Does bonding happen naturally? For example, how do the bonds in NaCl form?

I understand that the elements need to obtain an octet structure to become more stable, by either accepting or losing electrons.

In NaCl, from my understanding, the sodium atom loses an electron and gives it to the chlorine atom, in turn gaining a +1 charge and then causing chlorine to have a -1 charge.

The new compound formed is NaCl. How does it form ? Do i need to place the respective atoms close to each other? What is needed to them to bond? Also, what is needed for bonding for other types such as covalent and metalic? Does it happen naturally ?
The collision theory aims to explain how reactions happen.

In the theory, when the particles of the suitable reactant collide with each other, the particles with the right conditions (orientation, velocity, etc.) will react and form new chemical elements.

It is quite difficult to form $\ce{NaCl}$ from sodium metal and chlorine gas alone. If you have to produce $\ce{NaCl}$ from sodium metal and chlorine gas (which you would not), you would do it in an aqeuous environment:

$$\ce{Na(s) + H2O(l) -&gt; NaOH(aq) + H2(g) ^}$$
$$\ce{Cl2(g) + H2O(l) -&gt; HCl(aq) + HOCl(aq)}$$
$$\ce{NaOH(aq) + HCl(aq) -&gt; NaCl(aq) + H2O}$$

But in this method $\ce{NaOCl}$ is produced as a side product, so I do not recommend using this method.