Natural high

"While 83 percent of Americans say spending time outdoors makes them feel refreshed, healthy and excited, 61 percent admit they don't take enough advantage of the restorative powers of nature.” (a statistic from, not surprisingly but rather humorously, a Miracle-Gro survey)

Not long ago Gregg and I treated ourselves to some time in the Appalachian mountains: it was a natural high! Here’s a few statements and quotes highlighting some of the good resulting from time in the wonder-full created natural.

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"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better." - Albert Einstein (physicist, 1879-1955)

Benefits to the body/mind

*Being in natural settings restores ability to direct our attention and increases working memory (The restorative benefits of nature: Toward an integrative framework, by Stephan Kaplan. J of Environmental Psychology Vol 15, Issue 3, September 1995).

*Studies also show that nature in forms as simple as a plant at work or trees in front of an apartment complex help reduce stress, improve coping skills, and develop self-discipline. (http://www.floridagardening.org/download/BenefitofPlants.pdf)

*Even merely having a view of nature speeds recovery from surgery, improves work performance, increases job satisfaction. (Ulrich, R.S. (1984). "View Through a Window May Influence Recovery From Surgery." Science, 22, 42-421)

"I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order." - John Burroughs (naturalist and essayist, 1837-1921)

“Wilderness to the people of America is a spiritual necessity, an antidote to the high pressure of modern life, a means of regaining serenity and equilibrium.” – Sigurd Olson, 1946 (nature writer & conservationist, 1899-1982)

Benefits to the soul/spirit

*Nature bestows a sense of connectedness, meaning, purpose.

*Observing the natural teaches that each is unique but also part of the larger whole, and contributes to an appreciation of the world as alive, fascinating, and meaningful. [A recommended article]

*And for me, pondering the created leads to the Creator, the fountain of life.

“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find that gong to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is necessity; and that mountain parks and reservations are useful not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life.” – John Muir, 1914 (early conservationist and promoter of national parks)

O LORD, how many are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all; The earth is full of Your possessions. – Psalm 104:24

Spring in Minnesota is a lovely time to be outdoors: comfortably warm daytime temps, buds and blossoms, and no bugs!

So gaze out the window, get yourself outside, enjoy the grounding beauty of nature – treat yourself today to a natural high!