Bird Song Heals You: What Science and Nature Teach Us About the Power of Birdsong
In my last blog, I reported on findings from the book Nature and the Mind. One of the factors that improves your physical, mental, and social well-being that I did not tell you about is bird song.
After listening to my next book, Bird School: A Beginner in the Woods by Adam Nicolson, I am inspired to get back to you with that health tip.
Our Birds Are Disappearing
Unfortunately our population of birds is dwindling dramatically. Some, as you know, are already extinct. Others have had their populations decimated by up to 90% because of many factors, including climate change and habitat loss.
The Truth About Bird Feeders
Maybe you, like me, are trying to help birds by putting out bird feeders. That is potentially another cause of bird death. The problem with bird feeders is twofold:
They favor the growth of populations of birds that come to feeders but increase problems for birds who will not.
They may increase bird death by transmitting infections from bird to bird that eat at the feeder.
According to experts, it is best to create an environment of plants and water that allows birds to forage for themselves.
How to Create a Bird Friendly Environment
The author of Bird School lives in the Sussex region of England. He offers suggestions for creating the best environment for birds in the last chapter of the book. Since I do not have the acreage to create hedgerows at my home like he does at his, I am purchasing a garden book that will tell me the plants that favor the health and well-being of birds, bees, and butterflies.
How to Get the Benefits of Bird Song Right Now
Now getting back to the bird song benefits. If you do not have the ability to improve bird populations to sing near your home, Marc G. Berman in his book Nature and the Mind recommends searching YouTube so you may listen to bird song recordings that are without commercials.
A Personal Story About the Healing Power of Bird Song
Here is a story from my own experience with the healing power of listening to bird song. The poem Tree Love that you may have read in my last blog was written at a Taoist retreat many years ago. Leaving the retreat, I stayed with my boyfriend at his friend's apartment on Broadway and 60th Street in New York City before we flew home. There was so much city and traffic noise outside his high-rise apartment that I thought I would lose my mind after being in the peaceful woods of upstate New York at a meditation retreat. Thankfully I had purchased an audio cassette, that tell you how long ago that was! The cassette was a recording of a babbling stream with bird song. I put the cassette on his friend's tape player and sat in front of the speakers to keep me from freaking out. It worked!
Your Nature Prescription This Week
You do not need to live in the countryside to benefit from bird song. A simple YouTube search for bird song without commercials can bring the healing power of nature right into your living room, your office, or your morning routine. Try it today and notice how you feel.
Now I wish you much healing in your journey into nature, however you may create that for yourself.
All the best, Dr. Linda
Fun Fact
Your brain uses about 20% of your body’s energy, even though it makes up only about 2% of your body weight.That gives you a boost for focusing on next steps for better health!
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical care. Always consult with your healthcare provider for advice before you begin taking new supplements. You are responsible for all of the health choices you make.
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