Forgotten wisdom
Reconnecting with Nature.
There are so many gadgets that people buy in hopes of achieving health and relaxation. Although I don’t necessarily have anything against them, I am a deep believer that we all have already been given everything we need to achieve harmony and wellness through nature. It’s not nature’s lack that created a necessity for new technologies, but rather our disconnection from nature.
People cold dip when our ancestors swam in frigid streams and rivers or worked outside on frosty winter days. We spend a fortune on red light lamps when our forebears gathered around the flames of a fire. We buy devices that tone our vagus nerves, when all we need to do is use our breath. We hide from the sun, when it gives life and sustains us.
We still have this ancient wisdom and our oldest healing practices, but we look to technology to heal us. The truth is, we can heal ourselves by learning to work with the pharmacy within our own bodies and the natural world. We are children of nature and are made from the same matter. When we heal our connection to the stuff we are made of, we start to heal ourselves - bodies and minds.
Natural Practices for Modern Life
Instead of turning to gadgets, we can embrace simple, ancestral practices to promote health:
1. Cold Exposure
Taking a cold dip in wild water or ending your shower with cold water for 30 seconds can invigorate the body, improve circulation, and boost immunity.
2. Firelight
Sitting by a fire or using candlelight in the evening helps regulate our circadian rhythm. Firelight contains red and infrared light, which can support relaxation and melatonin production, preparing us for restful sleep.
3. Grounding/Earthing
Walking barefoot on grass, sand, or soil helps reduce inflammation and promotes a sense of calm. Our ancestors were always in contact with the earth, and by reconnecting with it, we can restore balance to our nervous system.
4. Forest Bathing
Spending time in forests or green spaces lowers stress hormones and improves mood. This ancient practice, known as Shinrin-yoku in Japan, reminds us of our deep connection to the natural world.
Breathwork and the Nervous System
Instead of investing in devices to tone the vagus nerve, we can use the power of our breath. Breathwork is one of the oldest and most accessible healing tools available:
1. Slow Diaphragmatic Breathing
Breathing deeply into the belly activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps calm the body and mind.
2. Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana)
This practice balances the left and right hemispheres of the brain and promotes mental clarity.
3. Kapalabhati (Breath of Fire)
A more energizing breathwork practice, Kapalabhati helps clear mental fog and invigorates the body.
4. Bhramari pranayama (Humming Bee Breath)
Down-regulates the sympathetic nervous system and proven to have as powerful an effect on the vagus nerve as medical vagus nerve stimulator implants.
By incorporating even a few minutes of mindful breathing into our day, we can stimulate the vagus nerve and promote relaxation without relying on external devices.
Healing with Ayurvedic Principles
Ayurveda, the ancient science of life, offers profound guidance on how to align with nature’s rhythms for optimal health:
1. Daily Sunlight Exposure
Getting sunlight, especially during the early morning, helps balance our circadian rhythm and supports hormone regulation. Ayurveda views the sun as a vital source of energy and life force.
2. Using Spices as Medicine
Common kitchen spices like turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon are powerful healing agents. They not only enhance flavor but also support digestion, reduce inflammation, and strengthen immunity.
3. Seasonal Self-Care Rituals
In Ayurveda, self-care changes with the seasons. For example, during colder months, warm oil massages (Abhyanga) can soothe the nervous system and promote circulation.
Reconnecting with Nature Through Mindfulness
Healing isn’t about adding more to our lives—it’s about reconnecting with what we already have. Here are a few mindful ways to deepen our relationship with nature:
1. Mindful Nature Walks
Slow down and take a walk in nature, noticing the sights, sounds, and smells around you. This simple practice can help reduce stress and bring a sense of peace.
2. Sun Gazing
During the early morning or late evening, spending a few moments gazing at the sun can help regulate your internal clock and boost mood.
3. Gardening
Tending to a garden, even if it’s a small herb garden, provides a tangible connection to the earth. It also offers the satisfaction of growing your own food or medicinal plants.
Try It Yourself
Healing is less about adding more and more to our lives and more about stripping away what disconnects us from the simplicity of being human—being part of nature. When we restore our connection to the natural world, we tap into an ancient, timeless source of well-being.
This week, choose one simple practice: spend a few minutes in sunlight, walk barefoot on the grass, or practice slow diaphragmatic breathing. Reflect on how it makes you feel. Sometimes, it’s the smallest steps toward nature that bring the greatest shifts in our well-being.
Nature has always been our greatest healer. It’s time we remember.