Honour your Connection to Nature
Nature heals.
Research in Environmental Psychology suggests that a simple walk in the woods or a stroll by the beach on a sunny morning can awaken the innermost feelings of happiness and peace.
Our affinity toward nature is genetic and deep-rooted in evolution. For example, have you ever wondered why most people prefer to book accommodations that have a great view from the balcony or the terrace? Why patients who get a natural view from their hospital bed recover sooner than others? Or why does it happen that when stress takes a toll on our mind, we crave time in nature to figure things out?
Staying close to nature, observing all the little and significant elements of it, and appreciating it from the very core, is therapeutic and self-healing.
Even by saying and doing nothing, we can learn so much from connecting to our natural surroundings. It gives us the perspective for healthier living, the motivation to carry on, and the energy to keep trying. For there is no bond more primitive and ingrained in us than our love for nature and nature’s care for us.
““A walk in nature walks the soul back home.””
Today’s Practice - “Nature-bathing”
Fresh air, beautiful scenery, a sense of inner peace — there are so many things to enjoy about spending time in nature. Spending quiet time outdoors during a “nature bath” or enjoying a technology detox in the woods may help boost your immune system and improve your mood
The idea of nature baths comes from a Japanese concept called shinrin-yoku, which means “forest bathing” or “relaxing in a forest atmosphere.” You don’t need to put on your swimsuit or get wet — during a nature bath, you’re “bathing” in the energy and clean air of the woods.
A nature bath isn’t a brisk hike to raise your heart rate, either. It’s more of a calming stroll that helps you take it easy and appreciate the beauty of your surroundings. Think of it like meditation. You’re relaxing and reflecting while improving your focus and immune system in a soothing setting.
Heading out for a forest bath may improve your health in a number of ways. Research and studies from Japan and Korea are starting to show the health effects of this therapy. Nature bathing may:
Focus your mind
Give you more energy
Decrease your blood pressure
Lower your stress and anxiety levels
Boost your immune system and help you recover from an illness faster
Cause your body to produce hormones that help you sleep better
Improve your mood; some study participants reported that their feelings of depression got better after forest bathing
Increase the number of “natural killer” cells in your body, which can find and get rid of cancer cells and bacterial and viral infections
Trees release special compounds into the air called phytoncides. These particles may be partly responsible for the positive effects on blood pressure, natural killer cells, stress and your immune system. Some trees also release a substance called D-limonene, which may decrease inflammation in your body.
How to Take a “Nature Bath”
One of the best things about forest baths is that they’re so easy to take. To practice shinrin-yoku, all you really need to do is be in the presence of trees at a quiet local park or trail system. However, there are a few more steps you can take to get the most from your nature bath.
It’s best if you can leave your tech at home or in the car. Your phone or camera might distract you. Try to focus all your attention on the experience. Remember not to set any goals or have any expectations for the walk. You can stroll anywhere your body leads you. Feel free to wander.
Slow your walking pace and your thoughts as you stroll among the trees. Use your senses to tune into what’s going on directly around you. What does the air smell like? What do you hear? What do the rocks and tree bark feel like? Take slow, deep breaths. Sit down and immerse yourself in nature.
If you head into the forest to bond with friends or family members, enjoy some silent time. See if you can wait until the end of your nature bath to talk about your experiences.
I have a super busy day today so I just went out to my garden to do the practice, feeling the sun and wind on my face and really looking at the beauty of the garden whilst I had my morning tea felt somehow a bit transcendent. Let me know your reflections in the Whatsapp accountability group.
