Guest guest Posted December 12, 2006 Report Share Posted December 12, 2006 In a message dated 12/12/2006 7:23:21 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, jagchat01 writes: The human body needs the touch of nature along with the touch of human skin. Yet too many people have dulled their senses and thus silenced that need. It’s easy to go several months without ever touching the earth, as most of our activities involve walking on pavement as we move from home to car to office to grocery store and back again. When was the last time you sat down on the ground or touched the earth in some way? Physical contact with soil, natural waters, sunlight, and fresh air is healing. When stress has built up to the danger point, a trip to the ocean or mountains, or even a walk around the block, is often all you need to restore perspective. Beyond that, contact with nature keeps you apprised of your place in the ecological system. Many of nature’s forces are stronger than an individual human, just as many species are more vulnerable than humankind. This humbling perspective keeps the big picture in mind. In wilderness is the preservation of the world. Henry David Thoreau Start TodayHere are some simple ways to connect with nature again: * Go barefoot. Feel the grass or the gravel or the hard-packed earth under your feet. Wade in a rain puddle, or walk barefoot in the snow for a new sensation! * Grow plants or flowers and let your fingers touch the earth. * Keep living green plants and flowers around your house. * Get outdoors, if only for a few moments a day. Let the sunlight touch you and warm you. (For longer periods in the sun, be sure to wear protective clothing and hats.) In the heart of a city, it is still possible to find green zones. * Listen to the sounds of nature—the wind blowing, rain falling, birds chirping—even in the midst of an urban environment. * Prepare your meals using fresh and raw foods whenever possible, or bake your own bread. Carefully handling the fruits of the field reminds you of your connection to the earth. * Practice the Native American way of adapting yourself to nature, rather than trying to make nature adapt to you. For example, avoid dependency on air-conditioning in hot weather. In cold weather, keep the heat in your home at 68°F (20°C) or lower. * When you are around young children, use language that communicates a healthy respect for the power of nature and a sense of awe at its beauty and mystery. Avoid teaching them that soil is dirty or that any creatures (even so-called vermin) are bad. * Exercise outdoors as much as possible. Take a hike. Go for a bike ride instead of driving your car to the corner store. Rollerblade in the park, or get a group of friends together for a ball game or a kite-flying party. * Plan your vacations for maximum enjoyment of the outdoors (with minimal environmental impact). Even a one-day family trip with a picnic can be a tremendously healthy break in your normal routine. Oh how this article has me yearning for the warmth and sunny days of spring and summer. I just love to do these things listed, but when you live in Michigan, it is so hard to get out and connect with the soil and sunlight. I do try to get out for a nice walk/jog when there is no ice on the road. Early morning is best when it is still dark and hopefully I can catch a glimpse of a few stars:) I also love it when I get to see the herds of deer that run out here in the country. Yesterday morning it was a whopping 38 degrees and I decided to set up my rebounder outside on the back deck. I put on my shorts and Tshirt, just as I do in the summer, and I rebounded in the wonderful fresh air for 30 minutes. Now if we could just have some sunshine:) {{HUGS}} Lynn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2006 Report Share Posted December 13, 2006 Hi there Lynn, Nice to know you loved the piece. Regards, Jag. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2006 Report Share Posted December 13, 2006 In a message dated 12/13/2006 4:47:33 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, jagchat01 writes: Hi there Lynn,Nice to know you loved the piece. Regards,Jag. Hi Jag, :-) There are so many great things that are posted to this group, and I really do enjoy them. I print some out and I pass some onto friends. Love this group! {{HUGS}} Lynn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 14, 2006 Report Share Posted December 14, 2006 Thank you for this article. This is basically what I've been doing for the last few years, rediscovering nature. My husband and I are fortunate to live out in the county. There are many drawbacks; but the benefits far outweigh them. We have wooded areas around our house and have been working on hiking trails. We have approximately three miles to walk now. It's easy to forget the rest of the world when you're out there. There are three waterfalls, two of which I put pictures up on you tube: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Bup361jGmI0http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ssRTew8F_gThe third one, we had to clear brush and fallen trees from.We are also blessed with an abundance of rocks on the land, which we've used to build a couple of ponds and rock gardens with herbs, along with meditation areas. I think we must be building a retreat....I'm not sure.Jerri Everyone is raving about the all-new Mail beta. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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