Summer Solstice Reflections

Surrounded by nature, fresh mountain air, sounds of rivers and streams, with majestic snow covered mountain peaks in the distance... This is the beauty of nature, the gift we all have at our finger tips, our home, where we come from, this beautiful earth.

Growing up in the country, no one had to tell me to get outside, we stayed outside as long as we could. We would wonder around the woods, tumble and run barefoot in the grass, dig in the dirt, and climb trees. Nature was our playground.

Now, living in an urban area where everyone is hustling to get to and from, I find myself feeling the pull back to nature, towards the green spaces, the water, the trees, and the fresh air.

I make a point of walking to the lake near my home or taking a short drive to the Redwood Regional Park or other parks and beaches in the beautiful Bay Area. Once out in nature, I feel instantly more at peace, relaxed, joyful, and even find myself breathing more deeply. Rarely will I walk by someone who isn’t smiling and looking peaceful and joyful when walking around or relaxing out in the park.

Connecting with nature helps you connect with yourself and God/ the Universe. When you’re finding it difficult to get out of your head, feeling worried, sad, anxious, or lonely, stepping into nature and onto the earth is one of the best ways to ground down into your body and gain perspective.

There is more and more scientific evidence proving the healing powers of nature.
According to a blog article in Sonoma County Regional Park, “Being active in nature can help fight chronic diseases, relieve stress and depression, promote faster healing, stronger immune systems, and more.”

Research is showing that “contact with nature affects us, mentally and physically, right down to our cells.” While many of us nature lovers know this intuitively, it helps to have the science backing it up and hopefully more people will be inspired to get outdoors and enjoy this beautiful earth.

In Japan, people are prescribed “forest bathing” to help with stress that is common in the everyday lives of pretty much everyone these days and is especially helpful for those living in cities. This practice of mindfulness involving the five senses (sight, smell, touch, sound, taste), helps to produce a sense of ease and joy. We can all benefit from taking 15-20 minutes a day to go to a park, sit in the grass, under a tree, and to just be present within nature.

Nature intertwines with all of the 8 Essentials to Optimal Wellness and (in my opinion) is the foundation to human health and wellbeing. Eat from the Earth; Exercise outdoors or take walks in nature for physical and mental health benefits; Decrease stress and anxiety by spending time outdoors in nature; Have fun playing outside with your friends/kids/animals; Sit on the earth and pray or meditate and feel instantly connected to source energy; escape from the smog and hustle and bustle of the city and get into the forest to breathe in some fresh air.

Nature is free and accessible source of healing to just about everyone, take advantage, respect, and cherish this gift. Get outside and feel yourself expand and your health elevate to an optimal state of being!