The Healing Power of Nature
One recent afternoon, after many long hours of working at my desk, I stood up, rubbing my aching back and thought, “I feel a little bit sad”. Easing into some gentle stretches, I gazed out the window and realised that I’d never left the house that day! No wonder I felt a little “blue”.
My hectic and complicated schedule had me pinned to my chair, and I simply didn’t make the time for my usual walk outside. I’d looked at my calendar and determined there was no way I could fit it in, but the longer I stayed inside, the worse I felt mentally and the more I ached physically. I closed my laptop, laced up my trainers, put on my headphones, turned on my favorite music and headed out the door with a smile on my face.
Was it a challenge to switch the focus from my never-ending to-do list and prioritise getting outside that day? Absolutely. But I know this pattern well: When I don’t focus on my well-being, get outside, and move my body, my mental and physical health quickly spirals downwards. A daily walk or hike outside in nature is such a simple pleasure, and yet it’s the exercise that brings me the greatest pleasure.
Sometimes, my walks are spur-of-the-moment, but I prefer to make them a part of my daily routine, meeting up with walking buddies or calling a friend and chatting while walking.
But other times, I crave peace and practice walking meditation, focusing on the sky, water, grass, trees, or the songbirds around me.
While I’ve tried replicating my walks on the treadmill, it just doesn’t have the same effect on my mental health as being outside. True, I’ll get my heart pumping on the incline and with a downward glance, I can instantly track how far I’ve gone, but the feeling is too sterile and lacks the energy, beauty and healing power the natural world brings me.
Nature is Good for Us
Being outdoors in nature has many health benefits that positively impact our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The soothing sights and sounds of nature can work wonders for calming the mind and body. Looking at the ocean, standing at the top of a mountain, and hiking in the woods can also remind us of the vastness of our planet and the universe to which it belongs and provide a sense of awe regarding our place in both.
Research shows that green spaces can lower cortisol and stress levels, reduce blood pressure and play a role in cardiovascular health. Nature provides an excellent space to relax, connect with family and friends, share a meal, and celebrate special moments. Simply strolling through a park or sitting in the forest can alleviate stress.
Anyone who has stepped off a city street into a quiet, green space understands what Frederick Law Olmsted, the 19th-century architect of the world-famous Central Park in New York City, meant when he said:
“Nature employs the mind without fatigue and yet enlivens it. Tranquilises it and enlivens it. And thus, through the influences of the mind over body, gives the effect of refreshing rest and reinvigoration to the whole system.”
More than 150 years after Olmsted provided NYC with this spectacular green space, researchers at The University of California Berkeley'sGreater Good Science Center are tapping into the science behind his words. Specifically? The science and benefits of what is known as "forest bathing".
This medical speciality, known as shinrin-yoku in Japanese, is a relaxation practice through immersion into a forest or similar environment that promotes sensory engagement and connection with nature. This activity—which more than a quarter of Japanese practice—has been medically proven to lower blood pressure, heart rate and stress, improve mood, immune function and sleep and increase creativity.
No Forest? No Problem
While the term "forest bathing" is used, it doesn’t have to be the forest. You can head to a body of water like a river, lake, or ocean instead. Even urban parks and green spaces can be powerful places for healing.
The positive effects of nature also seem to carry over even when we've left "the forest" or outside behind. Just listening to an audio of birdsong can decrease tension in our nervous systems. An infusion of essential oils mimicking the smell of trees or herbs can alleviate stress and promote better sleep. Simply looking at beautiful scenes of nature makes us feel better, and putting house plants in our home or office can be a mood lifter.
Despite the fact that most people now live in urban environments, we are still deeply connected to the natural world. Research shows that nature's sounds, smells, and sights are our “happy places” to rejuvenate and heal.
Honouring the Healing Power of Nature on Earth Day
Today, on my walk, gazing up at the treetops and the puffy white clouds stretching endlessly across the blue sky, I thought of Khalil Gibran's quote, "Trees are poems that the earth writes upon the sky." Without the trees, how would we have beauty? For future generations to benefit from the healing power of nature, we have to take care of our planet now.
From environmental activists Greta Thunberg and Hollywood celebrity Leonardo DiCaprio to the renowned naturalist, broadcaster, and nature documentary filmmaker Sir David Attenborough, more and more people are publicly conveying the crucial message of advocating for environmental protection and sustainability. On the 55th Anniversary of Earth Day, The Place Retreats understands that the future of the planet depends on the changes we make today.
As Albert Einstein said, “We still do not know one-thousandth of one percent of what nature has revealed to us.”
Reconnect with Nature at The Place Retreats
Nestled in a private Balinese sanctuary with lush gardens and tropical foliage, it’s easy to reconnect with the earth at The Place Retreats. Bali brings the healing power of nature into everything we do. With expert guidance, our tailor-made retreats integrate the beauty of the natural surroundings of Bail into every experience.
Our expert practitioners can help you explore wellness practices like meditation, grounding, breathwork and yoga to improve and restore your mental and physical well-being.
Every retreat includes:
3 Individual therapy sessions with our specialised therapist per week
1 Individual Personal Growth Tantra or 1 Introspective Development Session per week
Weekly consultation with our in-house psychiatrist
Daily Yoga and Meditation (6 days a week)
2 Yin Yoga classes per week (Tuesdays & Thursdays)
3 Balinese/Thai/Esalen Massages per week
2 Healing Therapy sessions per week (refer to Healing Directory)
All meals are prepared by our resident chef
Guest suite with en-suite bathroom
Airport VIP Greet & Assist upon Arrival & Departure
Concierge service
Driver & Miscellaneous
All laundry and dry cleaning during your stay
Additional sessions and Personal Fitness Training can be added to your retreat package at an additional cost.
Our guests can expect atransformational experience in which they will be supported, guided, and nurtured by renowned andhighly esteemed practitioners of psychotherapy, meditation, yoga, healing treatments, and bodywork.
If you’re ready to recover, revive, and renew in a luxurious Balinese setting, reach out and schedule your free 15-minute consultation with one of our team members today. We can’t wait to help you experience the healing power of nature!
