Nature as Nurture: a somatic series of hikes to heal…

A recent article in Medscape.com offers scientific evidence regarding the health benefits of spending just 20 minutes a day in nature. British physician William Bird states, “Disconnection from nature is a major part of…health problems…” The good news is that hearing birdsong, walking in greenery, feeling cool water, smelling mother earth… has profoundly positive effects on our health. Here are just a few: studies have shown that being in nature facilitates lower blood pressure, cortisol levels, fight-flight responses, anxiety, and depression while increasing mood and brain health, immune responses, vagal nerve health, and a more spacious sense of time.For the next 6 months I will be leading various hikes in the Sheep River, Blue Rock, and Kananaskis regions from a somatic perspective. We will indulge our 6 senses (vision, hearing, taste, touch, smell, and movement) so that we can delight in nature and regenerate our health. I will also offer insights in plant, tree, insect and animal life (as this is another passion of mine) and a bit of local history/folk tales. Please see my upcoming events page to register! [Scherer, L. (5 April 2024). Will your next prescription be 20 minutes of nature a day? Medscape.com] [see also the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, forest-bathing]