“Being in nature is not only inspiring, it also has medical and psychotherapeutic potential. By experiencing nature, we place our body in the original functional circle made of humans and the environment from which we emerged. We put two matching puzzle pieces together – us and nature into one whole.” Clemens G. Arvay (Healing code of nature)
Spending time in the natural world on a regular basis has profound effects on the human body, especially during healing and recovery. Research and studies suggest that nature-based rehabilitation may benefit individuals with brain injury, as motor and sensory-motor functions, as well as cognitive functions, were significantly improved. Furthermore, studies found an added improvement in the general quality of life. From a stroll through the park to a day spent hiking in the wilderness, exposure to nature has been linked to a host of benefits.
Over the years, I have spent as much time as possible in the natural outdoors, where I have always been much happier, enjoyed all seasons, sun, rain, or snow, and found various fun activities for every season. Also, I have spend much time with my children since young age visiting parks, festivals, etc. and cycling, kayaking, snow sliding, etc. We had much fun and created many great memories. Since grade school, my children joined me in volunteering for adaptive sports and recreation, which help them in many ways and throughout their lives.
During my research, I have encountered many cases showing the great impact and benefits of the natural outdoors, but none was so profound as Sarah Allely’s story, please check out her podcast.
Sarah’s PodCast –
After suffering a brain injury in a bicycle accident, Sarah Allely found it difficult to read, write, and watch television. She struggled with everyday tasks. Eventually, she realized that the only way for her to get better was to spend time in nature. As a journalist, her instinct was to chronicle her experience and also investigate the science behind nature’s health benefits. The result was Brain on Nature, a podcast that’s deeply personal but offers invaluable insights for anyone seeking balance in today’s hyper paced and over-connected modern world.
Rapid 5 –
I have been following the development of an evolutionary organization in central Ohio, RAPID-5. Their forward thinking and vision is legendary, for how central Ohio can grow by connecting us with nature and one another like never before. It is a resource for engaging and empowering communities and individuals to help realize the vision of a future connected with nature. The goal is to create the largest interconnected park ecosystem in the country: five unique waterways, 146 miles of integrated waterways, thousands of acres of parks, and hundreds of miles of trails. Check it out, it is amazing.