The Healing Power of Nature

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I am blessed to live in one of the most beautiful areas on earth. Travelers from all over build up their savings to take that trip of a lifetime to Yosemite National Park, just a short drive for me.

When I’m in particular need of healing, the woods is where I go. The sounds of the breeze blowing through the treetops, water tumbling over rocks, the sights and smells of all that surrounds me is soothing. And it is more than that, something that is unseen, unheard that reaches into my soul. When I’m out in the forest, I can just stop thinking, quieting my mind and bringing me peace. As naturalist John Burroughs so aptly said, “I go to nature to be soothed and healed and to have my senses put in order.”

The nurturing effect of nature spans both physical and emotional healing. Numerous studies reveal that within minutes of being outdoors, surrounded by nature, you experience less stress as measured by muscle tension, blood pressure and brain activity. Memory performance and attention span improves by 20% after spending just an hour interacting with nature. And there is a dramatic increase in killer cells, those white blood cells that are vital to your immune system, after just two consecutive days in nature.

More green space builds better, nicer communities with lower rates of crime and violence. Employees with natural views from their work space have increased job satisfaction, better concentration, decreased mental fatigue and lower stress levels. Even hospital patients who can see trees from their rooms recover more quickly and require less pain medication. The benefits of connecting with nature goes on and on.

All this led to my interest in Forest Bathing. The term might bring to mind ideas of sitting in a stream or swimming in a lake, with big trees surrounding you. While that’s not quite what we’re talking about here, it’s really not too far off. Think of the forest itself as your bath, with it’s flora and fauna, wind and water, earth and sky. Forest Bathing is a fully immersive practice, using all your senses to connect more deeply with the surrounding environment. It may or may not include water, just know that’s not a required element of forest bathing, although it does make the experience more enjoyable in my opinion.

A lot has been written about Forest Bathing, but it’s really something you have to experience. I offer Forest Bathing experiences to groups as a way to deeply connect to the forest that I love. Deeper connection leads to deeper appreciation for the land and the environment. If you are interested in your own Forest Bathing experience, more information, including a way to contact me, is available by visiting this link.

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