There’s something magnetic about people who feel most alive under an open sky.
You know the ones—they close their eyes when the wind brushes their face, smile at the first crocus of spring, and seem to know the language of trees.
It’s as if nature whispers something to them that the rest of us are too distracted to hear.
As someone who counts “listening to rivers” as a personality trait, I’ve come to notice that nature lovers tend to share a few quirks.
Traits, really, that set them apart and make their connection to the outdoors not just a pastime, but a way of being.
Let me share what I’ve observed—maybe you’ll recognize a piece of yourself in them too.
1) Deeply attuned to their surroundings
There’s something extraordinary about those who genuinely love nature – they possess an innate ability to connect deeply with their surroundings.
Being in nature isn’t just a casual pastime for these individuals. It’s an opportunity for them to feel rooted, connected, and profoundly alive.
They notice the subtle changes in the environment, like the shifting patterns of leaves in the wind or the gentle murmur of a distant stream.
This heightened awareness doesn’t just apply when they’re outdoors. It carries over into their everyday life. They’re often more perceptive and sensitive to people and situations around them.
The beauty of this trait is that it’s not exclusive. Anyone can cultivate it.
All it takes is a little patience and a willingness to slow down and truly observe the world around you.
The next time you’re in nature, take a leaf out of their book. Pause, breathe, and truly absorb your surroundings. You might just find that it changes your perspective on life.
2) They find tranquility in solitude
I’ve always admired how nature lovers are comfortable with solitude. It’s a trait I’ve noticed in myself too.
Let me share an example. A few years back, I decided to embark on a solo hiking trip. Many of my friends were puzzled.
“Wouldn’t you get lonely?” they asked. But I wasn’t worried about loneliness. In fact, I was looking forward to it.
As I navigated the quiet trails, I found an incredible sense of calm washing over me.
The solitude didn’t feel lonely; it felt liberating. It was just me, the rustle of leaves beneath my feet, and the gentle hum of life in the forest.
It was during this trip that I realized how much I craved these moments of solitude. They offered a space for reflection and introspection – a chance to connect deeply within myself.
This love for solitude is something I’ve seen in many nature lovers.
They see it as an opportunity to disconnect from the noise of the world and reconnect with themselves.
3) They have increased empathy and compassion
People who love nature often tend to have a heightened sense of empathy and compassion.
This extends not only towards their fellow humans but also to the environment and all living creatures.
Yes, it’s nice to appreciate the beauty of a wildflower or feel the thrill of spotting a rare bird. But it’s also important to feel a sense of responsibility towards protecting these natural wonders.
This empathetic bond with nature often leads them to be more environmentally conscious, embracing sustainable habits for the benefit of our planet.
4) They tend to be more physically active
It probably doesn’t come as a surprise that those who love being in nature are often more physically active.
The great outdoors is their gym, their playground.
From hiking steep trails and biking through forest paths to swimming in natural bodies of water, nature enthusiasts find joy in physical activities that connect them with the environment.
This active lifestyle is a way of immersing themselves in the natural world, experiencing it in a deeply personal way.
Additionally, according to psychologists, this love for outdoor activities can lead to a host of health benefits, from improved cardiovascular health to better mental wellbeing.
But for them, the real reward lies in the pure joy of movement within nature’s spectacular canvas.
5) They cherish the simple things in life
One of the most heartfelt traits of those who love nature is their ability to find happiness in the simplest things.
They don’t need grand gestures or expensive possessions to feel fulfilled.
Instead, they find joy in the gentle hum of a bee, the rustle of leaves underfoot, or the surprising sight of a deer crossing their path.
They understand that the greatest treasures in life often aren’t things we can buy, but moments we experience.
A breathtaking sunset, the first bloom of spring, or a quiet moment of solitude in a forest – these are the things they cherish most.
Their love for nature serves as a beautiful reminder for all of us.
In our fast-paced, materialistic world, it’s easy to forget the value of these simple pleasures. But nature lovers teach us to slow down, to appreciate what’s around us, and to find joy in the ordinary.
6) They are resilient in the face of challenges
Resilience is a trait often found in those who have a deep connection with nature. I’ve experienced this firsthand.
A few years ago, I faced a significant setback in my life. It felt as though the ground beneath me had shifted, and I was struggling to regain my balance.
During this time, I sought solace in nature.
I spent hours hiking through trails, sitting by rivers, and just being present in the natural world. The more time I spent outdoors, the more I began to understand nature’s inherent resilience.
Trees continue to reach for the sky despite harsh winds. Flowers bloom again after a harsh winter. Rivers carve their path despite any rocks in their way.
Observing this resilience in nature gave me the strength to navigate my own challenges. It reminded me of my capacity to endure, adapt, and grow from adversity.
This ability to draw strength from nature’s resilience is something I’ve noticed in many nature lovers.
Their affinity for the outdoors seems to fortify their ability to weather life’s storms with grace and resilience.
7) They appreciate the present moment
People who genuinely love being in nature have a unique ability to fully engage with the present moment.
When they are outdoors, they aren’t preoccupied with the past or anxiously anticipating the future.
Instead, they are fully immersed in the ‘here and now’.
Whether they’re marveling at a sunset, listening to the chirping of birds, or feeling the wind against their skin, nature lovers know how to tune into their senses and savor every moment.
This mindfulness helps them cultivate a deep sense of peace and contentment.
This appreciation for the present isn’t just limited to their time spent in nature. It often permeates other aspects of their life, helping them to live more mindfully and enjoy each day fully.
After all, each moment is unique, just like every sunset or every leaf on a tree.
8) They have a deep sense of respect for all life
Perhaps the most defining trait of people who genuinely love being in nature is their profound respect for all forms of life.
They understand that every creature, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of our ecosystems.
This respect goes beyond just admiring the beauty of nature.
It translates into tangible actions such as advocating for conservation, cleaning up after themselves in natural spaces, and educating others about the importance of respecting our environment.
This deep-seated respect for life forms the very foundation of their love for nature.
It’s crucial to acknowledge our responsibility to protect and preserve our planet for future generations. It’s a lesson that all of us can learn from and strive to incorporate into our own lives.
Reflection: Nature’s call is universal
The thing about nature lovers is that they remind us of something we all seem to forget: life is better when you pause to see the patterns on a butterfly’s wings or the way sunlight filters through the trees.
Even if you wouldn’t call yourself an “outdoorsy” type, you can still take a page from their book.
Find a moment to sit on a park bench, walk barefoot in the grass, or just breathe deeply under a big, open sky.
The traits of a nature lover aren’t something you’re born with. Maybe they’re something you grow into, one mindful moment at a time.
So, the next time you hear the rustle of leaves or catch the scent of fresh rain, pay attention.
Nature’s call is always there—you just have to listen.
Neuroscientist reveals a new way to manifest more financial abundance
Breakthrough Columbia study confirms the brain region is 250 million years old, the size of a walnut and accessible inside your brain right now.
