The Potentiality

John Horn's Website for Community Builders

Adaptability Haikus

A Being in Nature Haiku

Connective nature.

Peaceful replenishing here.*

Get outside today.

– A being in nature haiku that reflects how getting outside, especially within trees and near water, improves physical and mental health.

*Take nature walks

Trees solve pretty much every problem on Earth. The previous sentence isn’t even that hyperbolic. Renowned environmentalist, David Suzuki, suggests that taking a daily nature walk not only makes us care more about saving the natural world, but also improves our wellbeing, too: “Research shows time outdoors can reduce stress and attention deficit disorder; boost immunity, energy levels and creativity; increase curiosity and problem-solving ability; improve physical fitness and co-ordination; and even reduce the likelihood of developing near-sightedness!”

Robin Sharma builds vitality with a daily nature walk protocol: “It’s sort of my creative forest. There’s not a lot of people in there, and I walk for one hour. I breathe in the air. I look at the lush scenery. I listen to a different audiobook. It’s almost like a walking meditation as well. Sometimes I don’t listen to an audio book and I just walk.”

Regardless of how we approach our time in nature, the science is clear that a walk in the park or the woods leaves us feeling happier, healthier, and more productive.

John Horn is the Founder and Principal of Potentiality Consulting. Over the past 25 years, John has helped leaders reach their community-building potential, bringing a unique professional, intelligent and edutaining style to his seminars, presentations and essays. John applies his talents as a senior people and culture leader, coach (from youth athletes to executives), DIGITAL Canada Advisor, and as an advocate for career development, rare diseases (EPP), and building healthy communities. John lives in Victoria with his wife (who is her own person) and two kids - he loves exploring neighbourhoods via bicycle and making friends through basketball, boardgames, and conversations over coffee.