"Look deep into nature, and you will understand everything better." - Albert Einstein
Do you have a green thumb? I remember being obsessed with nature as a child living in a rural area. Playing outside, growing and harvesting food and flowers, and creating elaborate make-believe feasts were some of my favourite things to do. My mom has a great love for plants and gardening, which probably helped instill the same fondness in me. She went through a phase of feeding us wild things like dandelion, pansies, and puff balls. It was a really neat experience, despite dandelion tasting awful. My best friend and I would spend much of the summer holidays playing in the creek and the woods behind our house. My brother and I would often catch snakes and other little creatures, to our thrill and our moms dismay. Through such experiences, we learn to find serenity in the garden, in the woods, anywhere we are able to get lost within the depths of nature.
For the past 5 years I have worked in greenhouses. From propagating, cultivating and harvesting plants, to doing studies, research and development of the particular plant we were working with. In my experience, plant related work feels quite therapeutic in practice. Every year my partner and I grow as much of our own food as possible, both in planters and the Earth, and it is a very rewarding undertaking. We also keep lots of plants inside, which introduce a harmonic ambience of peace within our home.
There is much joy and personal satisfaction that accompanies working with plants, especially if you are able to produce some of your own vegetables, fruits, herbs and the like. Nothing is quite as tasty as fresh produce from your own garden! Getting our hands in the dirt helps to strengthen our connection to the Earth and keep us grounded, but does it hold even more secrets to our health than we realize?
In an article written by Lisa Marshall entitled 'Why dirt may be nature's original stress-buster', there are studies quoted from an Integrative Physiology Professor of the University of Colorado, named Professor Christopher Lowry. He has devoted his profession to the study of the microbial world and the affect it has on us.
In the early 2000's, microorganisms (Mycobacterium vaccae) were found in soil on the shores of Lake Kyoga in Uganda. Upon closer inspection and testing this microbe proved to have incredible characteristics. "It appeared that this microorganism living in the soil had powerful immune-regulating properties” he said.
Not only that, but in the following years he would conduct further studies and publish more interesting findings regarding soil, and our innate need for a close bond with nature and the Earth. Those studies showed that mice that were subjected to the microorganisms (M.vaccae) reacted by producing serotonin in their brains, creating an effect similar to that of antidepressants.
Another study that Prof. Lowry took part in demonstrated that children who were exposed to higher levels of bacteria in their developmental years, proved to have a more robust immune system and may have lower susceptibility to mental health issues later on in life.
“It has already been very well documented that exposure to pets and rural environments during development is beneficial in terms of reducing risk of asthma and allergies later in life," said Lowry. "This study showed for the first time that these exposures are likely to be important for mental health.”
This is something that we need to keep in mind, as a species that has become obsessed with germs and the prevention of spreading them. The over-use of sanitizers has proven to exacerbates these issues, as it weakens the immune system by limiting the much needed exposure to natural microbes. Germs are literally everywhere, so our aversion to them since covid19, will hopefully be short lived. They are on our food, plants, animals, in the air we breath, as well as on our bodies, so we should probably make peace with them.
But what other health bonus' come with gardening and nature, you may ask. There are a myriad of ways that getting outside to garden, or just soak in some nature and sun, will help to improve your health, both mentally and physically. The vitamin D from the sun will elevate your mood, and having your own garden or plants to tend to, has been proven to be a natural form of stress relief. Gardening and yard maintenance are also great exercises to get your heart pumping, which will cause your body to release endorphins, followed by dopamine, both of which are chemicals that create a feeling of happiness or satisfaction. Gardening also burns calories, promoting a toned and healthy body and lifestyle, as you will want to eat the food you grow also.
According to a study done by the International Society for Horticultural Science entitled 'Home Gardeners Value Stress Reduction and Interaction with Nature', it stated the following;
"Respondents rated as important that home gardens provide an opportunity for self-expression, physical and physiological benefits, and restorative experiences...Results suggest..., the interaction with nature in a nurturing environment provides a number of benefits important to them, including mental well-being."
Our time spent outdoors, can be complimented by allowing our minds to fall into a gentle meditation. A meditation on the Sun can be beneficial, as it allows you to really tap into the light and levity gardening brings. Or a deep contemplation of Mother Earth, hands dirty with soil, connecting us to the very planet that lovingly sustains us.
It is important for us to pass this knowledge and love of nature on to the future generations, not only for the production of food but for the health benefits it provides. Showing children how to grow their own plant equips them with valuable lessons in self sustainability, and the preservation of our environment. And in doing so, they witness first-hand our personal appreciation and value for the Earth and mother nature.
All of this information reminds us that there are a variety of ways to heal ourselves waiting right outside the door. A better understanding of our relationship with microbes is still being sought, but it seems for the most part, that the benefits of being exposed to naturally occurring bacteria in our developmental years, far out weigh the drawbacks. Getting kids outside and digging in the garden at an early age, will also give them skills and knowledge that aren't taught in elementary school, and might otherwise be missed. It provides us, young and old, with a connection to the Earth that promotes introspection, grounding, patience, relief from stress, and provides for our nutritional needs all at the same time.
The Earth is truly a magnificent place to call home and we don't need to look far to witness the intrinsic miracles of life. I invite you to take a moment to witness the beauty of the natural world and take part in creating your own blessings by planting a garden. When we care for the Earth, she cares for us in return.
"The world is a living organism, an infinite living being, which contains all living beings within it." -Marcus Aurelius
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Take good care. Love yourself, love each other.
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It’s spring! And this article just makes me want to go outside and start digging in the soil. It makes sense that breathing in the aroma of freshly turned soil would be healthy for us, both physically and mentally. In fact, after a fresh spring rain, that fragrance is called petrichor. If only that scent could be bottled! Thank you for the beautiful and educational words. I suppose you could say that we’re “cultivating” emotional growth ❤️