The Benefits of Reconnecting with Nature and the Earth Do you remember the last time you sat in your yard and noticed the flowers or the trees that you pass by everyday, or even the birds and animals busy with their day to day activities? It is easy to miss the beauty of nature around us when living in the city, driving in traffic, struggling to pay the bills, and then coming home to de-stress from the day with some form of media. We spend more and more money every day on medications for insomnia, blood pressure, anxiety and depression and more, not aware of the possibility that just turning off the TV or computer and going outside can be the cure of many of our ailments. The research suggests that this disconnect with nature and its elements may be a major contributor to physiological dysfunction and psychological imbalances. Studies show that being out in nature contributes to relaxation and an increased sense of well-being, restoration of mental clarity, physical health and healing, decreased recovery time from surgery, and decreased A.D.D. and A.D.H.D. symptoms in children. They also show that walking barefoot or sitting on the earth has benefits too common disorders including sleep disorders, pain and inflammation, chronic stress, and cardiovascular disease. There are many gems that nature has to offer us, including herbal medicine. Herbs have been used for thousands of years and most of the time the most beneficial herbs for us are usually growing in our own back yard. Go ahead and try the free and simple medicine experiencing nature has to offer and notice the difference in your health and wellbeing. Take 20 minutes a day, as many days a week, and just sit outside or walk barefoot on the grass, go to a local park and sit next to a tree, or even go for a hike in the mountains. Notice the plants around you; you never know what medicinal qualities they may have to offer you. References: Journal of Environmental and Public HealthVolume 2012 (2012), Article ID 291541, 8 pages doi:10.1155/2012/291541 Psychological Benefits of Nature Experiences: An Outline of Research and Theory With Special Reference to Transpersonal Psychology John Davis, Ph.D. http://www.johnvdavis.com/ep/Psy%20benefits%20of%20n%207-04.pdf
