I just love these tidbits of stories from your clients. The magic that nature accomplishes! And how much more of it people could be using on a daily basis. I'm reminded of what my friend from Burkino Faso, the writer and teacher Malidoma Somé, once said—that in their village whenever people have a conflict with someone, and they get together to air it and resolve it, they make sure they are surrounded by nature because they will have access to the most calm and the best wisdom. About that same time, I was called in for jury duty. I took a look around the room: no windows at all, only fluorescent lights and beige walls—sealed off completely from the natural world. It seems the more "official" the proceeding in Western institutions, the more insulated it is from nature. Think Congress, boardrooms, justice system, any formal gathering. Just the opposite of what we need for good mental health and access to the best insights.
Wow, Priscilla ... such a good point. Thank you for sharing the wisdom from Some. You are so right about our Western sealed-inside institutions. Have you heard about the study that compared hospital patients who had a view of nature from their bed? They healed faster than patients who had no view. The evidence is all around!
Yes, I was thinking about that too! Just did a quick search—it was reported already in 2012 in Scientific American, and the study came from 1993. Probably been replicated many times since then. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/nature-that-nurtures/
Nature simply needs to be at the heart of human healing—because the heart of healing is in nature.
I hesitate to make this comment because it is semi-political, but I see people who do not believe or accept climate change, as people who have no regard for nature. They seem to be examples of what happens to humans when they live lives that are either separated from nature or worse, live lives that destroy nature. I feel this second group has to deny climate change at perhaps an unconscious level to justify their unfounded belief that nature goes on forever, so they have done nothing wrong with their chainsaws, bull dozers, oil/chemical spills and other vicious attack on nature. The first group is rather like the person who has never smelled the sweet air of the morning near a meadow, or forest or lake, they are ignorant of nature. Watching it on tv or some other screen is not the same thing if you have never been in nature. The Japanese idea of Forest Bathing has my vote for a way to let nature do her stuff. And of course, what you are doing Jeanne.
No worries on sharing this comment, Sandy -- thank you for speaking up! Your thoughts about those who are disconnected from nature (either by happenstance or by design/ignorance/willfulness) are on point. It's hard not to become bitter and despairing when we see humans (and human institutions) destroying the environment. Which leads me to the topic of climate change anxiety. I considered including a section about that in this post -- but ultimately decided that deserves its own separate post.
Thanks for letting me know my comments were okay, Jeanne. You are doing a great job of opening my eyes to the many people who do care and are actively supporting nature in many different ways. Thank you for doing that!
Excellent article! It's so true. One of the things I do is to teach creative writing to people with mental health problems, often in outdoor settings. It's wonderful to see people really becoming absorbed in nature and moving away from their problems.
I knew your picture was of Sam's Knob the moment I saw it. :) What incredible stories from your clients! I've been thinking about my future a lot lately and reading about your experiences practicing ecotherapy has inspired me to consider that as an option for my next career path.
When I enter the forest for a hike, stroll along the river, or even step outside my house to look up at the sky I immediately take in a big breath and feel a sense of peace. This morning on my walk I put my hand in a tiny stream and the coolness of the water and the rocks was so soothing. I didn't want to leave my spot!
Sweet moments those are, Naomi! And ... that's great that ecotherapy is calling to you. Go for it! There are only a few training programs out there right now, but it's a growing (oops, what a pun) field, for sure.
Thank you for “Nature and our mental health”. I’ve read it several times. It’s 1000% true. Every beautifully written word. I know. Been there, done that.
I went for a motorcycle ride today and 20 miles in to it decided to take a hike in the woods - just barely starting to green up. It was definitely therapeutic in that it took my mind off the recurrent themes that keep rolling through it. I hadn't realized how much I needed it.
Thanks for giving me the prompt to remember. As a high school freshman in a new school, my brother going off to Vietnam as a Marine and my parents at each other's throats. I would climb a tree adjoining an industrial building that abutted against our back yard - to read and escape. I'd made a very simple seat there in nature surrounded by asphalt, bricks and glass. I had forgotten all about that .perch.
Such a good memory, Mark ... that refuge you found in nature, when everything around you was hard and scary. I'm glad that tree was there for you, and I'm glad you are remembering it now.
Hey, I saw your photo from Sam Knob and instantly recognized it before reading the description! The Shining Rock Wilderness is one of my favorite places on earth! I've written several posts about it!
I love Sam Knob and other nearby hikes, lovely views and plants. I have been to the balds near Carver Gap since before my kids were born - a long time, and I like the open meadows, there tend to be more flowers in the sun. It's also a much better temperature than central Florida in the summer. I am fairly prejudiced in favor of native plants now, almost anywhere with plants that belong in the area and support other life puts me in a calm, curious state of mind (especially if it's under 80 degrees.)
I agree about the temperature at that elevation, Janet ... places like Black Balsam Knob are such a refuge in summertime. And yes ... aren't balds amazing, in general?! Such an amazing ecosystem.
I took my dog for a walk in a partially wooded area today and immediately, instinctively took a deep breath and felt stress passing away. It’s so much easier to breathe in nature.
