I love watching my dog play in my backyard. It amazes me every time she decides to lay on the grass. In those moments I wish that she could talk and tell me why she loves laying in the grass. I know that the answer is simple, she loves being close to nature. This week was National Earth Day and well I didn’t hear much about it. This puzzled me with all of the scientific evidence of Climate Change. I did my part by flooding my Social Media with Earth Day Posts.
One of my favorite job responsibilities when I worked in Mental Health facilities was to take my clients outside and trips to outdoor venues. Within about 20 minutes I could see a physical and emotional reaction to them spending time in nature. They were being nurtured and filled with an organic experience. Pure natural energy lifted their spirits and allowed them to feel a sense of peace.
My question for you is “How do You Connect with Nature?” There are two types of Therapy that I would like to discuss with you today my friends, Tree Therapy and Nature Therapy. Yes, as you might be shaking your head these are actual forms of Therapy. Individuals who do not spend enough time in nature will suffer from Nature Deficit Disorder. Let’s take a deep dive into the benefits of nature and how it is a form of Therapy.
Tree Therapy may not be a part of your vocabulary but I bet you have heard of the term Tree Huggers. I mean what does that actually mean and why would you want to Hug a Tree? The act of hugging a tree is to place your arms around the trunk of the tree and to place your cheek against the tree. I actually tried this when I visited the Muir Woods Park many years ago. Tree Therapy is basically spending time with the trees. Forest Bathing is the act of spending time in a forest for an extended amount of time. Walking, looking at the trees, stopping to spend time in one area and to allow all five senses to be activated. According to National Geographic this is how the term Forest Bathing evolved, “The Japanese quickly embraced this form of Ecotherapy. In the 1990’s, researchers began studying the physiological benefits of forest bathing, providing the science to support what we innately know: time spent immersed in nature is good for us. While Japan is credited with the term shinrin-yoku, the concept at the heart of the practice is not new. Many cultures have long recognized the importance of the natural world to human health.”
Science has proven that spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature will have a measured physical and psychological effect on our bodies. Let me share some of the benefits you will experience when practicing Tree Therapy, Nature Therapy and or Forest Bathing.
1. Lowers your blood pressure 7. This time spent gives your brain a chance to
2. Improves your mood relax.
3. Stress reducer 8. Increases your life span
4. Improves your Immune System 9. Improves your memory
5. Increases your energy levels 10. Decreases Anxiety
6. Your sleep patterns will improve 11. Decreases symptoms of Depression
There are many articles out there that state that Nature Therapy has increased the focus level in individuals who have ADHD and has helped individuals recover from surgery faster. Almost sounds like a magic potion that is right outside or a short distance away from where you live or work. There are even meditation courses that take you into a forest or a green space to participate in a meditative state in these environments. I want you to keep in mind that Tree Therapy, Forest Bathing or Nature Therapy is not accomplished in spending five minutes in these environments. It is imperative that you spend at least 20 minutes in these glorious places.
“How do You Connect with Nature?” Let me refer back to the time I mentioned when I visited the Muir Woods, yes, the time I hugged a tree. It truly has had a lasting effect on me and serves as a reminder of how important it is for me to practice Nature Therapy. I stood there in the middle of these Tree Giants. If you have never seen a red wood forest, look it up, they literally are giants. I stood there on a path that led me to a place where I was standing underneath these giants. I looked up and was amazed how these redwood trees touched the sky. There was a smell that radiated from the trees. The leaves swayed in the wind and I could hear them as they rustled. I had the urge to go up to one of the trees to wrap my arms around the trunk as far as I could. I placed my cheek against the tree as well. I stood there like that for at least five minutes. You might have thought that I felt awkward standing like that, but it was just the opposite. I began to feel like I was in a meditative state. I then walked through the forest on the path that was provided for us. Immersed in the beauty of the Redwood Forest. The point came where the trail brought me back to where I started, which meant it was time to leave. I physically couldn’t bring myself to leave for some time. I felt that I truly stepped into some kind of alternate universe that provided me with peace, calm, decreased anxiety, feeling emotionally lighter. I was healed in a way that I can’t until this day put my finger on. It was pure Forest Bathing, Nature Therapy or Tree Therapy. I experienced the true impact that these therapies can have on our bodies and mind.
“How do You Connect with Nature?” I know that I have asked you this question a few times now my friends. I really want you to ask yourself this question and be honest with yourself. I challenge you to go out and connect with nature. It costs no money, it only costs you your time. Time well spent with yourself and nature. Once you have chosen where you are going to have this Nature Therapy, allow for enough time to spend in that environment. Remember, to have a lasting effect you must spend a total of two hours a week in nature for the full effect. The task that I want you to complete while there is to ignite your five senses, Touch, Taste, Sight, Sound and Smell. If you activate your five senses by consciously acknowledging them, you will be fully immersed in Nature Therapy.
I know I am asking a lot of you. I mean who has the time to go out and spend 20 minutes in pure nature. Running and going non-stop is more important and feeling exhausted emotionally and physically at the end of the week. Come on my friends, this is a simple form of Therapy that you can incorporate into your weekly routines. I won’t accept any excuses from you. Take the time now to schedule in some time this week for Nature Therapy. Identify where you are going to go or research a new natural place to visit. Check the weather report to make sure what the temperature and weather will be like so that you can be comfortable during your time spent there. My friends, the ball is in your court. I just provided with a form of Therapy that is simplistic and easy to accomplish, you just have to DO IT!
GO OUT AND EXPLORE ALL OF THE WIDE OPEN SPACES IN YOUR WORLD
POSITIVE THOUGHTS CREATE POSITIVE ENERGY
CIAO
ILISE
GO TO MY PODCAST AND LISTEN AND EVOLVE WITH ME
