We have a really deep longing for connection in nature
A deep longing for connection with nature often feels like a stirring, a knowing in our gut, a welling in our heart, a remembering within, or a persistent, quiet pull away from modern, artificial environments toward something more, grounding, and alive. It is characterized by a desire to feel anchored, peaceful, and “at home” in the natural world.
Co-creative grounding nature immersion art by @dimensionsartstudio920
WellBEing with Nature
Wellbeing with nature is the practice of improving physical and mental health by spending time in nature, which reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and boosts mood. It involves connecting with green or blue spaces to decrease anxiety, enhance cognitive function, and foster a sense of peace. Just 20 minutes outside can significantly reduce cortisol levels, while 120 minutes weekly is linked to better overall health.
Nature is not only nice to have, but it’s a have-to-have for physical health and cognitive function. – Richard Louv”
How Immersion in Nature Benefits Your Health
Key Aspects of Nature-Based Wellbeing
- Mental Health Improvements: Regular exposure within nature reduces anxiety, depression, and stress levels. It helps restore mental energy and focus, reducing fatigue.
- Physical Health Benefits: Activities in nature like walking or gardening lower blood pressure, reduce muscle tension, and improve overall physical health.
- Connection and Mindfulness: Being in nature encourages being present, reducing rumination (negative thought cycles).
- Accessible Activities: Benefits can be found in “green” spaces (parks) and “blue” spaces (water) near you.
- Strengthening Community: Nature provides spaces for social interaction, such as walking with friends or community gardening.
“Young people are demanding high-quality outdoor experiences.”
Florence Williams, The Nature Fix
Local Resources
Nature Centers
Heckrodt Nature Center (Menasha) – Heckrodt Wetland Reserve is a 91-acre non-profit urban nature reserve with habitats including forested wetland, cattail marsh, open water, created prairie, open field, and upland forest. Persisting despite the urbanization that continues to grow around it, the Reserve is home to numerous species of reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. Migrating songbirds and waterfowl nest and feed in its protection.
Bubolz Nature Preserve (Appleton) – Bubolz Nature Preserve strives to serve as a gathering place for the community to become inspired by, appreciate and enjoy nature.
The Scheig Center (Appleton) – The Scheig Center, nestled within Veterans Memorial Park and surrounded by the beautiful Scheig Center Gardens
There is an awakening underway today to many of the values of nature and the risks and costs of its loss. This new work can help inform investments in livability and sustainability of the world’s cities.
Gretchen Daily, director of the Natural Capital Project
Resources
Articles
Forest Bathing – Forest bathing and forest therapy (or shinrin-yoku) broadly means taking in, in all of one’s senses, the forest atmosphere. Not simply a walk in the woods, it is the conscious and contemplative practice of being immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of the forest. It was developed in Japan during the 1980s, and in 1982 Japan made this form of mobile meditation under the canopy of living forests a part of its national health program
Understanding the World as a Gift
Ecopsychology: How Immersion in Nature Benefits Your Health
Organizations
Child and Nature Network
We believe that the well-being of children and the wild places we love are inextricably linked. And while research tells us that regular time outdoors is essential for children’s healthy development, today’s kids are less connected to nature than ever before.
The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy
The Global Leaders in Forest Therapy Guide Training
Transforming Relationships between Humans and Nature.
Natural Capital Project
The Natural Capital Project aims to improve the well-being of people and our planet by motivating targeted investments in nature.