Wellness in Nature
Some benefits of being mindfully in nature's elements are many of the same or similar benefits one receives from yoga and massage.
These include but are not limited to:
Improved mood, improved sleep, reduced blood pressure, boost in immune system functions, fosters creativity, reduced anxiety and depression, increased ability to focus, and increased energy.
Forest Bathing
"What the heck is forest bathing?!?"
Here in the states Forest Bathing has been gaining popularity, but we are a bit late to the party. In Japan, fans of nature and wellness, coined the phrase, "Shinrin-yoku." In the early 80's. It means forest bathing, in Japanese.
No one would argue, that mindful time spent in nature is tremendously healing. Its about, leaving the outside distractions behind, and just being among the tress and taking in all that the forest has to offer. There may be guided walking meditations, minus the discipline. Maybe a gentle hike with affirmations, minus the concentration. Gazing upwards at the tall tress, jumping into a natural body of water, listening intently to the birdsong. Being outdoors, we move more as we take in an abundance of vitamin D, from the natural sunlight. We engage in the senses, breath deeper, as we let go of the noisy world we left behind. We turn on the stress response, and naturally come back to homeostasis.