
Research confirms what many have felt: nature possesses healing energies. As an avid hiker, I’ve always relished my bi-monthly outdoor adventures in Kenya. However, with COVID-19, those experiences were put on hold.
There’s an undeniable calm and healing quality to the outdoors. I often encouraged fellow hikers to practice Shinrin-yoku, the Japanese tradition of Forest Bathing. Spending just 20 to 30 minutes in nature can significantly enhance your health and well-being while reducing stress.
If you have access to places like Karura or even your backyard, step outside to experience this phenomenon firsthand. Take a moment to observe the plants and trees. Notice the thriving branches alongside the broken ones. Feel the textures of tree bark and leaves, or even touch the soil. Pay attention to how your energy shifts as you connect with nature.
If going outdoors isn’t an option, look out a window at a tree or enjoy an indoor plant. Even a photo or video of nature can be beneficial. Close your eyes and listen to the sounds of nature; let that energy flow through you.
I have a special spot at Karura where I enjoy reading and meditating. Each time I visit, I leave with a renewed sense of peace.
To help you tap into nature’s healing energies, here’s a short visualization exercise called “A Healing Place.”
Visualize a Natural Setting: Imagine a specific outdoor place that brings you comfort. Observe how you feel there. What makes this location special? What messages might it hold for you?
Open to Insights: As you immerse yourself in this visualization, consider your relationship with nature. What does nature see in you?
Reflect on Your Experience: As you visualize, notice any thoughts or emotions that arise. What do the sounds of insects or birds reveal? What messages come from a gently flowing creek or a slow-moving cloud?
After your visualization, you might want to journal about your experience. This could inspire poetry, songs, or sketches. Reflect on how you can engage with nature’s healing energies more often, even if you spend most of your day indoors.
Sometimes, it’s essential to Tune Inward for a Better Outward.