The Nature Prescription: How the Outdoors Heals Your Mind, Body, and Soul

The latest book I'm listening to is by Mark G. Berman, PhD, pioneer creator of the field of Environmental Neuroscience. Author of Nature and the Mind: The Science of How Nature Improves Cognitive, Physical and Social Well-Being is worth checking out.

In the introduction, from his original research and others, Dr. Berman states that:

1. Just 11 more trees on your street can decrease cardiometabolic disorders like stroke, diabetes, and heart disease.

2. Short walks in nature can increase your attention by almost 20%.

3. Nature can decrease depression symptoms and make people more spiritual and self-reflective.

4. More green space around schools and homes (maybe businesses also?) is related to better school performance, decreased crime, and improved working memory.

Wow! All this and you don't even have to like nature to get physical, mental, and social health benefits with his nature prescriptions.

In truth, the book is kind of boring with all the descriptions of one research project after another. So today I'm including a poem I wrote called Tree Love, written during a Taoist retreat I attended in upstate New York many years ago. Maybe it will inspire you.

Tree Love A Poem by Dr. Linda Berry

Tree you call me to you

Our energies blend

Pine essence swirling through my heart

Balance me

Restore me

A kiss on your belly makes you giggle and blush

Two voices I hear

Back to belly you take my pain and eat it as food

Thank you

I kiss you again

Stepping away to root and draw in I see two

Instead of one

Beginning you were separate pines

Growing taller thicker you fused together

Roots intermingle bellies join

Separate again you rise to the sky

Patient trees I see you

One thick one thin

Reaching for the light your branches dance

Amidst each other

So beautiful

Complements

Standing together in your community

Male force exterior in your ring of trees

Female force interior

Male receiving more light, you nourish her

Female shaded you stand straight and tall

You lead her there

Merging and blending your energies

You bore strength for each other

Yet separate you reach for the sky

God sinks down as Goddess rises up

Ecstasy

Balance

Peace

In your valley of blissful union

Create Your Own Nature Prescription

It turns out that just viewing green and blue can help. Green plants qualify of course. Then there's sky viewing. Most pools are painted blue, so if you can't get to the Caribbean, going to your local pool is a great resource.

Even pictures, posters, or photos of nature will substitute if you can't make it outside. The favorite picture described when subjects were questioned for research was one of a lake surrounded by trees in a valley.

Curves also produce a sense of nourishment, cognitive improvement, and calm. Putting curved objects in your home and your place of business will boost your internal resources and improve social interactions.

The Magic of Fractals

Do you know what a fractal is? According to AI Overview, a fractal is a never-ending geometric pattern that repeats itself at different scales. Think of a Persian carpet. An example from my life are the light pattern reflections on the blue bottom of the pool as I swim laps. I get triple benefit from those fractal patterns, the blue of the surface of the pool when I swim on my stomach, and the blue of the sky with green trees poking up into that expanse as I swim the backstroke.

Get out in nature, surround yourself with curved shapes, and immerse your viewing in fractals for your mental, physical, and social well-being.

All the best,

Dr. Linda

Please note: 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.