Wow thank you Emma for your lovely piece. I was blessed reading it. I love nature as well, there is something very satisfying about enjoying it like you say, being in the present moment. I love how you call it "nourishing" as opposed to craving food to fill a void in the soul. Your explanation of possible reasons we have for not being present rings with clarity and resonates with the little girl inside of me me... escapism... from situations I didn't know how to handle. Supressing my emotions, leading me to become indifferent to both difficult and enjoyable situations. Protection, like you say.
But I'm glad that like you, I'm becoming more accepting of the present.

You cite food, alcohol, or medication, and retreating in one's thoughts or imagination... I think watching screens also makes us absent to the real world. I see it in my 10 year old son when he plays games on the phone. He's in another world. One where he may think he has more control, and rewards. I hope he will realize, that though we may not be able to control everything as we would like, there are still many rewards for allowing ourselves to be aligned with the present...