I’ve experienced first hand how healing nature can be. Like the time I lost everything when I fell ill a number of years ago. As I watched my life fall apart, I fell into a deep depression.

Being a lover of the countryside since childhood, I yearned to look at plants, trees and to see that luscious green colour. Since I was living in the city at the time, it wasn’t so easy, especially since my energy was so low. Just walking from the shower to my bedroom was enough to put me back in bed.

When I regained enough strength I’d drive to a natural spot and just sit in the car. Seeing greenery through the window lightened how I felt. I’ve since read just looking at nature images has a massively calming affect on our brains, which would explain this. 

Eventually when I felt stronger, I’d go and sit under trees. I loved feeling the breeze gently blowing through the branches. Hearing the cacophony of bird call. Smelling the perfume of flowers. I felt calmer from being there. Nothing else seemed to matter in that moment. 

In amongst all of this, there was a deep faith that now I’m so grateful for. I’d been practising yoga and meditating for years. I’d also recently discovered Zen Buddhism, which followed a mindfulness path. By using these practices I found out I could calm the inner storm. They gave me great comfort.