Where I Found Nature in the City of Boston

One does not have to live near the mountains or forest to find nature. On my recent trip to Boston, I used intentional noticing to see nature in unexpected places. Nature is not only vital to our environment and providing us natural services (aka the air we breathe, the compost we grow food with, pollinating plants that we eat…), they also provide us with a mindful check-in. A break. A respite from our busy lives. Check out the pics!

I loved the gritty street art of the sea, sky and clouds on this utility box.

I took this pic from the parking garage, but when I drove by, I saw that it was a community garden amongst the hustle and bustle of the busy city. There were various plants, signage explaining what the plants were, and even a cute bird house.

Nature finding a way…seeping from the concrete toward the light. If you were to get closer, you would likely find insects thriving off of these plants.

I loved this rooftop garden!

If we are busy, or not paying attention, or appreciating, we may take this river for granted. It serves as a moment to breathe and supports a whole underwater ecosystem we can’t see.

A window view from one of the tall buildings in the city. Seeing the clouds, the river, the green park was a nice break from the urban landscape.

I happened to stumble across this fun mural inside a building I was in…what a surprise! When you cannot find nature, you can create (or even imagine) it.

I spy this plant amongst the harsh shapes of the buildings…

I love how the reflection of the clouds and sky in the windows of the tall buildings look like a continuation of the sky.

Finding art and expression in unexpected places is also fun and uplifting.

Now check out these two fun videos of birds at the harbor!