By Wellbeing Psychologist and Nature Therapist Amy Steadman
August is a month of verdancy. The days are hot, the trees are full, and wildflowers are everywhere. Nature’s doing the most right now, and it reminds us: we can lean into that sense of plenty too.
Abundance isn’t just something we see in nature, it’s also a way of thinking, feeling and showing up in our lives. It’s about noticing what’s already here, and appreciating the richness that often goes overlooked.
The Science of Abundance
Abundance isn’t about what you have, it’s about how you see. The abundance mindset is the belief that there is enough: enough time, enough joy, enough opportunity, enough love. This isn’t just optimistic fluff. Studies show that choosing to see abundance leads to greater happiness, resilience and creativity. In fact, our brains are hardwired to reinforce what we believe. When we focus on what’s working, we start seeing more of it. That’s neuroplasticity in action. Rewiring our braids towards positivity.
August gives us the perfect context. Long days mean more natural light, which enhances serotonin, a key hormone in helping us feel calm, motivated and joyful.
Using Nature To Create An Abundance Mindset
- Three Good Things - Nature Edition
Take a walk outside. Notice and write down three beautiful things in nature. Then, write down three good things about your day, and importantly, why they happened. This reflection trains your brain to seek out the positive, reinforcing abundance in the everyday
- Foraging For Beauty
Find something in nature that you find beautiful. Study it. What about it do you find beautiful? Is it the colour, the shape, the memories it brings? Beauty stimulates the same brain regions as romantic love, flooding the system with feel-good chemicals. Now ask yourself, what beauty already exists in your daily life?
- Reframe The Scarcity Mindset
Instead of asking, “What’s next?”, ask, “What’s now?” So much of our dissatisfaction stems from always chasing the future. This month, stay rooted. Notice what’s already flourishing.
Journal Prompts For Abundance Thinking
If anything were possible and you knew you couldn’t fail, what would you do?
What limiting beliefs are holding you back?
Are those beliefs true, or just familiar?
What is the more positive, abundant belief you could adopt?
Let August remind you that you are not behind, you are blooming.
“Plant seeds of happiness, hope, success, and love; it will come back to you in abundance. This is the law of nature.” Steve Maraboli
Amy’s Recommendations This Month
Read: The Serviceberry: An Economy Of Gifts and Abundance by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Watch: The Secret Genius Of Plants
Listen: Practical Positivity podcast by Sophie Cliff
Do: Get some morning sunlight on your skin.
Buy: Waterproof Picnic Blanket from The Great British Blanket Company
