The science of why nature is good for you:
By Richard Gosnell
I do my mediating outside to experience the everyday awe of nature. Awe is defined as experiencing something that is vast or mysterious and has the effect of transcending your understanding of the world. Awe can occur in once-in-a-lifetime events like viewing a total solar eclipse or viewing a majestic canyon.
New River Gorge National Park, WV
However, everyday awe can also come from the small like watching a butterfly warm itself in the sunshine or noticing what flowers are blooming today.
Red admiral butterfly
“Not all those who wander are lost” JJR Tolkin
Scientific research backs Tolkien’s quote. Dacher Keltner is one of today’s top researchers on the effects of everyday awe. He states in his book Awe that one of the largest benefits of awe is that it gives us perspective to see ourselves beyond the centers of our personal worlds. It gives us the view that we are a part of a larger fabric of our community and the world. When viewed through the lens of awe, most petty annoyances tend to fall away as just that: petty.
Keltner states clearly the benefits of experiencing nature for our mental well-being: “In fact, it is hard to imagine a single thing you can do that is better for your body and mind than finding awe outdoors.” Doing so leads to the reduced likelihood of the following:
• Cardiovascular disease
• Respiratory disease
• Diabetes
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Cancer
• Asthma in children
• Everyday aches and pains
• Allergies
• Vertigo
• Eczema
“Our bodies respond to healthy doses of awe-inspiring nature like we respond to a delicious and nutritious meal, a good sleep, a quenching drink of water, or an uplifting gathering with friends or family: we feel nourished strengthened, empowered, and alive. Our need for wild awe is strong.”
However, simply just being outdoors provides health benefits. A 2016 study from Japan by Yoshifumi Miyazaki and colleagues compiled a summary of many experiments on the benefits being in nature. The studies all found that when walking as short as 15 minutes, participants experienced health benefits.
Maybe this is why now I sleep better!
Recent studies show that our society is spending less and less time in nature. The EPA has found that many people in the United States today spend about 90% of their lives indoors. Many of us are looking at a screen for over seven hours per day. Clearly the need for nature has never been greater.
Act now and get outdoors. If you would like the fellowship of a guided outdoor group activity, check the events schedule to see what activities we have planned. I do also offer private or small group outings, if that is more to your liking. Email me with your requests or questions.
Your path to well-being awaits you. I am happy to guide you.