Reconnecting with nature for wellness and wholeness

Discover the healing power of Nature Immersion, and hear nature enthusiasts relate how reconnecting with earth rejuvenates our  body, mind, and spirit.

In today’s fast-paced world, the constant demands of daily life can easily lead to stress and burnout. Nature immersion offers a powerful remedy, inviting you to step away from the chaos and reconnect with the earth. Whether it is the mindful practice of forest bathing or simply breathing in the morning breeze, these experiences provide a profound reconnection with the natural world, rejuvenating the mind, body, and spirit.

The Healing Power of Nature

Studies have shown that spending time in nature lowers cortisol levels, reduces anxiety, and improves overall mental health. Dr. Qing Li, author of Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness, emphasizes that “nature therapy is a scientifically proven practice that reduces stress, promotes relaxation, and enhances your immune system.”

This concept resonates deeply with Padmavati Dwivedi, a forest creator and advisor at an ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) firm. She passionately believes that “connecting with nature through our senses is the best beginning to savor its taste, and by reaching out externally, we also dive within.” Her Vanamali Tree Walks in Delhi are designed to nudge people gently away from the virtual world, guiding them to experience the simple yet profound beauty of nature. One can join them by enlisting on her Facebook page.

Reflecting on her life, Padmavati shares, “It’s hard to pinpoint a single incident that sparked my deep desire to encourage others to connect with nature. I’ve always been drawn to it, fiercely protective of animals and trees. But it’s perhaps the apathy of those around me that has distressed me so deeply and made me realize the importance of connecting people to nature’s beauty.”

She continues, “In our gadget-driven lives, we’re oblivious to the blissful protection of nature’s womb that encases us. We must shift our attention from the reel to the real. To look at the eyes on butterfly wings that don’t see, to listen to the silence of the winds that sway the world, to be drenched by the fragrance of rain on parched soil, and to be caressed by the soft rays of the moon and the sparkling stars millions of miles away.”

Padmavati Dwivedi, who leads Vanamali Tree Walks in Delhi, believes that “in our gadget-driven lives, we’re oblivious to the blissful protection of nature’s womb that encases us.”

For Padmavati, the Vanamali Tree Walks aims to immerse people in nature’s stories, mysteries, and magic. She poses this question often during these walks: “If the creation is so spellbinding, then how spectacular must be the Creator?”

Personal reflections on Nature’s Impact

Nature enthusiasts share how reconnecting with the earth has transformed their lives:

• Padmavati Dwivedi: A nature lover and advocate, Padmavati’s connection with nature began in childhood. “When we start measuring nature’s importance only for our survival, driven by humankind’s pursuit of happiness through material things, nature too is seen as a commodity,” she explains. “But how can we put a value on the Infinite? It’s like an atom of sugar trying to understand the sweetness of all creation’s nectar. To me, connecting with nature is not just a survival mechanism—it’s about savoring life itself.”
• Ashima Singh: A former writer and healer who moved to a village in Kumaon from New Delhi, Ashima describes how nature nourishes her being: “Watching a flower bloom, taking long jungle walks, breathing fresh, clean air—these moments reflect a shine inside me.” The tranquility of her surroundings has brought her a deep sense of peace and fulfillment.
• Rina Tripathi: Leading disaster management at the Indian Red Cross Society in New Delhi, Rina finds meditation in nature a spiritual experience. “To breathe in the morning breeze, to see golden rays through dew-soaked leaves of a tree is a blessing,” she reflects. “Nature could be the connecting link between us and the vast cosmos.”

Ashima Singh, who left  city life for the hills, says: “Watching a flower bloom, taking long jungle walks, breathing fresh, clean air — these moments reflect a shine inside me.”

Activities for Nature immersion

1. Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku): Engage in a mindful walk through a forest, focusing on the sights, sounds, and smells around you. This Japanese practice is known to reduce stress and improve mental well-being.
2. Tree Hugging: Inspired by the iconic book The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield, this practice involves embracing a tree to ground your energy and deepen your connection with the earth.
3. Meditation by Water: Sitting quietly by a river or lake and meditating can enhance your sense of peace and connectedness with nature.
4. Bird Watching: Observing birds in their natural habitat encourages stillness and attentiveness, fostering a deeper connection with the natural world.
5. Nature Journaling: Record your observations and feelings about the environment, deepening your awareness and appreciation of nature.
6. Stargazing: Find a spot away from city lights and gaze at the stars, reconnecting with the vastness of the universe.
7. Herbal Foraging: Learn about and collect wild herbs, plants, or fruits under expert guidance, connecting with the earth’s abundance.

