How Do we listen?
As species morph and change in response to altering conditions, the natural world continues with an endless display of creative, evolutionary expressions. Mother Nature reveals artistry at every turn, expressing through patterns. From pine cones to ice and snow crystals, from rivers to our lungs that resemble the branches of trees, we see repeating fractals. My favorite example is a tree. Each branch looks like a smaller tree, with the Y shape occurring over and over again. Even the leaves are fractal, with midline veins that resemble the trunk of a tree and smaller veins branching out.
Like nature’s art, our creativity often repeats the same images and themes. We evolve not by moving forward in a straight line but by returning again and again to what matters most to us, evolving and growing by going deeper and deeper into familiar territory until we uncover something fresh. Life is nature’s art, and we are part of that life.
So, how do we humbly come back to our place in the great artistic web of being? To begin having nature therapy experiences, the first thing is to discover a spot close to where you live so that you can return at least once or twice a month to experience the full effects. It doesn’t have to be a forest. A meadow with the enticing fragrances of flowers, a mountaintop with the radiance of powerful rocks, or a beach with the sound of waves lapping the shore are some of the many environments that can offer us the healing experience of nature immersion.
Once you have found an enticing spot where you feel safe, set aside a few hours. At least two hours are needed to receive the full benefits of nature therapy, and it is essential to turn off cell phones and other devices. Be sure you know the hazards of the location before beginning so that you can protect yourself from sunburn, dehydration, cold, poison oak or ivy, animals, pollen, and ticks, which can cause Lyme disease.
With ticks, the trick is to wear light-colored clothes so you can see the reddish-black body of the tick. Tuck your pants into socks and wear a long-sleeved shirt. Do a full-body tick check after your outing. My doctor told me that ticks have to dig under your skin for a minimum of thirty-six hours to cause disease. If you are uncertain how long a tick has been attached and are concerned about contracting Lyme, you can take the tick to a local public health laboratory and have it checked. It’s good to know because antibiotics are effective when given within seventy-two hours of a tick bite. Knowledge keeps us safe to explore the rejuvenating properties of time in nature.
When you have found your spot and turned off your phone, slow down. Take in long, deep belly breaths. If it helps, breathe into the count of five, hold for five, and breathe out for another five counts. Begin by centering yourself in the same spot for five to fifteen minutes, soaking in the atmosphere. Notice what you smell, the colors of the leaves or stones, the texture of bark or water. Eco-therapy evokes states of awe, wonder, and gratitude. These states of consciousness help us to heal.
For people who want more guidance, there are certified forest guides through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT). Guides can help you find suitable trails and learn how to tune into your senses. Be aware of the rules in your state and national parks. When I looked into taking people forest bathing in the redwoods, I was informed by the California State Park system that it is illegal to charge anyone to take them to a park, not even to split the gas to get there, without first acquiring a special permit. Personally, I love this rule, which prevents commercializing nature’s holy cathedrals.
If you are someone who loves to track your healing progress, you may want to check your blood pressure, pulse, quality of sleep, and mood before you go. After you return home, you can check again to see if there are any improvements.
Although I usually hike miles before settling down to sit for a couple of hours with an old-growth redwood, this is not necessary. If you love to exercise, want to get a more expansive feel for the lay of the land, and feel great after a long walk, by all means, hike first, as I do. For most people, a short half-mile stroll into the forest or other environment is all that’s required. Enter your chosen place with reverence. Be silent and still. Take a moment to be aware of your surroundings.
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