brain is usually living in the “what ifs” of the future or the “if only” of the past. Nature is the ultimate anchor. It only ever exists in the right here and now.
By noticing the small things, we pull ourselves back into the present. It’s a simple circuit-breaker for stress, and the best part? It’s accessible to everyone, anywhere.
Your Weekend “Present Moment” Challenge
If you’re looking for a reset this weekend, you don’t need a mountain range or a forest. You just need to look.
The Morning Look-Out: When you wake up, open the window and look as far into the distance as you can. It literally widens your perspective.
The City Hack: If you’re in a city centre, find that one pocket of green. And yes, go ahead and hug the tree! It sounds “woo-woo” until you feel how grounded it makes you.
The Commuter’s Eye: Even if you’re stuck in traffic, look at the clouds. Look for the birds. See what you can spot that you usually ignore.
The Gallery Shortcut: If you’re in a city pop into a free museum. Research shows that even looking at paintings of nature—especially water—can lower your cortisol.
(there are over 200 admission free museums and galleries in the UK).
Nature and art aren’t just things to look at; they are things to experience. Take a moment this weekend to just be. I promise you’ll feel the benefits.