Day 25: The Gift of Nature
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Gearing up for Earth Day
Day 25 - The Gift of Nature
Today I took the opportunity to sneak away into nature and take a 7-mile hike. The wind danced around me keeping me cool, the birds sang a peaceful song in the distance, the trees provided shade, and the sweeping views made my soul smile with happiness.
I don’t think I could have had a better therapy session. Nature is by far the best healing balm.
There have been several studies showing that just 20 minutes a day in nature, preferably in an outside green space like a park is healing.
Time Magazine reported in February 2019 “Greenspace, “has been shown to lower stress, blood pressure and heart rate, while encouraging physical activity and buoying mood and mental health. Some research even suggests that green space is associated with a lower risk of developing psychiatric disorders — all findings that doctors are increasingly taking seriously and relaying to their patients”. The article went on to say that some physicians around the world are even writing prescriptions for park time to heal their patients.
We are blessed in Hawaii to have nature all around us. That is why we are one of the healthiest places to live in the United States. We have blue oceans, blue skies, green mountains, birds, and colorful fish to enjoy. So much beauty to heal our souls and bodies.
Step # 20
Spend some time in nature. If you can not go outside because of the quarantine restrictions on a hike or to the ocean for a swim (mayor Kim opened ocean access yesterday at select county parks), walk in your neighborhood, sit in your backyard or on your lanai, or sit by an open window.
Try to get at least 20 minutes in nature. If you can’t find a place to spend time in nature, meditate and imagine yourself in a beautiful natural environment.
While in nature or if meditating, pay attention with your five senses -
what does the air or the wind feel like,
what sounds are around you (birds singing, wind blowing, waves crashing against the rocks, dogs barking),
what do you see when you lie on your back and watch the clouds move or sit outside at night looking at the stars,
what does the landscape look like,
can you smell flowers, grass or the ocean,
if you are swimming in the ocean do you taste the salt on your tongue?
Immerse yourself in the gift of nature and watch your cares of this world disappear for at least a moment.
Then celebrate the gift of nature and be thankful for its healing balm.
Day 26-Keep Sunday Holy
Disconnect from the news. Take a long walk in nature if you can. It is God’s gift to YOU!