I just love these tidbits of stories from your clients. The magic that nature accomplishes! And how much more of it people could be using on a daily basis. I'm reminded of what my friend from Burkino Faso, the writer and teacher Malidoma Somé, once said—that in their village whenever people have a conflict with someone, and they get together to air it and resolve it, they make sure they are surrounded by nature because they will have access to the most calm and the best wisdom. About that same time, I was called in for jury duty. I took a look around the room: no windows at all, only fluorescent lights and beige walls—sealed off completely from the natural world. It seems the more "official" the proceeding in Western institutions, the more insulated it is from nature. Think Congress, boardrooms, justice system, any formal gathering. Just the opposite of what we need for good mental health and access to the best insights.
Wow, Priscilla ... such a good point. Thank you for sharing the wisdom from Some. You are so right about our Western sealed-inside institutions. Have you heard about the study that compared hospital patients who had a view of nature from their bed? They healed faster than patients who had no view. The evidence is all around!
Yes, I was thinking about that too! Just did a quick search—it was reported already in 2012 in Scientific American, and the study came from 1993. Probably been replicated many times since then. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/nature-that-nurtures/
Nature simply needs to be at the heart of human healing—because the heart of healing is in nature.
So so agree!
I hesitate to make this comment because it is semi-political, but I see people who do not believe or accept climate change, as people who have no regard for nature. They seem to be examples of what happens to humans when they live lives that are either separated from nature or worse, live lives that destroy nature. I feel this second group has to deny climate change at perhaps an unconscious level to justify their unfounded belief that nature goes on forever, so they have done nothing wrong with their chainsaws, bull dozers, oil/chemical spills and other vicious attack on nature. The first group is rather like the person who has never smelled the sweet air of the morning near a meadow, or forest or lake, they are ignorant of nature. Watching it on tv or some other screen is not the same thing if you have never been in nature. The Japanese idea of Forest Bathing has my vote for a way to let nature do her stuff. And of course, what you are doing Jeanne.
No worries on sharing this comment, Sandy -- thank you for speaking up! Your thoughts about those who are disconnected from nature (either by happenstance or by design/ignorance/willfulness) are on point. It's hard not to become bitter and despairing when we see humans (and human institutions) destroying the environment. Which leads me to the topic of climate change anxiety. I considered including a section about that in this post -- but ultimately decided that deserves its own separate post.
Thanks for letting me know my comments were okay, Jeanne. You are doing a great job of opening my eyes to the many people who do care and are actively supporting nature in many different ways. Thank you for doing that!
You are welcome, my friend! 😊
Excellent article! It's so true. One of the things I do is to teach creative writing to people with mental health problems, often in outdoor settings. It's wonderful to see people really becoming absorbed in nature and moving away from their problems.
Welcome, Juliet! I'm glad you're here. Teaching writing to people in nature sounds like a lovely thing. Wish I could take one of your classes!
I knew your picture was of Sam's Knob the moment I saw it. :) What incredible stories from your clients! I've been thinking about my future a lot lately and reading about your experiences practicing ecotherapy has inspired me to consider that as an option for my next career path.
When I enter the forest for a hike, stroll along the river, or even step outside my house to look up at the sky I immediately take in a big breath and feel a sense of peace. This morning on my walk I put my hand in a tiny stream and the coolness of the water and the rocks was so soothing. I didn't want to leave my spot!
Sweet moments those are, Naomi! And ... that's great that ecotherapy is calling to you. Go for it! There are only a few training programs out there right now, but it's a growing (oops, what a pun) field, for sure.
Thank you for “Nature and our mental health”. I’ve read it several times. It’s 1000% true. Every beautifully written word. I know. Been there, done that.
Deep thanks, Mark! I really appreciate your presence here.
I went for a motorcycle ride today and 20 miles in to it decided to take a hike in the woods - just barely starting to green up. It was definitely therapeutic in that it took my mind off the recurrent themes that keep rolling through it. I hadn't realized how much I needed it.
Thanks for giving me the prompt to remember. As a high school freshman in a new school, my brother going off to Vietnam as a Marine and my parents at each other's throats. I would climb a tree adjoining an industrial building that abutted against our back yard - to read and escape. I'd made a very simple seat there in nature surrounded by asphalt, bricks and glass. I had forgotten all about that .perch.
Such a good memory, Mark ... that refuge you found in nature, when everything around you was hard and scary. I'm glad that tree was there for you, and I'm glad you are remembering it now.
Thanks Jeanne - it was there the right place and the right time.
Hey, I saw your photo from Sam Knob and instantly recognized it before reading the description! The Shining Rock Wilderness is one of my favorite places on earth! I've written several posts about it!
Awesome, Erik! I will check out your posts. And maybe see you on the trail up there one of these days.
I love Sam Knob and other nearby hikes, lovely views and plants. I have been to the balds near Carver Gap since before my kids were born - a long time, and I like the open meadows, there tend to be more flowers in the sun. It's also a much better temperature than central Florida in the summer. I am fairly prejudiced in favor of native plants now, almost anywhere with plants that belong in the area and support other life puts me in a calm, curious state of mind (especially if it's under 80 degrees.)
I agree about the temperature at that elevation, Janet ... places like Black Balsam Knob are such a refuge in summertime. And yes ... aren't balds amazing, in general?! Such an amazing ecosystem.
Love this post! You are doing incredible work 🫶💚🫶
Thank you so much, Katie!
I took my dog for a walk in a partially wooded area today and immediately, instinctively took a deep breath and felt stress passing away. It’s so much easier to breathe in nature.
I love that, Debbie! Breathe deep.....