I love walking in nature.
One of my favorite places to be is walking down a path close to my home. The path winds through the middle of the big city, but takes me into wild, serene places that seem so far away from the activities of daily life. After just a few steps, I'm enveloped by the most incredible scenery and natural beauty that initiates deeper breathing, a slower pace and heightened awareness within myself, as well as increased enjoyment of my surroundings.
For me, it's a way to connect with nature . . . to experience interconnectedness with all things. I love the sounds and smells. I love the unique intricacies of the wild growth. And I love to ponder different elements that I encounter. It often becomes a source of inspiration or wisdom for me and I leave the area calm, yet energized, and focused on what's deeply meaningful to me.
Since nature walks are so significant for me, I was glad to find a lens by Comfortdoc, all about the benefits of walking in nature.
Intertwined with beautiful quotations and images, are ideas that expand on this quote by John Muir, "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." How true! In Nature Therapy, Comfortdoc reviews many ways that walking in nature can benefit our minds, our bodies and our spirits, giving us much more than we could have expected.
In addition to more common ways of walking in nature like what I described above, Comfortdoc adds walking meditation, walking labyrinths and grief walking. As she discusses these more unfamiliar methods, she shares her expertise as a Physician who works with people experiencing life challenges. She suggests these types of nature walks as a positive way to work through difficult times. For example, she quotes Dr. Bernie Seigel, "If you watch how nature deals with adversity, continually renewing itself, you can't help but learn."
Has nature helped you through tough times? How have you experienced the therapy of nature in other ways? What has it taught you?
Image Credit: Woods Card by emele1
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Visit: Nature Therapy
I'm a life coach, teacher, direct seller and internet marketer who loves Squidoo and being involved with the Squidoo community. I'm a mom of 4 kids, aged 13, 17, 19 and 21. I'm also a new grandma! I love personal growth, spirituality, nature, elephants, vegetarian eating, writing, reading and learning. But my posts may or may not be about these topics. Primarily, I like to highlight great-quality lenses that make me think or that present meaningful ideas.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by MiMi, Leanne Chesser. Leanne Chesser said: New post: The Health Benefits of Walking in Nature (http://bit.ly/csrL72 #comfortdoc #LeanneChesser #nature_therapy #nature_walks #squidoo [...]
I agree Leanne, there are few things to compare with walking in nature to nurture the soul. Your beautiful introduction to Comfortdoc's article really struck a chord with me. And her exploration of different kinds of walking therapy is quite inspirational!
"Has nature helped you through tough times?" Absolutely!! "How have you experienced the therapy of nature in other ways?" There is a sensuousness to the morning fragrances at or near dawn before the day gets going. "What has it taught you?" Meditation and walks at dawn are the best way to start my day.
Thank you Leanne for alerting me to this lens. I've been trying to meditate more while I'm walking in the morning. But it just seems to take me away from the pleasures of nature surrounding me. I look forward to reading what Comfortdoc has to say about this!!
Beautiful review!!
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We are fortunate to have nature surrounding all four corners of our property and a little river that runs through it all. This article is a sure reminder for me not to take all that for granted.
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Taking a nature walk always refreshes my soul. Great write-up Leanne and Comfortdoc's lens is wonderful too!
I love walking in nature too. It always helps to calm me. And I really appreciate how comfortdoc emphasized the meditative aspect and other ways to enhance the experience. Great reminder and writeup.
Leanne, that is one great find. Comfordoc is amazing.
Years ago, my hubby cut a trail through a section of our woods. Back then, I walked a lot. The trail was nature up close and personal, for sure. And I had to walk around it a few times (five, I think) to get a mile in. All of the dogs would follow me around and around. All but my hubby's dog — Duchess always had her own rendezvous with nature…
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