“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity; and that mountain parks and reservations are useful not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life.”  John.Muir

Why is it that so many humans are so removed from nature?  We are so distracted, seemingly uncomfortable with our emotions, seeking instead that next dopamine hit from that social media ‘like’, or some other technology stroke that tells us we’re ok.

We got distracted-

Being disconnected from nature is referred to as Nature Deficit Disorder, (as coined by Richard Louv, author of ‘Last Child in the Woods’ and ‘The Nature Principle’), and has led to a multitude of behavioral and mental health problems.  We have become so far removed that it really is negatively affecting our health and wellbeing, as well as care of our planet.

These distractions keep us from being present, and many have gone so far as to keep us from stepping out into the natural world (always being ‘connected’ to tech). We often don’t take time to observe ourselves, find real meaning, and just breathe in life.

Yet, we are drawn to nature.  Humans have been drawn to, or found solace from, nature for centuries.

Jo looking out from outcrop

Nature really is a Necessity-

Being in nature is really a necessity.  It’s not about how many miles you can do, or how fast, or even actually reaching a destination. It really is about deepening into and connecting with the land, the natural world, and ourselves.  How can we tap into these fountains of life?

The Japanese call this connection to nature ‘forest bathing’, or shinrin-yoku (which means ‘to bring in the forest’), and it is the essence of being in nature, what us nature-connection coaches just call real nature connection. It is a practice of soaking in the natural surroundings, being in and with all aspects of ourselves in a naturally supportive environment. Being mindful in nature allows us to tap into our inherent wisdom and access a deeper connection to ourselves & the world.

By getting out in nature, we can bring ourselves into more balance, relax those over-worked nerves, and get a new perspective on life.  Get out of the past or the future, and really experience just being here, NOW.  Moving at whatever speed is appropriate, including no speed.

Time in nature is good for the body and the mind.  Even just 10 minutes can make a difference in our biometrics – blood pressure lowers as do stress hormones and pulse rate, and a review published in the journal Environmental Research revealed that exposure to green space can could potentially reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death, stress and high blood pressure.

 

 

Benefits of being in Nature-

There are so many benefits from slowing down and being in nature.  These include-

  • Stress reduction
  • Increases mental health
  • Improves psychological wellbeing
  • Heightens awareness
  • Helps us find meaning and purpose
  • Reduces depression and anxiety
  • Attunement to a calmer way of being

 

Being in Nature…
  • Just 15 minutes in nature could decrease blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels
  • Living closer to green spaces, people are healthier
  • Nature reminds us of harmony, balance, beauty, to slow down. With time, we can attune to this calm yet alert state (Alpha waves at 7.8hz)
  • Patients with a view onto nature spent less time in the hospital, are generally happier and required less pain meds
  • Doctors are starting to prescribe nature time-improve mood, treat anxiety, stress and depression
  • Research confirms direct contact with nature increases mental health as well as psychological and spiritual development

For our health and wellbeing, time in nature is a necessity.  We evolved from and are part of nature.  We will go back to nature.  In nature, we can rest, restore, and replenish our minds and spirits.

What do you need to connect?

What do you need to do to add a bit of nature into your life?  Why would this be important to you?  How might that make a difference in how you relate to everything else?

How can you really experience ‘being’ in nature?

Suggestions on how to really get connected-
  • Get outside- slow down and use your all your senses
  • Look at something natural, really look & observe
  • Even inside- i.e. a plant, view outside, photo
  • Use your imagination- i.e. a memory, or mental vacation

Nature heals.  If we would only make the time. Our lives, and wellbeing, depend on it.

 

“We require restorative experiences after constant focus- includes sensation to get away, effortless fascination with natural surroundings, and sense being connected to a larger world.” Steven Kaplan, Attention Restoration Theory