The Nurture of Nature - LPNI

Main menu:

The Nurture of Nature

LPNI Health Topic -- August 2019

The Nurture of Nature

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)

God called the dry ground ‘land’ and the gathered waters ‘seas’. And God saw that it was good. Then God said ‘Let the land produce vegetation; seed bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it according to their various kinds’. And God saw that it was good. (Genesis 1:10, 11)

Reading on in Genesis, after creating living creatures for the water, land and sky, and creating mankind in his own image, God saw that all he had created was very good, as stated in Genesis 1:31. God saw all that he had made and it was very good. God created the heavens and the earth, clean air, light, the sea, lakes, rivers, streams, mountains, meadows, forests; sea creatures, birds and animals to inhabit the earth, and humans to enjoy and care for this world.

It seems only natural then that getting outdoors to experience and appreciate nature … to pause to give God glory … to pray and meditate in his creation … to allow his created beauty to nurture us, has been proven to benefit us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually in many ways.

Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)

Studies have found that getting into nature settings for relaxation and renewal decreases anxiety, stress, anger and depression. Levels of serotonin increase to help improve mood, focus, memory, self-esteem and energy levels. Quiet time in nature boosts creativity and increases problem-solving abilities. It can nudge our brains into new thoughts. The emotion of awe gives a mental boost and drives the benefits of physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being. Being around or with others in a natural setting adds a sense of community, sharing and social connection.

Physical benefits are numerous. Sunlight helps us produce Vitamin D, which is important for such things as bone health, a strong immune system, absorption of minerals such as calcium and phosphorous and other essential functions. Spending time outdoors can help in maintaining healthy weight. People are more likely to increase movement and exercise because it’s easy and convenient to just walk out the door. Walking in the push of the wind and on uneven terrain, biking or gardening, all help to burn more calories. Exercise, along with light and dark cycles, help to adjust our internal clock, allowing for better sleep, adding even more health benefits to getting outdoors. Related and connected benefits to all of the above, are decreased inflammation, lowered blood sugar, cholesterol; lowered incidence of stroke, heart disease, cancer, asthma and improved management of pain,

He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul. (Psalm 23:2, 3)

The presence of water has been found to enhance the many positive effects of being in nature. In one study, students were found to have less near-sightedness. Aso, stress hormones and blood pressure, lung and kidney disease were reduced. Memory and brain health were found improved. Healing took place faster and reported pain levels were lower.

Time spent outdoors can support health care and therapies, save costs, decrease the use of medications, and increase productivity at work and school. Wellness and reported overall health are improved. God rested at Creation, and Jesus took time to rest and renew. May we find peace, gratitude, joy and renewal as we take time and opportunity to be nurtured in God’s awesome creation!

Dottie Simon RN, Parish Nurse

Texas, Indiana, Florida (in transition) USA

dotsimon03@yahoo.com