Nature as Medicine

The out-of-doors beckons

I read a poem this week in my writing group that spoke of “a ceaseless whisper of revelation when we are outdoors.” Or is it out of doors? In a place with no doors. This spoke to me as I am a girl who yearns to be outdoors as often as possible.

I have a lovely porch in my new house. It sits up rather high so it feels a lot like being in a tree house. Every morning when the weather cooperates, I am drawn to the porch. I sit in my comfortable rocking chair and look out at the field next door. I observe the birds flitting between trees. I listen to the wind as it rustles through the trees and sets my wind chime to sounding it’s lovely tone. I look down our long driveway and wonder if some creature might saunter up the road to visit. A deer perhaps or a fox. My dog Smooch sounds the alarm when she detects anything nearby. Her nose is really quite extraordinary. How does she know what is circling? Surely there are whispers of revelations happening for her often. She loves to sit on the edge of the porch looking out at her kingdom.

I am also drawn to the lake nearby. The dog swims and I just enjoy the view and wait for more revelations to come my way. I often write in my head before I put pen to paper or fingers to the keyboard. Sitting by the lake is a perfect spot for writing in my head. When I am working on an idea, the lake helps me open my heart and mind. The loons drift lazily by and the hawks fly overhead. Of course there is no guarantee that the writing I do in my head will make it’s way onto the page. Memory is a funny thing that way. But I console myself with the thought that if the idea is good enough, it will stick long enough for me to capture it on paper.

I read an article recently that shared some research about how spirituality can positively impact brain health. And as many of you, dear readers know, my brain has been through quite a lot. Apparently spirituality, and I would definitely count being in nature as a spiritual practice, impacts a number of neurological processes. Spiritual experiences can reduce stress-related brain activity and increase activity in those parts of the brain that are about connection and making-meaning. Think about your body’s reaction to yet another outrageous action from our government. You can gnash your teeth, yell at your spouse, throw things across the room, OR head out to the porch and breathe deeply.

Honestly, if I could live outdoors, I would. Have you seen my tent? It’s getting to be tent season. Ahhhh.