There is a solid findings affirming
that direct contact with nature increases mental health, psychological and
spiritual development. Based on researches, nature helps:
More than 100 research studies
disclose that outdoor recreation reduces stress. In a research of individuals
exposed to stressful videos of accidents, those who watch a succeeding nature
video recovers quicker than those who watch a video with different content.
Accordingly, a view of nature even through a window, hustles recovery from
surgery, enhances work efficiency, and augments work contentment. By watching
the ever-changing environments in nature, individuals nurture an upbeat
attitude, rehabilitated concentration, alertness, and sensory responsiveness.
Nature has therapeutic attributes, treating conditions like attention disorders and depression; the greener a
child’s everyday environment the more manageable their symptoms of
attention-deficit disorder. Taking a “green walk” reduces their depression
(71 %), trims down their tension (50%), and amplifies their self-esteem (90%) which is actually affirmed in the Holy Scripture:
Sirach 13:25 The sign of a good heart is a
cheerful countenance; withdrawn and perplexed is the laborious schemer.
Sirach 30:21-22 Do not give in to sadness,
torment not yourself with brooding; gladness of heart is the very life of man,
cheerfulness prolongs his days.
Being in nature also bequeaths a
sense of attachment, significance, and purpose because the more we appreciate
the interconnectivity between nature and human as teamwork in conservation of
ecosystem, the more we appreciate sense of purpose and belonging, as
preservationist and Sierra Club founder John Muir
(1838-1914) ) says, “Climb the
mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as
sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you…
while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.”
High-esteem and pleasure of nature
likewise leads to a sense of spirituality and a gratitude for powers mightier
than oneself because it’s only through silence that we could apportion a
quality quiet time that gives opportunity to talk to God more privately and
solemnly. “Look deep into nature, and then you will
understand everything better,” as legendary physicist Albert Einstein (1879-1955) re-echoes.
Jesus Himself had His quiet in a secluded area to pray to give Him strength whatever the future would look like which edifies us that we should also find the most quality opportunity to be with nature for contemplation and discernment.
Matthew 14:23 After doing so, He went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening He was there alone.
Matthew 14:23 After doing so, He went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening He was there alone.
Matthew 26:4 Watch and pray that you may not
undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."
Isaiah 40:28-31 Do you not know or
have you not heard? The LORD is the eternal God, creator of the ends of the
earth. He does not faint nor grow weary, and His knowledge is beyond scrutiny.
He gives strength to the fainting; for the weak he makes vigor abound. Though
young men faint and grow weary, and youths stagger and fall, They that hope in
the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles' wings; They
will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.
Trekking through the wilderness
combines an intensified sense of awareness of one’s environment with the call
to be part of nature. Nature trippers comprehend and process environmental
information through mapping, exploring, and interpreting the landscapes,
obstacles, and surroundings; a physical activity which minimizes anxieties,
risk of disease, and perks up psychological welfare. As a matter of fact,
research recommends outdoor exercise as more beneficial than indoor exercise.
In nature, people discover that
challenge is actually the occasion for self-progression, develop an internal
attitude of control, and develop self-reliance. Wilderness encounters bestow
people with optimism in the inescapability of nature and the pace of life,
mixed up with a nourishing aptitude to surrender control. Nature-goers realize
to believe on their natural aptitude to conquer both expected and unexpected
hurdles and to be grateful that things work out even if they are not in utter
control, which eventually develops confidence and a sense of self-worthy and
fulfillment.
According to the research, natural
spaces arouse children’s imaginations and creativity, and playing outdoors
improves cognitive suppleness, problem-solving aptitude, and self-discipline.
In the same context, the Scripture even reverberates:
Sirach 30:23 Distract yourself, renew your courage, drive resentment far away from you; For worry has brought death to many, nor is there aught to be gained from resentment.
Sirach 30:23 Distract yourself, renew your courage, drive resentment far away from you; For worry has brought death to many, nor is there aught to be gained from resentment.
Likewise, the nature-goers’ shared
challenge offers the extra advantages of connection, social support, closeness,
and the ability to lend a hand, turning it as
a community or family unit
Adolescence which is an angst-ridden stage of self-discovery is the ideal time to discern the lessons nature can teach. Teens that are immersed into a wilderness encounter leave their family, their familiar community and environment and the roles they have adopted to experiment fresh social roles which develops a new self-image, a new way of relating to other people and the environment, and new modes to react to the daily life’s challenge. Ideal candidates for therapeutic wilderness programs are students exhibiting at-risk behaviors like disobedience, rebellion, trialing with drugs and/or alcohol, sexual promiscuity, poor school performance, and other behavioral complexities.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore, encourage one
another and build one another up, as indeed you do.
1 Thessalonians 13:14 show esteem for them
with special love on account of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. We
urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, cheer the fainthearted, support the
weak, be patient with all.
Further, the best antidote for those who are
afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go somewhere where they can be hushed privately with
the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it
should be and that God desires to see His creations happy amidst the simple
beauty of nature. Indeed, nature brings relief
in all dilemmas.
References:
- http://www.crchealth.com, Why Nature Is Therapeutic
- Lecia Bushak, Benefits Of Ecotherapy: Being In Nature Fights Depression, Improves Mental Health And Well-Being, http://www.medicaldaily.com
- Carol Sorgen, Nature therapy may mean that better health is right outside your door, http://www.webmd.com
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