Dearest Prairiewoods Family,
I am delighted to share about new research that I recently learned about at a Forest Bathing class that was held in January by Dr. Suzanne Bartlett Hackenmiller at Prairiewoods. She shared that just 5 minutes a day in Nature has health and wellness benefits! I was beyond excited to hear this and have been sharing this info with others every chance I get. The loving power of Nature heals in as little as 5 minutes a day. Did I say 5 minutes?! LOL! The study in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that 5 minutes sitting on an urban park bench showed significant increases in positive emotions. Why do I feel called to share about this now? Well, we are all experiencing greatly increased amounts of stress and isolation due to COVID-19. Knowing that simply unplugging from our TVs, phones and computers and spending a few moments engaging with the natural world, or what I like to call the real world, feels like a doable, healing act, individually and collectively. The great thing is that those 5 minutes don’t have to be in the middle of a huge park, they can be right in your own backyard!
How about it then, will you try it with me?
Here’s your personal invitation: Step outside and walk around your yard, feel the grass, listen to the birds, notice the air that you are exchanging breath with from the trees and plants. If you feel comfortable, simply be present to the natural elements around you. If focusing your attention would be helpful, try focusing on your senses in relationship with Creation, i.e. touching the grass or walking barefoot, smelling the earth, feeling the breeze.
If you can’t get outside at the moment, try sitting in a chair and simply gaze out your window at the sky, trees, grass, animals, rain, sunshine, etc.
If a window won’t do, perhaps you have a house plant that you can connect with for 5 minutes. Breathe, observe and smile at the plant; tell it what you are grateful for.
If you don’t have a green thumb, even a lit candle invites the natural element of fire into your home.
Notice how you feel mentally and physically after your experience.
Tips: I suggest turning your TV off, closing your computer and stepping away from your phone if you plan to remain indoors. If you want to set a timer while you are outside, set your phone’s timer, turn it to silent (the timer will still sound) and place it some distance away but still within earshot. It is important to completely unplug from our devices during this time.
Sending you all lots of LOVE!
—Emelia Sautter, Prairiewoods ecospirituality coordinator