Here we are in this global pandemic, restricted in so many ways – from our work, travel, socializing, exercise and even in the ability to do our daily errands. It is no wonder that so many of us are stressed, felling isolated, with mental and emotional well-being at an all-time low.
We are all hoping that everything will “go back to normal”, while at the same time watching figures of infections increasing to depressing levels. The vaccine is here, but it is not available to everyone. So what is there to do in the meantime? How can we heal ourselves with so much disharmony everywhere?
Be in nature.
Nature has a profound effect on our mental and emotional health.
Richard Louv, author of “Last Child in the Woods” writes about what he calls Nature-Defecit Disorder.
Louv explains that engaging oneself close to nature boosts human physical, mental, and spiritual health. That spending time in nature is a proven remedy for addressing stress, mental and emotional illness. An easy stroll, a little picnic or just sitting down in the middle of a park or any green space has tremendous effects. It helps lower stress, and improves blood pressure simply through the sensation of fresh air and greenery. This experience of calm slows down the activation of the nervous system’s arousal, boosting our immune response naturally. Without our realizing it, nature has the energy and power that penetrates to our inner selves, lifting our spirits and healing us physically and emotionally.
Nature has the power to heal and cleanse.
It creates human awareness and connections that align our spiritual health and fills the mind with deeper insights into life. It has a powerful therapeutic effect that no one can explain. The unassuming act of touching a tree, appreciating the beauty of a flower or breathing fresh, crisp air all put the mind and spirit in a state of peace and serenity.
According to EJ Milner-Gulland of Oxford University, “ the well-being of our nature, well-being of our wildlife and the well-being of our environment including humans well-being are all interconnected, the key is to harmonious tune in to our environment. It is important therefore to practice self-respect and offer respect to nature to achieve the ultimate wonders of our nature. It provides all aspect of human needs and it does not think of any harm. But as a reminder, the moment that humans abused its richness, nature doesn’t have any other option but to create his way to stop all negative action causing harm to its purest state.”
For some however, access to parks and nature reserves may still be inaccessible. But we can still be creative and bring nature into our homes. Perhaps placing a small plant in your apartment, or spending more time in your backyard gardening or reading a book outside in the fresh air. Little steps like these create a big positive impact as it refines our perception and revitalizes us.
This pandemic brought our lives to a standstill, but we shouldn’t forget that we still have the natural world around us. The world is healing, and once completed it will be available again for us to enjoy in its perfect state. This is the time to re-connect with nature and start to heal.
