From Concrete Jungle to Green Sanctuary
Embracing Nature's Gifts
I Don’t Know How to Do It Without Nature, Do You?
Nature has always been an essential part of my life. Spending time outdoors, whether walking by the beach, hiking in the mountains, or talking to trees and plants, has always provided me with a sense of belonging and unconditional love that I can’t explain. However, it wasn't until I moved to a fast-paced urban environment that I truly realized how crucial nature is to my overall well-being.
It wasn't until I moved to a fast-paced urban environment that I truly realized how crucial nature is to my overall well-being.
Nature has our back and is the best ally anyone can ask for in moments of emotional disharmony:
Today, I want to share how nature and inherent processes improved my life. My first step was engaging in somatic body awareness practices (movement, yoga, dances) that organically evolved into sacred nature pilgrimages that supported me in recovering my sense of wholeness, belonging, and freedom. These practices played a critical role in reconnecting with my physical body. I want to emphasize that because of the complex PTSD and trauma I experienced, inhabiting and being in my own body was not an easy thing to do; every layer of my being was in pain, from emotional to mental and physical, for these reasons living disassociated from inner-self, community, and nature was a learned coping skill that served me well for a while, yet tinted the access to my inner nature and wisdom.
When I “retrained” my mind and body and felt safe to live from my truth, I expanded my engagement with nature to include herbal therapy (grandmothers’ teachings) and horticultural therapy. I found so much comfort in being part of my herbs and legumes' transformational process, from planting the seeds to caring for, harvesting, and cooking with them. I have cultivated (with the help of my husband) an indoor/outdoor herb garden for years and have over two docents of indoor plants in my home office. I use my herbs to cook in the summer and make medicinal teas throughout the year. I even share some of the most aromatic herb buckets and favorite mixed tea blends with friends in my community.
Through this process of weaving myself back to nature, I remembered the importance of reconnecting with my Andean native roots and culture. It has been a humbling experience that has developed a deep appreciation for the reciprocal relationship between the natural world and the ecosystem of the area where I live now, the commitment to my community, the relation to my inner nature, and my synergy with Mother Earth. The tangible and effective results of this methodology, inspired by my Ecopsychology studies as well as my empiric learning watching my elders, helped me to work with people with similar circumstances experiencing disconnection and disharmony, encouraging them to engage with nature in the way their elders used to do it, knowing that by doing so, we are also being active agents in our healing (individual and collective) and responsible stewards of the natural environment where life now.
Fun fact: For the past 12+ years, my family (a Navy family) and I have moved frequently, and most of my outdoor plants have always made the trip with us, no matter where we go.
Here are the three tips to allow nature to be an ally to recover emotional strength:
1. Nature Immersion for Emotional Balance:
Spend quality time in natural environments like the beach, mountains, or forests regularly. Engaging with nature can provide a therapeutic sense of belonging and unconditional love, which can be invaluable for emotional regulation. Whether it's a mindful walk, a free movement, a hike, or simply sitting among the trees, these experiences can help you ground yourself, reduce stress, and find emotional balance.
2. Nature Rituals and Herbal Therapy:
Incorporate nature-based rituals into your daily or weekly routine. For example, you can create a sacred space in your home with indoor plants or an herb garden. The act of caring for these plants and using herbs for cooking or medicinal teas can be a soothing practice. The connection with plants and the natural world can help you manage your emotions and find comfort and stability in challenging times.
3. Community and Sharing:
Engage with a community with individuals with similar circumstances as yours who appreciate nature's healing power. Sharing your experiences and connecting with others with similar backgrounds can provide support and belonging and prevent isolation. Encourage others to explore nature therapies and consider organizing group activities in natural settings. Connecting with others and working together to protect and preserve the natural world can contribute to emotional well-being and a sense of purpose. If not such a group exists near you, I will give you guidelines on building a supportive group and network in chapter 4 of my e-book.
In the spirit of feeling supported by the community, remember to register for my upcoming events – Use the promo codes for Free access, and feel free to share this newsletter with friends and family for free access to the workshops
1) Cultivating Self-Awareness & Self-Compassion In The Workplace: If you are a woman striving to succeed professionally while navigating the challenges of a new culture and environment. This session is tailored to your unique journey.
Use the Promo Code: Weaving2 and Register for FREE
2) Sanando el Alma Inmigrante: Aculturación y Salud Mental: Explora los desafíos emocionales de la adaptación a un nuevo país y descubre cómo el mantener tus raíces culturales y conectar con la naturaleza pueden ayudarte a promover tu bienestar mental y emocional.
Usa el Código de Promoción: Valiente23 para registrarte GRATIS
