How can we rebuild our connections to Mother Earth, and hence with our souls?

Can we pay attention to how we can become the best version(s) of human that we can become?  What does it take, how does our nervous system need to settle in order to find our way back to gentleness, kindness, compassion, serenity, and peace?

It is essential for humans to renew their connection with nature.  It is essential to our nervous systems.  It is essential to our overall health and well-being.

Notice how a tree sways in the wind. Run your hands over its bark. Take in its citrusy scent. As a society we suffer from nature deficit disorder, but studies have shown that spending mindful, intentional time around trees–what the Japanese call shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing–can promote health and happiness.

Dr. Qing Li, 2018, Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness 

Forest bathing is the art of spending intentional time in nature and is practiced throughout the world to increase health and restore well-being. More and more people are turning to forest bathing as an evidence-based way to unplug, relieve stress and anxiety, and spark creativity.
 
Through simple invitations to slow down, walk in silence, cultivate tree energy, and connect with the sun and forest, this book enables you to incorporate the inspiring benefits of time spent in nature—a calm mind, renewed energy, boosted creativity, and inner peace—into your daily life to find deeper meaning and contentment.

Julia Plevin, 2019, The Healing Magic of Forest Bathing: Finding Calm, Creativity, and Connection in the Natural World

Shinrin-yoku is the Japanese practice of seeking a deeper connection with nature by spending intentional time surrounded by trees. Commonly referred to as forest bathing, the meditative practice involves all of our senses and has extraordinary effects on health and happiness. 

In Shinrin Yoku, Yoshifumi Miyazaki explains the science behind forest bathing and explores the many health benefits, including reduced stress, lower blood pressure, improved mood, and increased focus and energy. This useful guide also teaches you how to bring the benefits of the forest into the home through the use of essential oils, cypress baths, flower therapy, and bonsai. 

Yoshifumi Miyazaki, 2018, Shinrin Yoku: The Japanese Art of Forest Bathing