As I walk along the trails close to my home, I hear the familiar sign that Spring has arrived. Here in the Northwest, the chirping of frogs is the signal for us that it is time to come alive! Spring is a time of renewal and growth. It is also a good time for internal cleansing and to clear the cobwebs from the mind, detoxifying the body-mind after Winter’s rest.
It is time to get out in the garden and get some dirt on our hands. People living with chronic illness often suffer from depression, isolation and pain. Connecting to nature through gardening, even if all you can do is care for potted plants, still brings its benefits of calm and satisfaction.
Gardening stimulate the senses, helps us to focus the mind, it strengthens our bodies, and improves our mood. Research has shown that gardening can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, increase immune response, decrease feelings of fear, anger and sadness, and improve self-confidence.
Walking in the forest can have similar benefits. ‘Forest bathing’ is becoming a popular healing modality originating in Japan. It’s not just the fresh air and exercise, those two are both very important, but there is something about our connection with earth and trees that our souls need.
The healing of forests has to do with the higher concentration of oxygen that exists in a forest, as well as the presence of plant chemicals called phytoncides—natural oils that are part of a plant’s defense system against bacteria, insects, and fungi. Exposure to these substances can have healing effects, says Dr. Qing Li in his book, Forest Bathing. Evergreen conifers: pine, cedar, spruce, and fir are the largest producers of phytoncides, so walking in an evergreen forest seems to have the greatest health benefits.
With a spring in your step, take charge of your self-healing and become alive and well again. Happy Spring!