Nature Heals
Today researchers have discovered that living in harmony with the natural environment heals people. The greenery that we see, the natural sounds that we hear such as the chirping of birds and breaking of waves, have an impact on the healing process of the human neurological, endocrine and immune systems. Stress in an unpleasant environment can cause people to feel anxious, sad, helpless and depressed, which can elevate their blood pressure, heart rate and muscle tension which lead to the suppression of the immune system. A pleasing natural environment reverses this.
Surgeons who conducted a research with patients who underwent surgery who had their beds with a view of trees tolerated pain better, had less host surgical negative effects and spent less time in the hospital than patients who had their beds facing the a wall. This resulted in keeping of green plants and flower pots near patients' beds or keeping pets in long-term care facilities, such as homes for the elders, to reduce the levels of stress of their inmates which accelerated their healing and reduced their stress and pain levels.
Ancient sages, shramanas and yogis reflected and meditated on nature and natural phenomena which led them to the Creator. Some ancient tribes even worshipped natural phenomena such as the sun, moon and the stars. They even worshipped big trees such as sequoia or banyans. They were frightened of natural phenomena such as the mighty thunder and devastating storms.
Today's Situation
Today human beings have left behind their original natural environments as villages and countryside and have migrated to cities and suburbs, which some environmentalists call concrete jungles. These places are deprived of natural environment such as trees and shrubs. The easy availability and proximity to places of employment, schools and other conveniences have driven them to nature-deprived cities. This has led to more anxiety, stress and depression and acceleration of cardiac (high blood pressure) neurological (anxiety and depression) and endocrine (diabetes, kidney failure) diseases.
Instead of walking and enjoying natural phenomena in the villages we have got addicted to computers, smart phones and TV screens which keep us away from nature. When we look through the windows what we see are buildings and heavy vehicles which consume fossil fuel which destroy the environment. We see people rushing about devoid of any time to appreciate what is left of nature around them. Modern scientists have categorized this "Nature Deprivation" as the cause of many cardiovascular, endocrine and psychological diseases. Medical researchers have recommended parents and teachers to limit the exposure of their children to computers, hand-held devices and video games to two hours per day.
The modern environmental movement makes humans aware of the ecological disasters that are taking place in the world and to warn our leaders of the consequences of continuing this wanton behavior of destroying ecosystems for personal gain. Environmentalists are predicting gigantic natural disasters if we do not pay serious attention to the fast-deteriorating environmental changes. Our water table is becoming dry due to long droughts. The melting of the glaciers in the North and South Poles is going to create flooding and the inundation of islands such as the Maldives. The natural habitat of polar bears, penguins and other species will be lost and these species may face extinction.
The earth's resources are also being plundered because of short-sighted approaches to economy, commerce, and production. The loss of forests and woodlands entails the loss of species which may constitute extremely important resources in the future, not only for food but also for curing physical and psychological diseases.
Use your eyes to see a sunrise in the dawn and a sunset in the dusk. Look at the green trees with branches waving in the wind. Appreciate the colors of the flowers and ever-changing hues of the sky. Listen to the songs of the birds and sounds of the breaking waves. Feel the gentle breeze of the air blowing past you. Experiencing, appreciating and living with nature will make you healthier.
(If you have any physical or psychological problems, or are on any medications or under the care and the supervision of any physician, psychiatrist or a therapist, please consult your physician, psychiatrist or therapist before you start any life style changes.)