Top destinations for Nature immersion

In India

• Western Ghats: Perfect for trekking, bird watching, and forest bathing.
• Himalayan Region: Ideal for meditation, nature walks, and spiritual retreats.
• Sundarbans Mangroves: Explore unique ecosystems in this serene environment.
• Kerala Backwaters: A tranquil setting for meditation and reflection.
• Jim Corbett National Park: Offers wildlife safaris and pristine wilderness experiences.

In the U.S.

• Appalachian Mountains: Known for rich biodiversity, perfect for hiking and enjoying peaceful surroundings.
• Rocky Mountain Region: Ideal for meditation, nature walks, and retreats.
• Everglades, Florida: Explore unique wetland ecosystems and immerse yourself in nature.
• Lake Tahoe: Offers opportunities for meditation and quiet reflection in a stunning alpine setting.
• Yellowstone National Park: Experience pristine wilderness and geothermal wonders.

Organizations offering Nature Immersion programs

One can visit their respective websites to join in their contributions and participate in various nature-loving activities.

In India

1. Earthwalkers India: Specializes in nature-based therapy, forest bathing, and guided walks.
2. Prakriti Herbals: Offers herbal foraging walks and sensory workshops.
3. The Blue Yonder: Promotes responsible travel with immersive nature experiences.
4. SwaSwara: Offers wellness retreats with nature walks and bird watching.
5. Himalayan Nature Programs by The Yoga Institute: Combines yoga, meditation, and nature immersion in the Himalayas.

In the U.S.

1. Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides (ANFT): Offers forest therapy and nature immersion programs nationwide.
2. Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health: Offers retreats combining yoga, meditation, and nature immersion.
3. Omega Institute: Provides workshops blending holistic health and nature immersion.
4. Esalen Institute: Offers transformative programs in a natural coastal setting.
5. Wild Earth: Focuses on outdoor education and nature-based mindfulness.

Rina Tripathi runs away to the mountains when she can because “to breathe in the morning breeze, to see sun’s golden rays through dew-soaked leaves of a tree is a blessing”.

Conclusion

Nature immersion is more than a retreat; it’s a journey back to ourselves and the earth that sustains us. As we reconnect with nature, we rediscover the magic, wonder, and healing it offers, reminding us of our integral place in this beautiful creation. Whether through forest walks, meditation by a river, or simply breathing in the morning air, these experiences allow us to step outside the noise of daily life and find solace in the natural world.

Padmavati fondly recalls a simple song from her son’s play school, Navakriti: “Kisne banaya phoolon ko phoolon ko phoolon ko? Kisne banaya phoolon ko? Ishwar jo sab mein hai.” Translated, it means, “Who created the flowers? The God who is in everything.”

This song encapsulates the essence of her message: that in every aspect of nature, there is a profound connection to something greater, a reminder of the divinity that surrounds us and resides within us.

Padmavati also shared a beautiful and heartwarming film with us! Keep reading.

Saving the forest that  saved her life

Once Upon a Forest, a short by Campfire Stories, tells the story of poet and artist Maria, a romantic and animal-loving child who struggled to conform to the expectations of a ‘normal life’. As a young adult, she fell into depression and was guided by her therapist to find solace in forest walks. The whimsical twigs and sticks she discovered along the way sparked her recovery and set her on a creative path.

“I feel like a pupil in the forest, learning shape, form, philosophy, self-knowledge, and psychology – all from the forest,” she reflects at the beginning of her journey. Now, 25 years later, Maria is a celebrated “twig poet,” with her art displayed in galleries across Sweden.

However, when a climate crisis threatens the very forest that once saved her, Maria must tap into a new well of creativity to protect the place that gave her a second chance at life. In the film, available on YouTube, Maria brings the forest to life by intertwining her creative expressions with the natural world, crafting sculptures and poems that reflect the wild spirit of the forest. Her work inspires a deep connection with nature, encouraging viewers to appreciate and protect the wilderness. Maria’s poetic vision invites us to see the forest not just as a resource, but as a living, breathing entity full of stories and ancient wisdom.

The film powerfully conveys the importance of reconnecting with and preserving nature, illustrating how art and poetry can inspire a deeper understanding and stewardship of the wild, fostering a profound respect for the environment.