After you spend time outdoors, whether you devoted your entire day to taking a hike or you simply took a stroll around your neighborhood, how do you feel? Do you feel more relaxed and at peace with your surroundings? Does your internal dialogue and laundry list of to-do’s feel less overwhelming? Chances are yes.

Maria’s home forest made her feel safe and made her feel at peace. It was noisy and exuberant, connecting Maria to a web of life that was much larger than herself.

What is the history of Thanksgiving? What could we do if we center gratitude for and awareness of the natural world into our daily routines? Could the actions that come from a place of gratitude restore our relationships with each other and with the natural world that we are so deeply connected?