For me, returning to nature is an exercise of disconnecting in order to connect; one of those reflections that I love sharing with you.
For the past few months I have been discovering our beautiful Empordà in a way that I hadn’t until now, making it a home away from home. The hectic daily routines and responsibilities end up consuming my energy. The practice and philosophy of yoga help me to deal with the stress involved in having such a hectic lifestyle, but it is not enough, and I need small breaks to find myself again and connect with my roots: nature.
I feel like something similar occurs with my girls. Living in a city such as Barcelona, at times I notice they are disoriented, and even more irritable. Children express their emotions openly and freely and I notice a change in them when we leave the city. The calm energy embraces the whole family and that is why escaping to the Empordà as often as we can has become a need.
I recently read an interview that pleasantly surprised me and that gives meaning to the feelings I describe above and the reflection of this blog entry. Doctor Qing Li, an immunologist and expert in forest medicine, talks about the concept of “forest bathing”, something that sounds marvellous to me. Through his research he has managed to scientifically prove that spending time surrounded by trees, in dense forests, strengthens our immune system:
“It prevents disease by notably reducing the stress hormone that causes so many diseases. It reduces blood pressure and blood sugar levels, improves cardiovascular and metabolic health, concentration, memory and the pain threshold”.
“The forest affects our five senses by reducing stress. But forest air in particular is full of phytoncides, which are natural oils that trees secrete to protect themselves against insects, fungi and bacteria. Their defence system benefits ours”.
If you want to read more of the interview, click here.
I feel like nature, the trees, the sea,…have the ability to renew a sense of calm and serenity in me which fills me with happiness. It helps me to connect with my essence and to feel like I am part of this planet, not only as an inhabitant, but as something more than that.
Do you feel like that too?
#ConnectWithYourNature,
V
