We are often told when we feel sad or depressed to take a walk in nature or go outside as we feel better instantly, But do we know the logic behind it? Do we know what is the connection between Humans and Nature in Reality?

Nature is the creation of god or creator and reminds us of the incredible magic and efforts he has taken in creating every creature. Despite having opposing forces like different species of birds and animals nature balances it out so brilliantly. It reminds us that both nature and humans are governed by one universal force of the divine. It also generates a feeling of a sense of togetherness with others as we all share the same space when we come out.

  They teach us many unknown lessons just by observing them deeply. It helps us learn how we can balance opposing forces of positive and negative energy within us. The colors of mesmerizing beauty around us set the tone of our mood from unexcited to excited. You can easily relate to this fact when you go to an exotic location for a trip. The spaciousness of the sky and surroundings helps us ease the feeling of claustrophobia in many.

   This blog is going to help you understand our deep relationship with nature from both scientific and Spiritual perspectives and why it is important to connect with nature regularly and keep nurturing our relationship unconditionally knowing the fact that we are interdependent for many things. Humans cannot survive without the ecosystem of nature. But Nature can still thrive without us. This clarifies the fact that more than anything we need them desperately for our overall wellbeing.

   How I  found my lost connection with Nature?

      During my very first Depression when I was not aware of what was even happening to me after I left my job thankfully with god’s grace I was privileged to live in the most beautiful part of India Jammu and Kashmir for some time.. when I was transferred from the bustling noisy city to a serene and beautiful place my attention from my depressing reality naturally shifted to the mesmerizing beauty around. I couldn’t keep my eyes off this colorful surrounding with varieties of flowers blooming to their best.

   The reason I am sharing this experience is, that when I was given this opportunity to soak up nature completely, I discovered my lost connection with nature as a human for the very first time in my life. When I found my awareness expanded I started appreciating the natural abundance around me which I  took for granted for so many years due to ignorance.

     My First snow experience left me spellbound. The Cherry blossom and delicious apple trees in abundance, with a foggy mist around, through which you could see the snow-capped mountains at a distance was a heavenly experience. The vibrations of that place were in their purest form. I found myself using my camera to take pictures of my surroundings now and then as if I was left in some isolated magical world to be healed by the universe. The magical sunset had a unique blend of cosmic colors which we see in the space pictures in back background. Aren’t they magical and put you in a fantasy world instantly?

      It felt like a heavenly treat for my eyes, the magic of Color psychology playing on my mind. The beauty of the silence and its soothing effects on the mind were prominent instantly. When I came here I was vibrating at the lowest vibration of guilt and hopelessness and this piece of heaven elevated my vibration to curiosity and love, admiration and excitement. This was a magical shift in my energy, which helped me sustain for a long time through low phases of depression. I was still experiencing my painful feelings and bouts of crying, but I also knew healing started, and felt supported by the surroundings. 

   So this was my experience and understanding back then 10 years ago, about how depression was the link to finding my lost connection with nature. But when I started learning a lot of facts about our connection with nature through Spiritual learning, I felt so self-assured that what I experienced was simply a way of the universe to introduce me to the self-healing powers of nature.

So why do we feel so connected with nature when we come out? For all those who go by logic let’s understand,

  What is the Connection between Humans and Nature in a Scientific Perspective?

In 1984 “Biophilia” was published by a biologist named  Edward O. Wilson who coined this term based on the idea and belief that Humans are naturally predisposed to attract nature from generations. Later multiple Scientific pieces of research have also shown that spending time in nature reduces stress and anxiety and improves Cognitive functions.

A recent research conducted by WHO also talks about the effect of green and blue spaces, which has a direct and indirect link with mental well-being, Other multiple researches also have constantly demonstrated the effects of blue and green spaces which have a direct effect on psychological well-being.

According to recent research, being in nature or a forest helps the immune system work better and reduces inflammation. Phytoncides the airborne chemical released by plants to help them protect from insects, has antibacterial and anti-fungal qualities. After Recognizing the benefits of the human and nature connection, In 1982 Japanese Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry coined the term “ Shinrin-yoku” Which means Forest Bathing. This Japanese technique is now practiced all over the world. Forest Therapy is like nature therapy where you are immersed in nature using your 5 senses. Forest bathing has been demonstrated to alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms.

Overall it is constantly been proved by scientific research that Nature has a relaxing effect not only on the body but mind and entire well-being. And this leaves us with no doubt that green and blue spaces of nature have immense indirect benefits for human well-being.  

Now that we have understood the scientific part of our  connection with nature let’s dive into the Spiritual connection with nature 

What is the Connection between Humans and Nature in the Spiritual and Religious perspective?

    The Connection between Humans and Nature has been known and spoken about since the very early years of human existence. We all are interdependent and share similar elements. Engaging in nature have helped people feel a sense of belonging with something bigger than themselves as many culture and traditions see nature as a symbol of a higher power. 

    The Ancient  Vedic Literature has clear mentions of the relationship between nature, humans, and god. It has various references on environmental protection and the same is reflected in the teachings of many religions.

  As in Rig Veda’s Mentions, the universe consists of 5 elements earth, space, water, air, and fire. These 5 elements are the basis of life in everything. This is why probably we feel so connected to nature as we all are made of the same thing. As per the ancient life science of Ayurveda, Our body comprises these five elements in the form of sense organs. The ear is the sensory organ related to ether element or space. Skin is the sensory organ related to air element. The vision is the sensory organ related to fire. The taste is the sensory organ related to water and Smell is the sensory organ related to Earth.

In Ayurveda, these 5 elements are called Panchmahabhoota, and imbalance in these creates “ Tridoshas”.

  If you try to connect this logic to forest therapy where we immerse in nature through our 5 sense organs, you would be able to make sense of it deeply now. We use our sense organs to connect with nature. As we connect with them through these sense organs we start feeling a sense of belonging with each other. 

    Though science and spirituality start from two different ends one with material and the other with spiritual, both the knowledge of science and wisdom of spirituality are intertwined in some or the other way and you will see the relatability when both ends meet. Irrespective of both ways the most impactful and life-changing experience is through one’s empirical experience as that is what matters the most.

    Whether it is proven or not the connection between humans and nature is unfathomable. All you have to do is believe in your open experiences and ask your inner GPS to guide you through your heart and intuition. 

   In ancient days people honored the moon, sun, trees, rivers, and nature. This ensured our connection with nature remained strong. But nowadays we are already detached from our traditions and we need to make extra efforts to reconnect. We need to revive traditional practices which will help in conserving and building a strong connection with nature.

    Over the years urbanization refrained us from staying connected to nature, and our contemporary lifestyle is depriving us of regularly connecting with nature, which could also be one of the reasons why Mental Health issues keep rising now a days.

   To conclude it all, it is an undeniable fact that we share a strong connection with Nature and Wilderness as Human beings. They are the direct manifestation and proof of the Universal Intelligence. Here we just need a small shift in Human perception that Nature doesn’t need us, it can thrive on its own. It’s we who desperately need their energy and vibe around to restore our Holistic well-being

Would love to sum up this blog with a beautiful quote by, “Andy Goldsworthy” which will help you rethink your relation with Nature….

“We often forget that we are nature. Nature is not something separate from us. So when we say we have lost our connection to nature, we have lost our connection to ourselves “