Spirituality and Relationships
It Is All Around Us! Is Nature Your Inspiration?
Spirituality and Relationships: Nature
What many don't know, is that our body's need human touch. Research has shown that touch is required for newborns to thrive. There is also a relationship between human touch and depression.
It isn't an option-optimal holistic health requires touch. This just isn't the touch of another person-either-although this can be fun. It is also the touch of nature. Many of us have silenced this need out of necessity-we're too busy! We know that the sole of our shoes touching the hard pavement of the parking lot IS NOT getting in touch with nature, yet that is as close as we get.
We don't touch nature and nature doesn't touch us.
So, as promised, I'm going to offer serveral ideas of how you can connect with nature. Read on...
Sunset from Napili Bay in Maui, Hawaii
There is pleasure in the pathless woods;
There is rapture on the lonely shore;
There is society, where none intrudes,
By the deep sea, and the music in its roar;
I love not man the less, but nature more...
Lord Byron
Spirituality and Relationships: Nature
Physical contact with soil, natural waters, sunlight, and fresh air is healing. When stress has built up to the danger point, a trip to the ocean or mountains, or even a walk around the block, is often all you need to restore perspective. Beyond that, contact with nature keeps you apprised of your place in the ecological system. Many of nature’s forces are stronger than an individual human, just as many species are more vulnerable than humankind. This humbling perspective keeps the big picture in mind.
Connect with a sacred source, nature and Others
These are spiritual needs. We have the need to connect with nature in order to silence the mind and build the spirit.
One requirement:
SILENCE
That's right- you've got to be totally present and be silent. Oh, this is not easy.
Presence means that you aren't thinking about anything else but where you are right then-not thinking about what has already happened or what is yet to happen. You aren't thinking about what you are going to say or what you already said.
When was the last time you were really PRESENT?
I challenge you to remember a time. I challenge you to be present today as long as you can. It takes some practice. Meditation and yoga can be helpful because the focus is on breathing. This helps to keep the mind from wandering. It is the 'wandering' that keeps us from being present.
Spirituality and Relationships: Nature
What's so great about the GREAT OUTDOORS?
Soil, natural waters, sunlight, and is very healing. Our natural surroundings are natural stress-busters. Being in nature promotes the very welcoming rush of endorphins-those 'happy hormones' that give us a feeling of well-being. OPtimal natural health relies on the joy that our natural surroundings bring to us.
There is nothing quite as humbling as nature's forces. Think about what we refer to as natural disasters. They are disasters because what happened is beyond our control and often times beyond our imagination. How small we feel in the face of a tornado or hurricane. How small we feel standing at the beach and looking out at the vast expanse of water. Of course, it isn't just the sight we connect with.
Let's go a bit further. Closer your eyes, feel the water on your toes-or as in the case of my puppy's first time to the beach-feel something else on your toes.
So, now you've got the vision in your imagination and the feel of sand on your toes. What do you hear? Is it the birds, the surf hitting sand, the sound of music and people talking, perhaps? Is the taste of salt on your lips? Do you feel the breeze on your face? Close your eyes and put yourself in your favorite place in nature. Take some slow deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Really put yourself in that wonderful peaceful, place. To your body, what happens in your imagination is real. In fact, our imagination and our thoughts can be very, very healing. They can also be very harmful. Yes, that's right- harmful.
Imagination and imagery. Click here to learn about the power to heal and the power to hurt.
Spirituality and Relationships: 7 Easy Steps to Get Connected with Nature
Take the first step AND start TODAY
1. Take your shoes off and go barefoot. When I lived in Hawaii, I got used to going barefoot. I loved wearing open toed shoes and wearing regular shoes felt so constricting. I'm once again used to it, but there is nothing like the feel of grass, sand, dirt or water under my feet. Once again, be sure and savor the moment. Be present and enjoy it.
See paradise everywhere and reach out and touch it-really touch it with all your senses-sight, sound, aromas, touch, and taste.
Waimanalo Beach, Oahu, HI
2. Grow plants or flowers. It doesn't matter how small or what they are. I've grown herbs in a big pot on my patio when I didn't have a yard. Now I have a yard and I enjoy growing hanging flowers, plants and herbs in the yard. Start Big; Start Small- It's all GOOD!
Be sure and touch and smell the soil and the plants. I even talk to them. Energy is energy. I'm not sure if it helps them, but it doesn't hurt. It helps me to feel that connection with another living thing, even if they can't communicate in a way I readily understand.
3. Keep live plants in your home. Avoid the plastic or silk plants and go for the real thing. It makes a difference. They require your attention and energy. Being in touch and responsible for nature in this way is really good for you.
4. Enjoy the great outdoors. Don't just enjoy the sites, but enjoy the sounds of it all. You've probably gotten how important this is by now. Even if you spend a few minutes every day enjoying the sunshine, the rain or the clouds-get out there. The Vitamin D from the sun is very healthy for you, by the way. You don't have to be in Hawaii to enjoy the outdoors. It's great, but not necessary. There is beauty everywhere.
5. Make your own food-either fresh or raw whenever you can. Try baking your own bread. I like to add fresh herbs from the garden for that extra kick. It makes me feel good and it tastes great. Do you want to feel closer to the earth and to God? Appreciate what is there.
Spirituality and Relationships: What about Food? There is more to nutrition than what you put in your mouth. Click here to learn about holistic nutrition.
6. Share your love of nature with those around you-especially children. A healthy respect for nature is essential. Children are closer to that connection than you realize.
7. Exercise outdoors as much as you can. I love to exercise, which is odd, I know, but I do. I especially love to exercise outdoors- walk, jog, tennis, golf, swimming and so on. I can't get enough of exercise outdoors. Exercising outdoors is beneficial to not only connect with nature, but connect with your own body.
8. Plan your vacation around outdoor activities such as hiking, picnics, swimming, snorkeling, diving and more. Many of us plan our vacations around food and things to see. It's all good-just take in the natural beauty around you-taste, smell, feel, sights, and sounds.
Connecting with nature in even one small way can make a big impact on your life. Tending to your spiritual well-being is essential and one part of the holistic health lifestyle.
Ready for your own self-designed holistic health lifestyle? Click here to continue your journey.
Disclaimer: Material provided on Naturally-Holistic.net website is provided for educational purposes only.
It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease. Always take the advice of your doctor before undertaking any diet, exercise, or other health program. We will not be liable for any complications, or other medical accidents arising from the use of any information on this web site.
|
