The Healing Power of Mother Nature
They say adversity molds us into who we are. A year ago, if you had mentioned this to me, you would have likely received a disdainful glare. I’ve navigated life solo since I was 16, battling and striving for every achievement. I thought I understood hardship, until one morning, I awoke to find my legs unresponsive.
A Stroke of Misfortune
When I migrated to Colorado as a rebellious teenager and discovered the exhilaration of climbing, mountain biking, and snowboarding under azure skies, I dove headfirst into the adventure, relishing every moment. But years of spills and tumbles had left my spine misaligned, aggravating tight muscles due to recently triggered PTSD symptoms. Essentially, my body was attempting to cocoon itself in a protective shell, oblivious to the fact that I lacked the anatomy of a turtle. Oh, the irony of evolution’s hand.
This ordeal unfolded just over a year ago, marking one of the most agonizing, terrifying, and transformative chapters of my life.
Nature’s Rx: The Science Behind It
As I embarked on my journey to recovery, my initial encounters with the wilderness involved reclining on a sun-drenched patch of grass in my front yard, beneath the comforting shade of a beloved pine tree. Surprisingly, it felt therapeutic, akin to medicine. Half-jokingly, I dubbed these sun-drenched interludes my “earth medicine.” Although I couldn’t articulate the sensation, it seemed integral to my healing process.
I’m aware of how unconventional this might sound. A year and a half ago, I would have dismissed such notions as pure whimsy. However, part of my healing journey has involved delving into the scientific validity of these seemingly mystical experiences. Grounding, for instance—lying bare against the earth in sunlight—is a bona fide phenomenon.
In 2015, esteemed biophysicist James Oschman published an article affirming the healing properties of grounding in The Journal of Inflammation Research. His findings, supported by a wealth of research, shed light on the therapeutic benefits of this previously dismissed practice. Likewise, walking barefoot on the earth, known as “PachaMama’s little helper,” offers health benefits surpassing trendy diets or exercise regimes.
Upon resuming my rock climbing and wilderness exploration, I clung to simple pleasures like basking in the sun or observing birds fluttering amidst the foliage. Unbeknownst to me, these moments constituted earth medicine as well.
Ecotherapy: Nature’s Healing Touch
A plethora of studies extol the physical and mental health advantages of communing with nature, beyond mere physical activity—an approach known as “ecotherapy.” Research underscores nature’s indispensable role in our overall well-being, with studies demonstrating significant improvements in mental health outcomes associated with exposure to natural environments.
We inherently understand nature’s healing influence. How many times have we sought solace or found serenity in its embrace? For many of us, it’s the sanctuary we retreat to during life’s darkest trials.