My Other Therapist is a Prairie

As we enter the month of Earth Day, many of us may be feeling anger or despair in response to attacks on efforts to address climate change and protect the natural world. Many days, even these thoughts may be overshadowed by our immediate fears and concerns about the society we live in. When I turn my attention to the insects, birds, animals, plants, and trees around me every day (and in the places I seek them out), I do feel some sadness at what human shortsightedness and greed are doing to them. And yet, like a dear friend who loves you even when you’ve screwed up, the natural world is still my essential source of solace.

There is ample evidence that more time in nature–whether that’s a majestic forest or a patio garden or somewhere in between–is beneficial for our mental health. Even brief periods of time outdoors reduce stress levels and improve well-being. Exposure to natural light helps our circadian rhythms and sleep. And, personally, I don’t need studies to confirm the blossoming feeling of peace and wonder I feel when I hear the wind move through the tallgrass native plants in a park near my house or watch a hawk drift high over my backyard.

In times of chaos and uncertainty, the rhythms and processes of the natural world are a source of comfort.

When I watch a plant grow, or hear the calls of seasonal birds that have returned in the spring, I have a window into a non-human way of being, and into something that I am a part of. These things are reminders of what I value, which is not as separate from me as my modern life likes to pretend that it is. In fact, many have argued that the destruction humans have caused the natural world is a consequence of the foolish belief that we were ever separate from it to begin with.

To implement more time outdoors, it’s helpful to let go of perfectionism (as it is when implementing many things). If you can be flexible about length of time, activity, weather, etc., you’ll be more likely to just get outside. For me, it’s helpful to let go of the idea that I need to be doing something in particular outdoors. I don’t need to be walking or hiking or doing yard work if I’m not up for it that day, I just need to be. Learning to just be is at odds with our plugged-in culture, and can be valuable in and of itself (for a longer read on this topic, I love the book How To Do Nothing). It also helps to be a little less picky about the weather. If it’s chilly, just wear something warm and go out for a shorter time. If it’s raining, take a few minutes to listen to the rain on your hood or umbrella and watch it make rings in a puddle or drip down blades of grass.

Taking care of your mental health is, as always, crucial to everything you do in the world. And some of the best resources for doing this are free and just outside our doors. 

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