Green scene

“Nature itself is the best physician.” 
- Hippocrates
 
I just returned from the green hills, pristine swimming holes and lush forests of the Northern Rivers. Feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. 

Have you ever felt more alive and revived after spending time in nature? Walking on the warm earth, swimming in the sea, soaking up the sun, enjoying a clifftop view and gazing skyward. These are all exhilarating experiences of what Henry David Thoreau termed, “the tonic of wildness.” We’re all born biophiliacs, or nature lovers, inextricably dependant on nature’s elements - earth, water, fire, air and ether. This affiliation may get tenuous as we spend extended time in artificial enclosures such as cars and buildings, but our biological bond with nature’s abundant energy is omnipresent. Nature constantly calls us to reconnect and recharge.
 
When we’re deprived of nature time people tend to wilt away like dying flowers. Hence incorporating green space into design has become the new norm. Studies have shown that time in nature can decrease anger, dissipate stress, reduce blood pressure and improve mood. A series of studies led by psychology professor Richard Ryan of Rochester University found that being outside for 20 minutes significantly boosted vitality. "Nature is fuel for the soul, " says Ryan. "Often when we feel depleted we reach for a cup of coffee, but research suggests a better way to get energized is to connect with nature." 
 
Nature rests and replenishes our brain circuits which can be burnt out by too much technology. This is called Attention Restoration Theory. Many people find their brain fog lifts when they absorb themselves in natural surroundings. Pure sounds, smells, sights, sensations and tastes reconnect us with our own pure nature. Nature Based Therapy (NBT) entails connecting with plants, animals and natural landscapes for health and healing. Considering over 60 per cent of people live in urban environments, NBT has shown that even viewing nature scenes even on a screen benefits wellbeing. Studies such as the one by King’s College London in 2017 also found that exposure to nature improved wellbeing.

Make nature time a priority everyday for revived mental, physical and energetic well being. 

Extract from UMCO bookazine - Endless Energy