Using nature therapy to recharge our energy isn’t quite as simple as plugging our cell phones in for battery boost, but there is one readily-available, ancient connection that can contribute immensely to our well being, according to Pulitzer Prize-winning conservation biologist Edward O. Wilson. Biophilia is a psychological theory championed by Wilson that asserts we have inherited a love of living things from our nature-dependent ancestors and must nurture this genetically encoded need in order to maintain harmony and balance in modern life.
As more research begins to trickle in to support the importance of incorporating elements of the natural world into our increasingly disconnected lifestyles, there has been a steady trend in many different disciplines to tap into Wilson’s theory. Besides an increasing emphasis in advertising on nature-based products and services and demands from consumers that such products be authentic, ecopsychology, outdoor/wilderness/adventure/nature therapy for troubled children and “green” building have moved from the fringes of “extreme” environmental and social activism to mainstream acceptance.
Getting a regular nature “fix” can be as easy as adding a few plants to home and office or incorporating simple activities into our daily routine that help us reconnect to the natural world. Here are some tips for satisfying biophilial urges and cultivating serenity in your life.
1. Go for the Green
Start the day by connecting with something green. Sip your coffee on the patio, take a stroll through the garden or consciously observe landscaping on the way to work. Notice the way specific plants change through the seasons. Simply viewing nature can enhance your sense of well being and start the day off on the right foot.
2. Place Natural Aromas All Around
Position fragrant herbs or vines in a spot you will experience the aroma daily. Put rosemary, thyme or basil in a kitchen window or honeysuckle or jasmine by the most frequently used door. Pay attention to individual scents.
3. Add Critters to Your Nature Therapy
Spend some time with the birds and butterflies. Locate wildlife friendly plants, birdbaths, and feeders outside a window you gaze through often. Salvia, sunflowers and anything with berries will keep all kinds of critters coming around.
4. Position Soothing Water in Your Home
Bring the sights and sounds of water into the home or garden. Fountains and water features are available in all shapes and sizes, so put one in a convenient spot. Turn off the TV and stereo and simply listen to the water or enjoy a still pond filled with water plants.
5. Get Some Midday Fresh Air
Get outside on your lunch hour. Ditch the cell phone and mp3 player and go for a walk. Find a spot to take a break you never noticed before, preferably surrounded by greenery or under a tree. Make fresh air a midday habit.
6. Use Plants as Natural Air Purifiers
Don’t underestimate the power of houseplants to cleanse your home and office. They can remove pollutants like formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, benzene, cigarette smoke and ozone. Aloe vera, bamboo palm, chrysanthemums, dracaena, philodendron, golden pothos, spider plant and schefflera make excellent air filters.
7. Indulge in Color Therapy
Plant in hues of blue, purple, white and green, the colors of relaxation and tranquility. Surround your favorite garden chair with containers of sweet alyssum, white impatiens or begonias, verbena, torenia and interesting foliage plants like Persian shield, peacock ginger or coleus.
8. Add Edible and Fragrant Items to Your Table
Grow something with edible flowers and leaves to use in cool or hot drinks and salads. Nasturtiums, scented geraniums, pineapple or grapefruit sage, various mints and lemon verbena are lovely and fragrant in a variety of recipes.
9. Take a Healing Herb Soak
Soak in a tub scented with aromatic and healing herbs. Lavender, lemon balm, roses and jasmine are all easy garden plants that make soothing and cleansing additions to the bath.
10. Plant a Simple Moon Garden
Turn off the evening news and venture into a moon garden right outside your door. Fill the garden with evening bloomers like moon vine, 4 o’clocks, evening primrose and angel’s trumpet. Add a little mood lighting and some silver, white and pale yellow foliage like artemesia, sweet potato vine or caladiums to reflect the moon, and you have a cool, relaxing retreat!
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