Nature, Wound Healing, and Resilience

How does one find relief in the garden, or in the forest?

Walking with the earth and putting your hands in the soil allows one direct physical contact with the earth that we walk on. The dirt contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that assist in wound healing. Planting a garden from seeds and watching it grow brings a certain sense of wellbeing and a deeper connection to the animals, insects, and plant community. While doing this, practicing mindfulness amidst the animals, the colours, the plants, and the insects, how each one helps the other to survive brings a certain sense of balance to the individual. It helps to keep the prefrontal cortex on line.

Nature’s colour plays a significant role in regulating our serotonin level in the brain. When a person restores their connection with nature, it reduces chronic stress, depression, anxiety, and it enhances their immune system. Walking with their ancient earth, being in nature and using the sounds and colours of nature will help a person enhance their awareness of their authentic self.