A few weeks ago I covered the windows of my home with blankets to keep the blazing summer sun out. L.A. in the summer is a concrete jungle and last week it was 112 in Los Angeles.
It got so hot the leaves burned and died on the trees. The ground was covered with dead leaves. It’s times like these I need to get out of town and get back to nature.
Being in nature is healing and helps us get back to our essence. We find ourselves feeling grounded in nature, calmer in nature, and more in touch with out authentic core in nature. Perhaps this is because nature has a timeless element.
Personally, I feel happiest and most alive in nature.
The ocean provides comforting rhythms as the tides roll in and out as they’ve been doing for thousands of years.
Mountain peaks and ancient forests give a sense of something greater than ourselves and the depressing news headlines of the day.
The smell of pine needles and the trickle of water from creeks or the rush of water as it flows down a river can lull us into a sweet peace. Many of us are able to relax and breathe easier in the wilds of nature, than in the controlled chaos of urban environments.
One reason for this is that the air in the mountains, at the beach, or near waterfalls also is filled with negative ions, odorless, tasteless molecules, that according to health writer, Denise Mann, are thought to “produce biochemical reactions that increase levels of the mood chemical serotonin, helping to alleviate depression, relieve stress, and boost our daytime energy.” [1] Thus, we can retreat to nature, with its anti-depressant qualities, to sort out what’s really important in our lives and allow ourselves to connect with our untamed hearts.
There are many reasons we feel calmer in natural settings. Nature is beautiful. Natural landscapes are easy on the eyes. The verdant green of the plants and trees, the colorful swatches of flowers, the healing energy in the rocks, and the glistening water makes us feel good. We experience the perfection of the Divine creation which can help us remember our own perfection. We also tend to slow down in nature and begin tapping into our own natural rhythms and pace.
If you’re feeling disconnected from yourself take a minimum of at least thirty minutes in a natural setting, preferably one that has a maximum of nature and a minimum of other people.
If you are in a time of serious soul searching or at a crossroads and need to make some big decisions, spend some significant time in nature. This will allow you to come back to yourself and get clarity on any challenges you are facing and make more grounded decisions.
[1] Negative Ions Create Positive Vibes, Denise Mann, WebMD