Nature for Mental and Physical Health

[crofter]

Don't use water? Here is a digital solution:



Description: ad from www.ForestBathing.club who have gone digital now due to social distancing. I thought this group originated in UK but she says she is from NY. ~crofter

 

[travelaround]

Here's a NY page that explains a lot of the benefits of spending time in a forest.


https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/90720.html



From that page:

Exposure to forests and trees:
    boosts the immune system
    lowers blood pressure
    reduces stress
    improves mood
    increases ability to focus
    accelerates recovery from surgery or illness
    increases energy level
    improves sleep

However - if you want clean hair you might want a waterfall.

 

[crofter]

It seems that the people in the ForestBathing group are more into hanging out than actual bathing. The UK group is into actual bathing, more of a meditative spa experience with their bathtub actually set up in the forest. My brother calls this a garden of eden experience, I call it basic.

Closest I have come to that is a rented bathtub at a hot springs on a beach. Quite spectacular, but too crowded to actually be relaxing. I think they had 20 bathtubs there.

I used to have my bathing area in the back of the pickup, and I would raise the topper door and discreetly commune with nature from behind the tailgate while bathing. Course I was in a remote boondock spot when doing this. Once I thought I saw Bigfoot I was that remote. Bigfoot was passin thru at a high rate of speed so could not be sure. 
-crofter

 

[travelaround]

Oh, I am so into Bigfoot. I live in a Bigfoot obsessed town. I own a Bigfoot website. However! I have never seen a Bigfoot and unlike many others, I won't lie about it.

There's a little waterfall in one of the creeks near here (South Fork of Indian Creek) that ... if the water flow is just right, forms an area to sit under the water and get an incredible massage. I named that place "Laughing Waters Spa" . . . maybe I'll go back this year. Sometimes there's too much water... got to get it at the right time.

 

[vanbrat]

I love to sit in our hot tub in our woods. But I have never been comfortable in any kind of public space for it. Tonight we will be sitting under the stars in our clearing to watch the meteorite show. I am so grateful for our space outdoors.

I used to take my daycare kidos out 3-4 times a week to walk around in the woods it was fun. We where about 2 blocks from a place with 2-300 acres of trails. I would remind them to "stop "Listen" 'look Up" "Smell the air" "Close your eyes and LISTEN". I don't know anything about bathing in the woods or any fancy name for it, but it always made rest time longer and better, more restful type sleep for everyone. Unless I feel asleep too then I snored. I had more then one kid tell me I sleep to loud.

I used to take baths in lakes when we where kids with the family camping. Sorta. Mom handed us wash cloth with soap and we semi washed and rinsed and then went into the lakes..... I am also sure that a car full of semi washed kids is the reason we had windows open on the trips home..... Mom did laundry the next day. And our sleeping bags always smelled much better after being washed... Never did see a bigfoot but sister swears she saw a panda bear. And Cousins had great luck finding mud puddles for mud baths. They were fun.

 

[nature lover]

This thread is off the original track but forest bathing is a much better topic than not bathing. I want to Recommend an essential read for all - "Last Child in the Woods; saving our children from nature deficit disorder" By Dr Richard Louv.

Or just google his name or that title to read about his organization. The principles he teaches are focused for children but of benefit to all ages.
I will start a thread for discussing this and nature bathing. thank you

 

[nature lover]

Another thread wound its way to a discussion of Nature Bathing and related issues.  Since it was a very interesting and active discussion I thought it would merit its own thread.  So here it is - jump in - I have a lot to say about this subject and I know a lot of you do too.   :thumbsup: Please don't think I am trying to be a moderator - I just really like this subject and want to keep it going.

 

[DLTooley]

Deep Ecology goes to this. Some call it radical, but to me it’s foundational, at least the little I’ve read.

That includes David Abrams. Spell of the Sensuousness is well footnoted, Becoming Animal is more about practice.

https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-03-01-ls-41670-story.html

 

[crofter]

Interesting take on it. I' m thinking of the 'in harmony with nature' philosophy put forth in Black Elk Speaks.

Back to bathing, but not. It is amazing to look at the desert sky from the hot pool here. 
-crofter

 

[eDJ_]

The nice thing about being outside in nature is to get some sun on your skin.  And you only really need about 15 minutes of that each day.

Vitamin D-3 is one important benefit.  Vitamin D is not so readily available in foods we eat, and nutritionist believe 70% of us lack having enough.
The vitamins in our food are more like a dietary aid but in the case of vitamin D from the sun is more of a steroid hormone which is "fat soluble".   It helps our bodies to absorb the other vitamins and in time relieve symptoms of depression, making it well worth being in the outdoors.

