Since the earliest of human history, we lived in harmony with the natural world and regarded plants as sentient, intelligent and healers in their own right. Connecting with the Earth restores and rejuvenates our energy field, harmonizing to improve mental and emotional clarity. However lately, I have felt frustration for the distance that is growing. We are collectively separated from our environment due to living in a time that is distracted, virtual, isolated, and insulated from the natural world and her energy. Nature-deficit disorder is now become a term used to describe the psychological effects this distance is causing. This expanding body of scientific research suggests that nature-deficit disorder contributes to a diminished use of the senses, attention difficulties, conditions of obesity and higher rates of emotional and physical illnesses. Research also suggests that the nature-deficit weakens ecological literacy and stewardship of the natural world. Nonetheless, I believe that society’s nature-deficit disorder can be reversed. Below are 6 things we can do today to start healing.
1. Make a commitment to connect with Nature
Our lives our busy, and our minds are even busier. Even if you already spend time in Nature, your mind’s chatter can take over. If you don’t set a clear intention to connect, you give away your power to build the relationship.
2. Forest (Nature) Bath
Can you have spiritual experiences while running or climbing? Of course. But I’ve found it’s easier to connect spiritually while my mind and my body are quiet and focused, be in awareness on our connectedness to the present ecosystem. Open all your senses and hear, see, smell, taste, and feel. You will hear different birds’ voices, taste the leaves of a dandelion, smell the fragrance of soil when it has just rained, feel the texture of bark or of sand flowing through your fingers.
3. Choose a GAIA place and spend time there every day
A GAIA place is a place where you can observe the earth and her creations evolve daily. Choose a place close to your door, so it will be easy to reach and visit often. It can be a spot with just a tree or a bush. Spend time at this spot every day becoming aware of the changing mini ecosystem and how it impacts our larger systems. You can just sit there and watch a bird or an insect, in full awareness.
4. Grounding
You are a bioelectrical being living on an electrical planet. Your body operates electrically. All of your cells transmit multiple frequencies that run, for example, your heart, immune system, muscles, and nervous system on this energy. The Earth has a gigantic natural electrical current. We are all connected to this energy. When you’re outside, you can easily ground yourself by allowing the bottoms of your feet, palms of your hands, or entire body to touch the earth. Walk in the grass, lay in the sand, or swim in the sea. These are all easy ways to naturally reconnect.
5. Take it Outdoors
Make dates with friend and loved ones, outside in nature. Arrange a picnic or outdoor walk rather than sitting in a busy indoor space. Practice your yoga or meditation outdoors. Get your daily quota of vitamin D by eating your lunch outside. Hanging out with friends who also appreciate nature help you see things through the eyes of others, a wider world opens.
5. Grow Something
Whether it's a veggie patch or a few seeds on a window sill, nurturing a plant is one of the best ways to feel connected to nature. Flowers and plants are an essential part of the ecosystem. You can plant (native) wildflowers to encourage pollinators and butterflies. You can plant salad leaves or fruit and vegetables to save food miles. You can plant a whole garden and create habitats for all manner of creatures.
6. Feed the Birds
Get some birdseed, oats or other bird safe and spend some time feeding them. The bonding of feeding a beautiful being and watching the shared energy of the moment is elevating for you and the birds. Make a food square by pouring fat over oats, dried fruit and nuts (not salted) then pouring the mix into a sheet pan. Put a hole, while warm, for hanging the squares every few inches. Cool. Cut when ready to hang outside.
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