Embracing Wellness Through Nature
Our ancestors lived with the Earth. They hiked hills and valleys, farmed, fished, swam, and looked to the trees for spiritual wisdom, guidance and even direction. For those of us who have been generationally stripped of our lands, identities, names, languages, and religions, we’ve also been disconnected from the Earth. As we’ve been forced out of our ancestral lands and into overcrowded inner cities, we’ve also been conditioned to view what was once our way of life as hobbies and privileges. However, by reclaiming our physical and spiritual connection to the Earth, we can mentally reconnect with ourselves also.
My family is from the island of Jamaica where the Earth/land is essential to life itself. I am from NYC where I’ve grown to love the vibrancy, culture, and liveliness of major cities and all it has to offer culturally, artistically, and socially. However, while I sometimes find myself torn between the two, I’ve found the most peace, restoration, and clarity when bonding with nature and connecting with the Earth.
I’ve developed a habit of retreating into nature to reflect and connect with my thoughts and myself, and to find deeper meaning and understanding of my experiences. I’ve also found connecting with the Earth an important and meaningful way to physically and mentally stay focused and present without the constant distractions of everyday life.
Using Nature to Reconnect with Yourself and Move Through Trauma
Dissociation (detachment/disconnection from the present moment and/or your body) is a coping mechanism that is common among trauma survivors who have experienced chronic and/or complex trauma. If you experience dissociation, nature is a great way to reconnect with yourself and your body, and stay present as your human senses are naturally stimulated in positive and often relaxing ways.
Sensory Stimulation
Sight - The lush green of the woods/forest, vibrant colorful flowers, blue skies, aqua beaches, brown sand, and even the yellow sun all stimulate our sense of sight. It enhances our vision and makes it harder to visually disconnect from the present compared to the brown and gray hues of the city. This can be a useful way to practice sharpening observation skills.
Sound - The sound of crickets and other insects, ocean waves, wind, and rain are all calming and soothing sounds. This offers the opportunity to have peace with your thoughts and feelings without being overstimulated by noise or the lack thereof. Sometimes complete silence can be just as distracting as complete noise. Nature sounds offer a balance.
Smell - The fresh vegetation of the Earth, the smell of the ocean, and the smell of rain are all hard to ignore and subconsciously encourage breathing. Proper breathing helps with clarity, focus, and relaxation, in addition to the other physiological health benefits.
Touch - Feeling the sun on your skin (especially in the fall/winter), the sand between your toes, your feet on the grass, the temperature of the ocean water on your body, and even insects pitching on you, all work to keep you present and encourage connection to your physical body. This is especially important for survivors of physical and/or sexual trauma who tend to dissociate from their physical bodies.
Taste - The taste of natural fresh fruits to the taste of accidentally ingested saltwater stimulates your sense of taste. Not to mention, natural fruits have countless health benefits also.
Whether it’s a local or state park, a hiking trail, a beach, or a few nights at a cabin in the woods, try to spend some time connecting with the Earth and nature. Bonus points if you keep your phone off or silenced. This helps with clarity and focus and provides a deeper connection between the Earth, your physical body, and your inner self that requires minimal effort. All you have to do is be there. Nature will do the rest to keep you entirely present.
The cities many of us live in were built and designed by man along with the distractions and sensory overload that keeps us disconnected from ourselves. The Earth is divinely given to us for the purpose of nourishing our entire well being. Use it.
