Nature Can Also Heal Us

There are always times when our hearts break or break to pieces in the face of failure, rejection, or loss. However, various ways to get better are available. Starting from self-healing to asking for professional help. However, there is an equally effective way to heal wounds: NATURE.

Have you ever felt the burden on your shoulders suddenly disappear when you saw the green of the forest? Or the cool mountain breeze that blows around your neck to make you feel better when you are stuck in repetitive negative thoughts? It is the power of nature to heal our minds.

Relating to nature has always been a natural human condition. Thousands of years ago, nature was home to humans. Before the existence of tall buildings that scratched the sky, humans lived in direct contact with nature. That is why humans feel relaxed and comfortable when they feel nature, because for humans nature is home.

• The Relationship between Man and Nature, Today

In 1990, as many as 40% of people in US spent their time gardening. However, in 1991 only 1.9% of them maintained a gardening culture. Most of them choose to urbanize. Rural people move to urban areas for work or other reasons. In fact, 8 out of 10 people who live in big cities cannot find trees and green open spaces. This modernization phenomenon has caused humans to distance themselves from the environment.

Various reasons for development sometimes ignore the environment and nature. As a result, humans are increasingly disconnected from nature emotionally and spiritually. In fact, humans are actually a unity with nature itself. Humans and nature must be able to heal each other and maintain balance. Therefore let us return to nature.

• How Does Nature Heal Us?

Based on the description of nature and humans above, we should realize that nature is also a part of our lives. Nature is very beneficial, both physically and psychologically. This is evidenced by various studies that have been conducted by experts. Research has found that 90% of people experience increased self-esteem after walking around city parks and 3 in 10 also experience less depression.

In Japan, people have unique habits with nature for self-healing, refreshing minds, and mental health. This practice is called shinrin-yoku or jungle therapy. This therapy has been legalized as a national program since 1982. The therapy is carried out by walking casually in the forest without wearing shoes. When in the forest, a lot of time is spent around the trees. Not running, not working hard, just contemplating and at one with nature. Every now and then I hugged and felt the skin and scent of the trees and leaves.

Trees are not only able to produce fresh air for health. But it also produces a liquid that protects us from germs and insects. These fluids are called phytoncides, which can help maximize the human immune system.

In addition, walking barefoot also makes us more connected to nature. This indicates that barefoot can drain negative ions from the earth which is obstructed due to the use of footwear. These negative ions stabilize our body which absorbs positive ions from the sky.

Nature can reduce stress and negative emotions in a person. By feeling the coolness of nature, blood pressure becomes stable and stress is reduced. Forest therapy can also reduce negative emotions because trees provide humans with more energy. Trees or forests also make people with depression feel a positive environment, so that negative emotions that come from the environment can usually be reduced.

Nature is also able to calm down, inviting us to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Nature invites us to relax, enjoy every moment. Nature brings us to a calmer feeling, as if time is moving slowly. In the wild, we can live in the fresh air at will.

Shout as loud as possible to release freely in the heart. Every now and then close your eyes, sit cross-legged and let the wind blow your body. It feels like nature is whispering a magic spell that can make our problems go away by themselves. With a calm atmosphere that comes from nature, our way of thinking and feeling will be even more positive. Humans will find it easier to reflect, understand, and explore themselves in the wild.