I’ve always been drawn to nature. When I’m communing with the vibrant world of flora and fauna, pressing my bare feet into the soil, and breathing in fresh air I feel alive and connected. This communion is essential for my ability to live wholly. And I’m not alone. This innate pull to be in nature, and connect with living things (beyond humans) is a phenomenon that’s so common it’s garnered its own name: biophilia.
The philosophy behind biophilia is slowly trickling through society, reminding our species that we must forge relationships with, and champion the health of, all the inhabitants of our natural surroundings. And this is not a selfless act, when we give love to the natural world it opens the gates to creativity, physical healing, mental clarity, spiritual exploration, and so much more. It’s one of the most important relationships we’ll ever have. I feel the truth in this on a visceral level every time I step out my front door.
But, it’s become harder and harder to honor our connection with nature as technology has taken over. While there was once a time when being in nature was a given in our day-to-day lives, many of us now have to make a concerted effort to foster our relationship with Mother Nature.
Because I feel so much more whole, vibrant and centered when I’m saying yes to regular dates with nature, eating pure, giving love to animals, and ensuring that clean air is flowing through me, I wanted to share some of the ways that I nurture my biophilic nature.
Potential health benefits of forest bathing include decreased risk of heart attack and cancer, protection against obesity and diabetes, enhanced energy and mood, deeper sleep, decreased inflammation, healthier skin and relief from muscle soreness.
To dive deeper into the wonders of building a kinship with Mother Nature by simply walking on it, check out the upcoming film created by dear friends in Ojai, Josh and Rebecca Tickell. The move is call “Down to Earth”.
With all this said, I know I’m in a unique position living in a location that’s surrounded by thousands of acres of undeveloped land. But what if you live in the city? Can you still practice biophilia? Absolutely. Noticing the trees as you walk down a city street, spending time in a park, tending a rooftop garden, eating at a farm-to-table establishment, spending time at a water source near or in the city… There are seemingly endless ways to connect with nature, regardless of where we are, as long as we choose to seek out and experience nature with all senses.
Beyond the activities I mentioned above, here are some prompts that can help you deepen your awareness of, and connection with nature.
The organic harmony and expansion that occurs when humans are immersed in nature is one of the key reasons we choose the urban utopia of Serenbe as the site of our upcoming Attune gathering. Serenbe, located outside of Atlanta, Georgia, deeply honors the philosophy of biophilia by having designed a community that is a living part of its natural surroundings, instead of something that was built at nature's expense. In addition, they have three farm-to-table restaurants, a local CSA (community supported agriculture) program and weekly farmer’s market – they walk their talk. Enhancing Serenbe’s exceptional energy is the fact that it’s located on 1,000 acres that have never been fought on – peace and compassion for all living things is profoundly embedded in this space.
Every time I have the privilege of staying at this majestic haven, I feel nourished and uplifted. It’s beyond enjoyable to wander through the grounds witnessing the animals, the mesmerizing labyrinth, the sprawling farm, kids running down the trails that connect their homes, and the unfettered foliage. It’s one of my favorite places in the world, and a destination that I truly believe changes everyone who walks across its soil.
With great respect,
p.s. Join us for a biophilic immersion at Attune from November 8 - 11, 2019. We will connect with Nature, get inspired with world-renowned speakers and cultivate relationships with like-minded women + men on the path to radiant health - inside and out. EARLY BIRD pricing ends on March 15. There is limited space, confirm your spot!
use promo code: lwlovesyou
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