Biophilia is a love of living things.  It is instinctive in every human being.  It is a need to connect to the natural world.  Natural parks are an essential part of our life, not just our ecosystem.  Even in the busiest downtown areas, having a sanctuary of trees, plants, flowers, grass, any green life, will add years to our life.  Plants give hope and alleviate stress.  The sounds of birds singing and the wind blowing, looking at the trees, watching the clouds in the sky, noticing the natural world around us has a real effect on our bodies and in our minds.  We begin to breathe in rhythm and feel healthier.  Getting lost in nature including green lush grass, rolling hills, majestic mountains, an inspiring sunrise or sunset, the sun reflecting upon the water, waves crashing on the shore, and birds singing in trees stimulates an inner reflex in each of us; this reflex causes an emotional response akin to Zen meditation.

Taking time to be one with Mother Nature makes us healthier inside which in turn affects our spirit and therefore our body.  Just taking time to gaze amidst the trees (even just two) offers real psychological and health advantages.  We notice more and understand that we are part of something much greater and it is beautiful.

Go for a walk, sit on a park bench, go for  a hike, lay on the green grass gazing at clouds, stop and smell the flowers.  Take a few minutes each day in a green spot with trees to improve your brain function, memory, problem solving, and concentration.  It makes us feel content, peaceful, and helps reduce stress. 

Stress has been linked to sickness and disease.  Reducing stress can add more than ten years to our life!  Relieving our daily stress can help renew our spirit, our mind, and our bodies.  Getting out with nature makes us feel good, pure and simple, so do it at least once a week, if not a little every single day.  Fill your senses, drink up Mother Nature, get in sync with the natural energies in the world - your emotional, physical and psychological self will thank you, so will friends, family and co-workers!

picture courtesy www.rainforestweb.org

• Biophilia & Emotional Well Being, Emotional Intelligence
• Stress, Real Age