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.
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.
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!
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.
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 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.
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.
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!
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.
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.)
Love this post! You are doing incredible work 🫶💚🫶
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.