Nature Time
Well Being Through Nature:
Julie Catterson Lindahl in “On My Swedish Island: Discovering the secrets to scandinavian well-being”, describes several keys to living well - all of them dependent on our relationship with nature. Julie asks, what is well-being? And, she defines it from her own perspective as a once jet-set American learning to live and love life on a Swedish island. “Well-being is a process and is dependent on our way of living.”
I am daily fascinated by the play of nature. Robert Louv states “nature is reflected in our capacity for wonder.” Robert is the author of Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder,” where he not only describes the dangers to our health and to humanity of not being in nature, but also inspires us to connect with nature in creative and new ways; to allow nature to calm, focus and excite our senses.
Researchers, artists, nature-lovers and connected human beings agree that many aspects of well-being can be cultivated through spending time in nature.
Well-being is about being in nature: Being in nature requires direct experience. We, as humans are not separate from our natural world. Inviting time to explore this world helps us remember our own truths, and keeps us connected in a way that is vital to our own health and to the health of our planet. Neurological science has shown that when we spend time in a beautiful natural environment, our brain waves slow down, we produce more alpha waves, synonymous with oxytocin production, relaxation, decreased blood pressure, improved circulation, lower cortisol levels, better digestion and improved healing.
Well-being is about the creativity that nature can inspire: Creativity is an expression of well-being. We are drawn to collect a beautiful flower, an interesting rock or an intricate leaf. Humans are inherently creative beings and time in nature allows for us to express creativity in ways which hold the capacity for self - healing and the healing of our communities.
Well-being is about the inner sanctum that nature can inspire in each person: Our inner sanctum is the place we can breathe, think and feel a strong sense of balance. Our inner sanctum is touching in to our very essence. Creating and nurturing our inner sanctum allows us to share peace and well-being with others. Our lives are frenetic, interrupted by cell phones, to-do lists, television, images that tell us how to be or act. However, when we stand on the river bank, gaze at the mountain peak, or even examine the tiniest petal, we are reminded that we are part of a greater whole. In the expanse of nature, our center becomes more clear.
Well-being is about the intimacy that experiencing nature together and alone offers: Just as important as developing and cultivating a healthy inner sanctum is also cultivating intimacy and health relationships. Humans are inherently communal beings. Being out in nature together provides for a certain intimacy necessary for well-being. Experiencing the wind, rain, sun, rocks and trees allows your senses to be awakened and connects us to one another through shared experience, through a collaborative wonder, delight, and reliance on one another.
It is vital to our well-being that we and our children play outdoors, daily if possible. A walk with attention to the trees, the plants, the breeze on your face, the rabbit frolicking across a lawn, a lizard doing pushups on the sidewalk; playing in the park; jumping in the ocean; a hike in the desert; a wander through the forest; skiing in the mountains; dancing in the rain; simply taking a moment in our lunch hour to step outside, to breathe; planting a garden or even a simple plant on our balcony; watching the birds as they sing and play in the morning light; climbing a tree; cherishing fresh food at a farmers market; each and every one bringing us closer to our world and closer to ourselves - often simple and truly vital means to cultivating a thriving life.
May your nature experiences be truly inspiring!
Dr Amy