Sustainable Development Solutions reposted this
"It's not so much that nature heals us, but our disconnection from nature that makes us sick". The beautiful willow tree in the photo is where I go and lie under when I feel stressed, a bit sad, just out of sorts or even in need of a little inspiration. Naturally grounding while also looking up into the vast canopy of the swaying tree and hearing the symphony of subtle sounds at play all around is deeply calming and tends to bring my mind back to the present moment. It's as if we can reconnect with the true essence of our world, not the superficial overlay we have increasingly created. With that reconnection time slows and life just is. There is so much at play when we are present in nature, where by direct skin contact with the earth’s surface we are tapping into a natural and therapeutic energy source. By connecting directly to the earth, our bodies can freely absorb free electrons - an amazing source of antioxidants that benefit our health and wellbeing and reduce stress. Just the close proximity of trees can profoundly impact our well-being, fortify our immune system, reduce stress and enhance mental and physical health. It's no coincidence the likes of Plato and Aristotle did their best thinking wandering the ancient olive groves, while Buddha is said to have found enlightenment sat beneath a Bodhi tree. In countries such as Japan, forest bathing or Shinrin Yoku is now regularly prescribed as a treatment for all sort of mental and physical conditions. Patients being sent to forests clinics and sent to ground barefoot with the healing aspects of the forest and nature. Sound can play an important aspect too. Our senses are on constant but unconscious alert. This is partly hereditary, going back to a time when we were much more in tune with our senses for feedback on safety and danger. When birds sing it's because they feel safe in their environment, when they stops it's because something isn't right or safe. Subconsciously we have evolved with this and are aware of the unseen meaning - when the bird's sing our nervous system eases into a parasympathetic state as we also feel safe within our environment and we can relax and unwind. Having daily contact with some aspect of nature - such as a willow tree can make all the difference to daily health and wellbeing. #biodiversity #miyawakimethod #restoration #reforestation #nature #naturebasedsolutions #permaculture #regen #regenerative #syntropic #gaia #shinrinyoku #forestbathing #forest