In disconnecting from nature, we disconnect from our own nature. What do I mean by this? Of all my work both personally and professionally, I have learned and witnessed the healing effects of nature. Be it: surfing, paddling, biking, or running in the trees after a hard day of work; or walking along the beach before work. Nature connects us with our true nature. When one is divorced from the macro nature it is not long before we are strangers to our own inner nature. This is nothing new. The indigenous and ancient cultures knew this and lived accordingly.

While developing and running a multi-agency adolescent treatment program in Oregon for (10) ten years, I witnessed, as well as empirically verified along with countless other academics the validity of outdoor experiential programming. This approach accelerated clients in connecting with their own nature and forming a new narrative. Compare this to my recent employment in two mental health settings. There I was, working in a small room without windows in a closed unnatural space. This only serve to compound the frustration and agitation of my already traumatized clients. Now, take those same clients outside moving in nature and it is a different experience altogether. This is just plain common sense.

I recall a young man I was working with who had returned from Afghanistan. He was beyond agitated. When asking my young Ph.D. supervisor to conduct my sessions outside she told me it was against agency policy. After this young man’s reaction, they momentarily considered my recommendation. Of course, agency insurance would not allow it. Insurance stated, “it was too risky”. Now you can imagine my reaction. I’ll leave the rest of the story to your imagination. Seemingly we have forsaken reason and operate purely on emotion. Tis the times! 

Accordingly, I do most of my therapy outside in nature whenever possible. Walk and talk in a park, the beach, or a more natural setting. Of course, this is the client’s choice.
Many great philosophers have said that any idea arrived at sitting still has little value. Does this make sense to you?

When we muster the will to move, both psychological and physiological changes instantly take place in our bodies. Our bodies do their intended job of secreting healing hormones, diminishing cortisol levels, and a myriad of other positive physiological and psychological changes occur. Thus, putting us back into a state of balance.  Remember a depressing mindset manifest a depressed physiology.