There is a good reason why people head to the beaches or the mountains for vacation; being in nature is a great elixir for stress. Oceans, mountains and cathedral forests tend to dwarf our problems into a size that becomes quite manageable. Moreover, taking time away from the stress of everyday life is necessary for better clarity of these problems. Breathing in rhythm to the ocean waves, being caressed by gentle summer breezes, or finding yourself completely mesmerized by the colors of a butterfly or the large eyes of a white tailed deer. Typically, we turn to nature to find a respite for the soul. We come searching for solitude and we return refreshed, renewed and reinvigorated. Due to our love affair (some would even say “addiction”), with technology, many people today have what is becoming known as “nature deficit disorder;” not getting outside enough. For the first time since public records have been kept in the United States, health experts suggest that Americans are becoming Vitamin D deficient (Vitamin D is synthesized via natural sunlight hitting the skin). Vitamin D deficiency can have many health implications. Nature can be a wonderful healing agent for stress, when we take the time to step outdoors and reunite with a world that we never should become separated from.
• Stress Tip for the Day:
Make a habit to get outside every day, whether it’s for a morning walk, a noonday stroll, or evening star gazing. Learn to recognize the wildlife in your locale beyond robins and squirrels. Get an adequate supply of fresh air and natural sunlight and reestablish a healthy connection to the natural world.
• Books Worth Noting:
One of my favorite books on Nature is called Earth Prayers (edited by Elizabeth Roberts and Elias Amidon). With over 365 prayers and poems it is a great way to start the day and become inspired about our home planet. AND… if you haven’t seen the BBC series, Planet Earth, it’s high time to treat yourself to this stunning documentary series that is unparalleled in cinematic beauty.
• Photo of the Day:
There are many places on planet earth that take one’s breath away, but Spirit Island outside of Jasper, Canada is at the top of my list. I took this photo while filming footage for my upcoming documentary, Earth Songs: Mountains, Water and the Healing Power of Nature (due out at the end of summer). Truly this is one of the prettiest places on Earth. Enjoy!
• Quote for the Day:
When the wind blows
this is my medicine.
When the sky rains
this is my medicine.
When snow falls from the heavens
this is my medicine.
When the sky becomes clear after a storm
this is my medicine.
—Anonymous
Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net
© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.
