Hi Reader,

I wanted to reach out and say this, simply: I’m here. I’m thinking of you. And I hope you’re finding your way through these days as gently as you can.

I won’t sugarcoat it: the world right now feels destabilizing, exhausting, and honestly overwhelming. When I feel myself tipping toward despair, I pry myself away from my devices and go looking for something steady enough to hold my attention without demanding anything from me.

Nature keeps answering that call, so I'm leaning into it hard.

Not to escape what’s happening, but to keep myself regulated enough to stay here and keep caring.

Watching birds forage. Snow falling or melting without urgency. Steam rising from a mug. Nothing dramatic, just life moving at a pace my nervous system can actually follow.

It reminds me that even when things feel chaotic or painful in the human world, nature is still offering rhythm, predictability, and quiet companionship.

If it feels supportive, here’s a simple nature connection invitation you can try anywhere:

🌿 A few minutes of co-regulation with nature

❄️ Watch something natural move for 2–5 minutes. Snow, clouds, birds, steam from a mug. Let your eyes follow without effort.
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🌬️ Breathe a little slower than usual while you watch. Nothing fancy. Just longer exhales.
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🤲 Place a hand on your chest or belly while you observe. Give your body a point of contact.
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🐦 If you can’t go outside, sit near a window, watch a nature video, or even look at a photo that evokes calm. Your nervous system still responds.

That’s it. No insight needed. No meaning-making. Just let your body receive cues of safety.

I’ve been quiet for a bit. Not gone, just healing, resting, and moving slowly after ankle surgery. As I start to re-emerge, I’m easing back into offering spaces for this kind of connection; places to co-regulate with nature and with one another. I have February Forest Bathing walks coming up at the Missouri Botanical Garden, if being outside with others feels like something you might need.

Take one deep breath with me as you read this: I know this is a hard timeline we’re living through. I’m deeply grateful to have you here Reader, part of this small, caring web of beings who turn toward nature and toward one another.

We aren’t meant to do this alone. The more we support ourselves, each other, and the living world around us, the more possible it becomes to keep going.

In Peace and Presence,
🕊️ Jess

P.S. If you want to reply and tell me one small thing that’s helping you right now, I’d truly love to hear it.

Jess Thenhaus 🌿 Nature Based Wellness Coach | NBHWC, CHHC Certified Forest & Nature Therapy Guide | ANFT 🫶 Helping you cultivate presence, margin & intentionality in your life. CONNECT WITH JESS →

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