Craving Nature & Why
When we lived in New York City, all four windows in our apartment looked out onto dirty brick walls, with one exception. Through our bedroom window, we looked at an old church with a lone tree beside it.
With only one tree, you really notice the seasons. It’s all green when you move in, then bare by Thanksgiving. With some January snow it reminds you of a postcard. Then you are surprised one March day when you look out and see it flowering. You didn’t expect that and it’s amazing. You grab your camera.
Since nature was scarce in that beloved Concrete Jungle, aside from the tree, we walked the few blocks over to Central Park every chance we got. It was the default place to go, like our bodies pulled us.
Saturday mornings: drink coffee, do a few chores, pack snacks, head to the Park. We’d find a spot to plop down with intentions of reading but usually end up watching. We’d meet up with friends and sit around or throw a frisbee.
This was our rhythm when it was just the two of us, then while we were pregnant, and then with the new baby.
And then, we had to move. I dragged my feet to the new state, but when we pulled up to our tiny rental there was a tree covering the front yard, and one to match in the back. Joy! We strung up a swing and settled into our new life, one filled with friends, direction, and so many hours outside with young children.
After my husband graduated from law school, we moved again to another state and I prayed for at least one tree to live under. I’d tasted life with the swing and shade, and a tree felt a bit like the outside nanny I needed.
And in this new land of razed lots and freshly built houses, we happened upon a neighborhood full of 50-year-old homes and trees much older than that, tons of them. As we pulled in, I was so taken by the trees that I didn’t even care as much about the house we were hunting. Anything would do as long as there were trees. We grabbed a place and the trees have been ours ever since.
So much life has happened under these trees, all the best and the hardest. With our crew, we’ve built forts, fairy houses, and fires. We’ve strung swings, string lights, and slack lines.
For me, the tall trees, like mountains, are a constant reminder of my smallness, in the best way. They point me to the magnitude of God. Of course, you don’t need trees for that, but I love seeing nature as these signs around us that are like anthems of His beauty and might.
That’s why I’m not surprised at all that scientists are really into doing research on all the positive ways nature effects us. My friend recommended the book, The Well-Gardened Mind, to me a few years ago. Fascinating! Full of science and stories, with a back cover that says, “How can gardening relieve stress and help us look after our mental health? What lies behind the restorative power of the natural world?”
Did you know studies have found that hospital patients (all similar baseline health and same procedures) with windows facing natural scenery heal more quickly than those with views of brick walls? Did you know gardening projects have dramatically helped war veterans with PTSD?
Increasingly, experts in the field are reporting the remarkable effects of nature, trees and the like, on our mental, physical, and emotional well-being. (It’s true! The good gift God has given us is actually good for us.)
According to The Well-Gardened Mind, as well as a handful of other resources, here are some of the positive ways nature has been found to affect us, and maybe why we just keep heading back outside:
Stress Reduction:
Natural environments can lower cortisol levels—the body’s primary stress hormone—helping to reduce anxiety and tension.Improved Concentration and Cognitive Function:
Studies have shown that a walk in the park or time spent in a green space can help restore attention and improve memory, particularly after mentally fatiguing tasks.Enhanced Creativity and Problem-Solving:
Exposure to natural settings has been linked with increased creativity, offering a mental reset that can spur thinking and problem-solving.Increased Contentment and Gratitude for the Present:
The sights, sounds, and textures of the outdoors can help focus our thoughts on the beauty right before us.
Boost to the Immune System:
Certain compounds released by plants (like phytoncides) during a forest walk can stimulate the immune system, potentially increasing the body’s natural killer cells and improving overall immunity.Improved Cardiovascular Health:
Time spent outdoors has been associated with lower blood pressure and reduced heart rates, contributing to better heart health.Better Sleep Quality:
Exposure to natural light helps regulate our circadian rhythms, which can lead to improved sleep patterns. Additionally, physical activity in nature can help promote deeper, more restorative sleep.Enhanced Recovery from Illness:
There’s evidence suggesting that views of or exposure to natural landscapes—even in hospital settings—can speed recovery times and improve overall patient outcomes.
Boost in Mood and Overall Well-Being:
Nature has a calming effect and can lead to the release of endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. This helps combat feelings of depression and anxiety.Increased Sense of Connection and Belonging:
Being outdoors can foster feelings of connection—not just to nature, but to the community. Activities like community gardening or simply sharing a park with others can reduce feelings of isolation.Emotional Resilience:
Time in natural environments can serve as a form of emotional recharge, offering a break from daily stressors and helping build resilience against future stress.Endless Opportunities to see the Beauty of God Reflected
Many people report a sense of awe, wonder, and deeper meaning when immersed in nature. For parents, what a perfect way to weave in stories of our Creator.
“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.”