As the weather continues to become colder, we're loser our opportunity to go out and enjoy nature. When the snow falls, it becomes uncomfortable to spend longer amounts of time outdoors but that doesn't mean we can't still enjoy nature.

Enjoying nature can be comforting even if you are not able to go outdoors. When I have to remain indoors, I love to watch the sun going down, looking out from a comfortable chair. It's a magical time. I appreciate my houseplants, photos of beautiful places and guided imagery tapes set in nature.

Here are some tips from my book

After Shock

on how to enjoy nature indoors:

Listen to a CD of ocean sounds or birdcalls. Let yourself drift off on a journey prompted by the nature of sounds

Appreciate a beautiful houseplant, or a vase of freshly cut flowers. Smell, touch, linger...

Look at a painting or a photograph of beautiful natural surroundings. Envision yourself being there

Look out of the window from your bed or a comfortable chair. If there are no trees, look at the sky and play of light at different times of day and in different weather. Perhaps sunrise and sunset

Written by Altimont Parker, SUNY New Paltz Intern for Roots & Wings