Nexus of Nature
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
A month ago we were visiting family. Restrictions had eased slightly so we were able to enjoy lunch with my in-laws in our hometown. Playgrounds were still closed, yet as it was a beautiful, breezy summer day, we decided to go for an afternoon stroll. We walked along this path that led to a new school which was on our left. From our vantage point, the school was to the one side, behind us was a baseball diamond and soccer field and to the far right was this hill peering over woods and greenery untouched by the new development underway. I can’t describe it other than I had a gravitational pull to explore that open space so I walked away from the group, though the fields, tall grass, my fingertips brushing by wildflowers just to climb that rolling hill and take in the view. I could hear my kids giggling in the distance as they followed my lead. With my back to the school and sport fields and nothing but nature in my sight line, I inhaled a deep breath and sighed. Content and at peace. During this pandemic, my view has largely been my quant mid-70’s city street, so this small taste of countryside felt like medicine. It turns out I am not alone.
“Land really is the best art.”
I recently came across an interview featuring science journalist, Lucy Jones author of “Why Our Minds Need The Wild,” on Delicously Ella’s podcast titled “Eco-Anxiety & The Healing Power of Nature.” She is clearly well versed in her field and I would highly recommend anyone listen to this enlightening topic often overlooked. I will share three tidbits I gleaned from this interview.
“The earth laughs in her flowers.”
Jones paints a picture of how nature is not simply a luxury, but truly a need for our wellbeing. Most of us know how the sun nourishes us with Vitamin D which gives us a boost, yet there are also further scientific studies which pinpoint why and how we feel invigorated by being outdoors. The first study was a hospital study comparing the recovery and outcomes in surgical patients who had a room facing trees versus a room with either no windows or no outdoor view. The patients who could view the trees recovered faster with a slightly lower rate of complications. The second study showed how there are certain microbials and bacteria occurring in soil that have been found to release endorphins, therefore; gardening has a benefit to our mental health. Thirdly a study looked at lower socio-economic neighbourhoods and the gap in NHS medical care. Lower income neighbourhoods with green spaces fared better at closing the gap compared to neighbourhoods who had no green space.
“To forget how to dig the earth and to tend the soil is to forget ourselves.”
I found the science of this fascinating, but not surprising. As a Christian, nature points me to God. A Creator who is in the details; who has painted sunset skies and calmed still waters to reflect its Maker.
“Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.”
The podcast was a reminder of what I had experienced in the field on that overcast June day. Nature is a need. Nature is an integral part in our wellbeing. Carving out time to be outside helps lessen our anxiety and grounds us. Perhaps it’s because in that moment, we remember we are small and that our God is big. For this reason in part, after initially cancelling a cottage holiday due to the pandemic, we have decided to go. We will need to adapt in order to social distance and avoid the beach more than usual/completely if necessary; however the change of scenery and time in nature aside from the biggest blessing of being with family will bring healing, restoration- AND FUN amidst a turbulent year.
As I am working through anxiety, nature has and will continue to play an integral role in my recovery. Whether it’s a hike, drive to the river to takin in a sunset, or playground fun with the kids, time outside is time well spent.
Next time after it rains, go outside and smell that sweet earth scent. That scent signals a chemical response in our brains to bring us peace. This brings a new level of meaning now to, “stop and smell the roses.”
“If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.”
