The Earthy Path of Least Resistance
By Deborah Neilly
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Longer, warmer days are back at last, and we now feel lighter and brighter. Spending the long winter months indoors, we struggled to operate at peak-energy levels and be our most powerful in body and spirit. In addition to recent studies about the importance of spending time in the sun to synthesize vitamin D, a great deal of scientific research has examined the relationship between humankind and the great outdoors. Over the last several decades, science has determined that we have an innate need to spend time connecting with nature in order to develop and function optimally in mind, body and spirit.

Lifestyles have changed tremendously during the last 100 years. In the recent past, women hung their laundry out on the line to dry in the fresh air, children played outside until after dark, and families spent Sundays picnicking in the park. But times have changed. Now, all too often, we watch images of life depicted on a television or movie screen instead of getting out and experiencing it. In today's world, we spend 95 percent of our lives indoors.
In his new book, The Last Child in the Woods, Richard Louv terms this disconnect with the natural world as “nature-deficit disorder.” Simply put, we humans suffer when we are cut off from nature. An ever-widening circle of researchers believes that the human cost of this alienation from nature is significant and encompasses diminished use of our senses, attention difficulties, higher rates of physical and emotional illnesses, depression and higher crime rates.

However, in stark contrast, we thrive when we are surrounded by nature. Extensive studies conducted by the National Wilderness Preservation System conclude that time spent in wilderness settings with vast views of wide, open landscapes affects us substantially in positive ways, contributing to higher levels of spiritual and personal development, physical health and self-actualization.

In the last decade, a field of study called ecopsychology has evolved. Based on the precept that relationships between humans and nature are interdependent, ecopsychology seeks to heal the fundamental chasm that exists between our urban psyche and our ancient nature-based soul. Acknowledging that a lack of ecological consciousness begins in our childhood, ecopsychology seeks to restore a sense of nature-based kinship in our adult lives. We may consider this reason to provide our children ample opportunities to experience nature so that they have no need to back-track later in life. Just as important, we adults might want to consider spending more time in nature.

As we venture out onto the earthy path of least resistance, we should not only experience the outdoor activities that fulfill us now, but also reflect on the ones we enjoyed as a child. Perhaps we might even contemplate trying something new. Most importantly, we should seek ways to open ourselves up to nature and become filled to capacity with its generous gifts.

Deborah Neilly is founder and president of Into the Woods, retreats for women. Into the Woods offers retreats for the public and for private enterprises, and seeks to bring strength, light and joy to the human spirit. To learn more about Into the Woods programs and retreats, visit it online at www.campintothewoods.com or call (440) 285-4456.