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Feeling mentally foggy or overwhelmed by daily demands? You're not alone. In this digitally-driven, Long-Covid era, such sentiments are common. But before you reach for an extra cup of coffee or lose yourself in another social media spiral, consider embracing an age-old remedy: nature.

As a psychologist and shamanic practitioner, I've had the privilege of understanding the human psyche from both scientific and spiritual perspectives. Through my journey with ReWilding: Lab, not only have I encountered a wealth of scientific evidence that accentuates the healing power of nature, but I've also experienced the transformative effects of shamanic practices.

Shamanic traditions honor nature as a fount of wisdom and healing. They teach us that every whisper of the wind or ripple in water carries insights, awaiting our attuned presence. This age-old knowledge has resonance in contemporary research. For instance, Stephen and Rachel Kaplan's groundbreaking work at the University of Michigan highlights nature's role in rejuvenating our minds and refining our focus.¹ Children aren't exempt from nature's therapeutic embrace. Those with ADHD have shown significant cognitive improvements after being immersed in green space.² In addition to helping us gain clarity and focus, researchers have found that a 90-minute nature walk can notably curtail negative thoughts.³ Another study published earlier this year found that nature walking groups can strengthen bonds and alleviate feelings of isolation.⁴ Similarly, "green exercise," a fusion of nature and physical activity, has been linked to boosted self-esteem and elevated moods, with benefits observable in as little as a 5-minute stroll.⁵

Enter neuroplasticity, our brain's remarkable adaptability. Engaging regularly with nature fosters neural growth and change. Shamanic rituals, grounded in nature, have been used to nurture, broaden, and heal our mental landscapes for ages. Today, science validates these indigenous practices, highlighting the clear benefits to our brain from regular nature interactions.

 

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Inviting nature into our lives isn't just nostalgic pining; it's an ancestral call urging us to realign, to "rewild" our neural pathways and our lives. As the post-pandemic world unfurls and children gear up for back-to-school, we need to make time to be outdoors, whether through tranquil walks, forest-bathing, family outings, camping trips, shamanic rituals, or simply sitting silently and admiring nature's splendor.