Vitamin D-3 is made by our body thru exposure to the sun.  Vitamin D-2 comes thru secondary sources such as milk from cows.(which have had exposure to the sun)  The human body's cells are almost all with receptors to sunlight.  The exposure to a little sun each day is beneficial to our immune system, the health & strength of our bones,  our muscle coordination for movement, production of insulin, mood & mental well being ( SAD's or seasonal affective disorder ),  and cardio vascular health.  So it's worth getting out side in the sunshine a little each day.

 

[LERCA]

Sorry if this is a bit off-topic but it seems a lot of enthusiasm for this post. I was wondering if any of you all watched the Grounding movie, the actual documentary not people’s experiences? I love the forest and had been doing gardening for a friend and noticed I felt much better then I watched the movie on YouTube Wow! I hope this isn’t too far off because I think you all will really enjoy it!

 

[jacqueg]

Sorry if this is a bit off-topic but it seems a lot of enthusiasm for this post. I was wondering if any of you all watched the Grounding movie, the actual documentary not people’s experiences? I love the forest and had been doing gardening for a friend and noticed I felt much better then I watched the movie on YouTube Wow! I hope this isn’t too far off because I think you all will really enjoy it!

Is there a more specific title than "the Grounding movie"? Too many choices come up when I search on [font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]just[/font] "Grounding".

 

[nature lover]

I am happy to see this thread being used. AND SO FAR NO BICKERING - CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? I would like to share my experience(s) with you. I am not here to convert anyone. I guess if you truly believe that you have found something so good you want to share it; but the "in your face" method is not my way. So judgement and proselytising aside, I am not ashamed to say I am a Christian. Of course that colors my thoughts on nature and its spiritual benefits. I believe we were created by an all powerful and loving God. I believe that the first man and women were placed in a garden and given the task of "dressing" it. The first man was also given the assignment of naming all the animals. In order to do that he had to spend time observing and studying them. So if you believe the bible story, as I do, you can see why mankind finds solace, peace, and comfort in close connection with nature. I have a program that I present to churches titled "The Gospel According to Nature". This program is a combination of my nature photography and some old fashioned preaching. I could go on but I don't want anyone to feel uncomfortable with my sharing. Don't worry I am not going to preach here.

My own story is that I find in nature something I can't find anywhere else. I suffered with bipolar disorder since I was a child. I have been on many different medications for this over the years. Mostly antidepressants, but they were only a little helpful. About 15 years ago I was found to have brain damage. Tumor was the first thought but after a dozen doctors and thousands of dollars they decided to call it an anomaly, meaning they have no idea what it is or what caused it. It could have been there from birth but just "raised its head" when I was 50. Because of the seizures I was having they tried a series of meds and ended up with Lamictal. In addition to seizure control it is used to level off those who are bipolar- bingo that was the right thing for me.

I said all of the above just to get to this point. I am more happy and fulfilled when I am in a forest or a garden or by the sea than anywhere else. I felt this effect since I was young though it took me years to see that 2 + 2 = 4. I was drawn to spending time in and studying nature more than most people I knew but did not know why. Now I know why - it is medicine for the troubled mind and soul. You do not have to believe what I believe to feel it. We are naturally drawn to nature. The artificial environment of concrete, steal, and glass cities are full of crime and juvenile delancey because it is not a natural environment. Take those same kids out of the city, as I have done many times, and you will see the healing start.

I could go on for hours but I am certain you are tired of me by now. Let me again make clear I am not here to force you to believe what I believe. One thing we can all agree on is the calm, pleasure, and healing found in nature is real.

Now we will pass the offering plate and close with prayer.

 

[nature lover]

I just watched this "grounding movie" I am sceptical about the "science" but find it interesting. I am going to do more research as I find the time. I know for certain that there is healing in nature - and I know that walking barefoot on the grass feels great.

Here is a link to the above mentioned movie.

https://www.groundology.co.uk/videos?show=the-earthing-movie

 

[jacqueg]

Thanks for the link.

 

[LERCA]

The Earthing Movie: The Incredible Science of Grounding which someone attached a link to. Very interesting and fun.

 

[crofter]

....  I know for certain that there is healing in nature - and I know that walking barefoot on the grass feels great.

Here is a link to the above mentioned movie.

https://www.groundology.co.uk/videos?show=the-earthing-movie

I look at the palm trees every night before I go to bed. I like the soothing swishing sound they make in the breeze.
-crofter

 

[travelaround]

A need for nature is probably why I left the third floor apartment in Idaho to live on a half-acre in Northern California where I have to mow the law, prune the bushes, and plant seeds. I always did better here. This place feeds my creativity.

 

[WanderingRose]

After 2+ months of stay at home orders, I am looking forward to steeping and immersing myself in nature in a couple of weeks, specifically in gazing dreamily at the spectacular Lake Superior, placing my bare feet on bare ground and sand.

Just breathe. It’s time.

 

[nature lover]

If you need a cyber nature experience in this lockdown, look at Jamie's new camp video. You can feel the good in that forest. I don't understand all the reasons (none of my business) for the change in Jamie's life but he landed on his feet.