Living in Harmony with Nature: A Sacred Life Without Religion

Hello, this is Seri 🌸

Shinto Buddhism and Christianity were part of my life but today, I don’t consider myself religious.

Growing up in Kobe, surrounded by the sea, the mountains, and the quiet presence of shrines nestled in everyday corners, I always felt something sacred in the air. Something tender.

Shinto has never been about strict rules for me, it’s a feeling, a way of seeing.

I’ve always believed that nature is alive, that the wind carries whispers, that even old objects can hold memories.

While I don’t follow rituals every day, the spirit of Shinto is woven gently into how I live: in the way I notice seasons, offer thanks, and walk mindfully.

You don’t need to be deeply religious or visit shrines to live in harmony with nature in a way inspired by Shinto and Buddhist principles.

Here are ways you can cultivate a spiritual connection with nature in daily life:

Seeing Nature as Alive & Sacred (Like Kami).☘️

Treat trees, rivers, and even small plants as living beings rather than just objects.

Greet nature in your own way, when you see a beautiful tree, acknowledge it in your heart.

Avoid harming nature unnecessarily (e.g., be mindful of waste, avoid picking flowers mindlessly).

Practicing Seasonal Awareness. 🍂🌸☀️

In Japan, people celebrate the beauty of each season (e.g., hanami for cherry blossoms, momiji for autumn leaves).

Notice how nature changes around you : watch the sky, the way the wind moves, the sounds of birds.

Follow seasonal rituals, like enjoying warm teas in winter, light meals in summer, or changing home decorations with the seasons.

Living with Simplicity & Gratitude (Buddhist Influence).

Japanese Zen Buddhism teaches wabi-sabi (侘寂) appreciating imperfection and transience.

Keep your surroundings simple and harmonious, without excess clutter.

Use natural materials (wood, stone, plants) in your home. 🪵

Mindful & Respectful Interaction with Nature. 🌼

When walking in nature, walk slowly, feel the earth under your feet, and listen to the wind and animals.

Collect fallen leaves or flowers instead of plucking them.

If you take something from nature (even just a rock), offer a moment of gratitude in return.

Daily Rituals Inspired by Nature. 💦

Water Purification (Misogi - 禊) : Splashing water on your hands/face in the morning as a symbolic cleansing.

Lighting incense or candles to create a peaceful space.

Growing plants or a small garden (even indoors) to care for something alive.

Respecting the “Flow” of Nature (Buddhist Mujo 無常 & Shinto Harmony).

Accept that everything changes : like the seasons, life flows and shifts. 🍂☀️🌨️

Don't resist change too much; instead, move with it, like water flowing around rocks.

Find beauty in temporary things flowers that bloom and fade, old objects that carry history.

Walking a “Sacred Path” in Daily Life.

Shinto has sacred forests and paths (like Kumano Kodo), but you can create your own sacred walks.

Choose a place (a park, a river, a tree-lined street) and walk there mindfully.

Imagine that this walk is your own personal shrine visit, even if it’s just a quiet moment in a garden.

Silence & Inner Peace (Buddhist Influence). 🐦

Take moments of silence daily, listen to nature without distractions.

Meditate under a tree, near water, or just in your room with a plant nearby.

Practice deep breathing, feeling connected to the world around you.

Appreciating the "Spirits" of Everyday Objects.

In Shinto, even objects can have a “spirit” (Tsukumogami 付喪神). Treat your belongings with respect.

Instead of throwing things away carelessly, thank them (like the Japanese tradition of thanking broken items).

Eating Mindfully & With Gratitude.

Shinto and Buddhism encourage eating with awareness and gratitude.

Before eating, take a moment to mentally thank the farmers, the earth, the rain, and the sun.

Prefer simple, natural foods when possible. 🥕🥗

Conclusion: Becoming One with Nature Without Religion.

You don’t have to follow rituals strictly to live in harmony with nature. Instead, you can embrace:

✔ Respect for nature as something sacred and alive

✔ Awareness of seasonal changes and the flow of life

✔ Gratitude & Simplicity in how you live and interact with the world

Even in a city, you can find nature in small ways : watching the sky, feeling the wind, keeping a small plant, or taking slow, mindful walks.

Living with nature is not about going to shrines, but about how you see and feel the world around you. 🌿✨

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