I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order. ~John Burroughs
Human beings crave nature. From gardening, to walking barefoot in the sand or grass, to star gazing & hiking through mountains, so many have found solace in nature for centuries. Realizing & understanding that we are an essential part of this much larger environment supplies us with a sense of wonder, purpose and belonging.
Some of the most memorable and enjoyable times I can remember from my childhood were the ones where I spent them outdoors: on vacation with my family in the Poconos, hiking, gathering rocks, exploring caves & underwater lakes; at Niagara, Canada overlooking the incredible beauty & understanding the power of nature through the waterfall; at the beach in NJ & Florida, sculpting in the sand, gathering seashells and fishing; in my grandparents yard-filled with abundant vegetable gardens, stunning rose beds, delicious cherries and other fruit trees, catching & releasing fireflies in the summer evenings with my brother; and in the creek behind my house, watching frogs & snakes, discovering strange plant life, examining bird nests and even accidentally disrupting an occasional beehive.
These experiences taught me boundaries, and creative problem solving-how to be alone with my thoughts & how to move, play, respect & care for nature. I am grateful for these times and still do my best to walk in the woods and climb the rocks near my home daily. Whenever I am feeling too "plugged in", out of balance and overwhelmed with Life, I retreat to the woods or to the beach. I have done my best to instill these experiences in my children & encourage all parents to do the same for theirs.
There is a strong body of research that tells us direct contact with nature improves mental health as well as psychological and spiritual health. A challenging climb over rocky terrain or a hike through mountains or desert, or turning over & weeding a garden can represent both a physical journey and a journey of self. Spending time by water or in nature's silence helps us find & connect with our own thoughts and feelings, giving us a sense of calm and inner peace. One of my favorite activities to do outside, with my students weather permitting, or alone as the morning sun rises over the hills, is yoga. In fact, just being outdoors with the kids to me is the ultimate yoga - an active, multi-sensory experience that cannot be duplicated in any passive activity, classroom, gym, office, living room or studio.
Stress reduction, coherence, belonging, improved self-confidence, self-discipline & a broader sense of environment are just a few of the positive benefits of playing, exercising, exploring, & moving in & through nature.
However, with a shortage of open spaces, extended work schedules, fear of "stranger-danger", limited outdoor playtime due to homework and after school programs, coupled with winter weather, a deteriorating environment and a culture of people preoccupied with technology, our American life is highlighted by a disconnect with the world around us caused by a deprivation of exposure to natural surroundings. There are many reasons to make a concentrated effort to make 'outdoors' a part of our every day life.
The top reason is Stress Reduction. More than 100 research studies have shown that regular exposure to outdoor activities & recreation reduces stress. By observing the ever-changing environments of nature, we can cultivate a positive attitude, renew energy, improve mindfulness and sensory awareness. In the words of renowned naturalist and essayist John Burroughs (1837-1921),
"I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.
Natural spaces stimulate our imaginations, especially children's imaginations and creativity. Playing outdoors enhances sensory integration, cognitive flexibility, problem-solving ability, and self-discipline. In spite of these benefits, there was a decline of 50 percent in the number of children ages 9 to 12 who spent time doing outside activities like hiking, walking, and playing at the beach from 1997 to 2003. A survey from Hofstra University revealed that while 70 percent of mothers reported playing outdoors every day when they were young, only 31 percent of their children do. Fifty-six percent of mothers reported that, when they were children, they stayed outside for three hours at a time or longer, compared with only 22 percent of their children currently.
For many children, quality playtime outdoors has been replaced by televisions and computers indoors. Sadly, many children under the ages of 7 spend an average of 2 hours a day with electronic media, and youth between the ages of 8 and 18 spend about of 6.5 hours a day with electronic media, totaling more than 45 hours a week.
Scientists & health care providers now recognize the therapeutic benefits of nature for treating conditions such as depression & attention disorders. In a UK study released in April 2007, a majority of people with mental health disorders reported that taking a "green walk" decreased their depression (71%), reduced their tension (50%), and increased their self-esteem (90%). Researchers at the University of Illinois have shown that the greener a child's everyday environment, the more manageable their symptoms of attention-deficit disorder.
In nature, we also learn that challenge is actually the opportunity to improve oneself, develop an inner focus & sense of control, and build confidence. We learn to trust our innate ability to overcome both expected and unexpected obstacles and to appreciate that things work out even if we aren't in complete control. We learn to cope with whatever comes our way, which in turn builds confidence, self-reliance and achievement. For this reason, many parents are choosing wilderness camps and other similar programs to help their troubled teens.
Adolescence, is a volatile period of self-discovery. For some who may exhibit opposition/defiance, experimentation, poor school performance, drug/alcohol abuse & other at-risk behaviors, its an ideal time to discover the lessons in nature. When a teen is placed in a wilderness experience, they leave their family, their familiar community and environment and roles they have adopted, to try out new roles & learn & apply new skills. This allows a chance to develop a new self-image, a new way of relating to others and new ways to respond to the challenges of daily life.
Getting kids outside increases their exposure to sun & natural production of vitamin D which is vital for growth & development. We receive almost 90% of our vitamin D from the sun as it is nearly impossible to get an adequate amount from food and vitamins alone.
Vitamin D helps us absorb protein associated with regulating blood pressure, utilize calcium for bone development, control digestive function, neuro- muscular and immune function, and reduction of inflammation. Strong evidence also indicates that vitamin D plays a role in the prevention of some forms of cancer, diabetes, hypertension, glucose intolerance, multiple sclerosis and many other medical conditions.
Studies show that nature even in small & simple forms, such as a small fish tank or bowl, a plant on the desk at work or trees in front of an apartment window have significant benefits to help reduce stress, improve outlook, enhance coping skills, spark creativity and develop self-discipline.
Although quality time in nature may be a challenge to arrange, the numerous benefits overwhelmingly compel us to try harder to make the time. We are not here to passively watch or merely connect to nature,
we are nature. We belong there.
Got Nature? I encourage you to get some now.
Fore more information on School, camp & Family Spring & Summer Outdoor Yoga programs please contact us:
barbara@bodylogique.com
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