Nature as Healer: Bridging Personal and Planetary Well-being
The Forgotten Connection
Nature has always provided.
It's a simple statement, and yet so many of us, myself included, often take this for granted. We forget that for Mother Nature to continue providing, we must give back by looking after her. Natural disasters often serve as stark reminders of the imbalance in our ecosystem, acting as wake-up calls for us to become more mindful of our planet's health.
Ancient Wisdom in Modern Times
Having spent six years in the wellness industry, I've come to believe that our future global focus must prioritise both the health of the planet and our well-being. Ancient healing traditions have always harnessed nature's restorative and healing powers. These practices, passed down through generations, continue to flourish today. Whether you're performing a full moon ritual during the peak of the lunar cycle or simply detoxifying your body while swimming in the ocean, we instinctively understand that immersing ourselves in nature has a profound healing effect on our minds, bodies, and spirits. There's nothing woo-woo about this theory—we can all feel it.
The Modern Disconnect
Modern civilisation now keeps us indoors, often in high-rise buildings that increasingly disconnect us from the earth. We become more ungrounded, losing touch with our natural state. We physically and mentally trap ourselves inside 'containers' that slowly eat away at our inner peace and joy. Beyond the concrete confines, our energy levels are disrupted by EMF overdose, thanks to WiFi and modern technology interfering with our electromagnetic field. Despite the growing popularity of grounding devices such as earthing mats, I've found that only nature itself can truly restore our natural state—and it's free.
Finding Connection in Today's World
My recent wellness project with Cempedak Island was inspired by its pristine energy, reminiscent of places like Bali, where nature once dictated the rhythm of life. However, as development continues to expand, connecting with the energy that the land and ocean provide has become increasingly challenging, unless we venture to more remote locations. Through this urbanisation, I have learned to place greater emphasis on preserving the natural resources we still enjoy today. While none of us can predict how long we will have the privilege of enjoying these gifts that Mother Nature has so generously offered since the beginning of time, I believe that by raising our awareness, we can all contribute to nurturing, appreciating, and giving thanks for the healing power and beauty of nature.
Here's why connecting with nature is fundamental to our well-being:
Forest Bathing - Walking in nature, especially among trees, exposes us to beneficial compounds called phytoncides—natural oils released by trees that are scientifically proven to boost our immune system. This practice, known as shinrin-yoku or forest bathing in Japan, has been shown to reduce stress hormones and blood pressure. Even a brief 15-minute walk in a local park can provide these benefits. When possible, walking barefoot on natural surfaces allows us to feel more connected to the earth's natural rhythms.
Ocean Bathing- Swimming in the ocean offers numerous benefits, and the healing properties of seawater have been discussed for decades. However, how often do we actually take the time to enjoy it? I remember how my skin rashes cleared up as soon as I took a dip in the ocean, which highlights the powerful healing benefits of seawater. The combination of mineral-rich water, negative ions from crashing waves, and the meditative quality of being near the ocean creates an environment conducive to healing.
Natural Sound Therapy- The gentle sounds of nature—whether it's waves rolling onto the beach, leaves rustling in the breeze, or birds greeting the morning—operate at frequencies that naturally calm our nervous system. These sounds have been shown to reduce stress hormones and promote alpha brain wave patterns associated with relaxation and creativity. Even recorded nature sounds can offer some of these benefits, though experiencing them firsthand creates a more profound impact on our well-being.
Circadian Rhythm Reset- As our lives become increasingly dominated by artificial light, our connection with natural daylight has become vital for our well-being. Morning sunlight particularly helps regulate our sleep-wake cycle and boosts serotonin production, setting us up for better sleep and improved mood.
Digital Detox - While technology enriches our lives, the constant phone scrolling and demand for instant responses has dramatically accelerated our brain activity and shortened our attention spans. This perpetual state of digital stimulation increases our stress and anxiety levels. Being in nature invites us to slow down and reconnect with a more natural rhythm. These moments of pause help regulate our inner pace and allow our overstimulated minds to find peace and stillness. Even a few hours away from our devices, while immersed in nature, can help reset our natural pace and reduce the mental burden of constant connectivity.
Bringing Nature Indoors- Research shows that bringing nature into our living spaces through Feng Shui design can create a more balanced and harmonious environment. I advise my clients to create a green sanctuary with air-purifying plants. Position them where you will see them during your daily activities or meditation practice. Even small touches of nature can help maintain our connection when we can't be outdoors.
Through my journey as a wellness coach, I've discovered that our well-being and environmental sustainability are simply two parts of the same conversation—just as ancient healers have always known. I'm still learning every day how to embrace this connection in my own life, and my work constantly reminds me that true healing comes hand in hand with nurturing the environment that supports us. The health of our planet has an enormous impact on our well-being, and I truly believe that by becoming more conscious of how our everyday choices affect nature's delicate balance, we can create meaningful change. When we connect with nature, we not only enhance our own health—we become more aware of how precious these natural resources are, the same ones that have been healing us since the beginning of time. Together, we can play our part in protecting these natural healing spaces, ensuring future generations can continue to restore, balance and thrive.