Nature Connection as Medicine

Environmental discourse refers to the framework of ideas, concepts, language, and practices that our society relies on to relate to the world around us. For centuries human beings have held an environmental discourse that encourages division from our environment. We have validated not only a division from the natural world, but a disconnect from our relationship to place within our man-made environment, and our relationships with each other. Through a discourse of based in capitalism and economic growth we have validated practices that place marginalized communities into toxic environments, while offering respite to the more affluent. We have chosen to view the land as a resource rather than a partner, an obstacle rather than a resting place, and a fearsome wilderness rather than the source of all creation. Through generations of discourse manipulated for the benefit technological growth, we have validated a lifestyle and identity separate from nature, and have chosen to take advantage of both the land and other human beings. Our lack of connection to place within ourselves, our communities, and the natural world is perhaps one of the greatest threats to future generations.

According to a recent study done in 2018 by the Environmental Protection Agency, the average adult spends 90% of their life indoors and 11 hours a day on a screen , with youth not far behind at 7.5 hours per day on technology. According to Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, our perpetual disconnection from nature is causing an epidemic known as Nature-Deficit Disorder. This deficit is known to encourage cancer cells, weaken immune systems, and cause depression and attention disorders. In addition to being a detriment to the planet, our lifestyles have been a detriment to our health.

In 1982 Tomohide Akiyama discovered the healing powers of spending time in nature and shifting our standard way of living. Through a practice known as Shinrin Yoku, or "Forest Bathing", Akiyama discovered that time in nature could prove to be one of our greatest medicines. This practice involves meditation and mindfulness in nature to tap into all of the senses and encourage parasympathetic nervous system activation and the exchange of compounds between the immune system and the forest air.

According to a study done by the Center for the Environment, Health, and Field Sciences in Chiba, Japan from 2005-2006, this practice is proven to provide a 12 percent decrease in cortisol levels, 7 percent decrease in sympathetic nervous system activity, 6 percent decrease in heart rate, and a 1.4 percent decrease in blood pressure. It is proven to boost anti-cancer cell production (NK cells), improve mental restoration, creativity, and boost social connectivity. Time in nature is also able to help with behavior and impulse control, and high-order cognitive skills.

The healing and regeneration of human cells is done through the exchange of a volatile compound released by coniferous trees such as Hemlock, Pine, and Cedar called Phytoncide. Phytoncide compounds have been found to be a benefit to many plants in their defense against insects, immunity boost after injury, therm o-regulation, and the cessation of growth of micro organisms or infectious bacteria. Phytoncide are antimicrobial and cytotoxic and are proven to boost the immunity and regerative capacity of human cells as well. Trees such as pine are also known to hold up to 2x more Vitamin C than oranges and also aid with depression, and the increase of anti-cancer cells. Nature provides us with everything we need to maintain longevity and optimal health.

Returning to a relationship in close relationship to the land is capable of providing respite to the environment and the immune systems of the human species. In a time of global crisis we need to turn to out-of-the-box ideas and equitable discourse to shift the culture of communities that hold the power, and influence change. You have the power to change the discourse. You can change the message by changing your own relationship to the natural world. Get yourself outside and find a meditative space to reconnect to yourself and your sense of place. Heal yourself to heal the planet. Be the change, because none of us will survive if we don't.