October 15, 2023 • 23 mins
Have you ever wondered about the mysterious bond between Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) and the natural world?
Feel the allure of eco-therapy and its transformational potential as we journey together into a realm where heightened sensitivity meets the soothing rhythm of nature.
From the tranquility of mindful nature immersion to the creativity sparked by nature-based activities, you'll uncover how these therapeutic approaches can heal and rejuvenate the soul of an HSP.
Hinting at the intriguing historical significance of HSPs across cultures, we dive into the science behind nature's healing power and its incredible benefits for mental well-being, cognitive function, and overall health.
In this episode, we gently guide you through a calming, grounding meditation that lets you experience nature's vitality.
It doesn't matter where you call home - you'll leave with practical tips to harness the therapeutic magic of nature in your everyday life.
As we traverse this path of self-discovery and healing, you'll gain the tools to flourish as a highly sensitive person in this fast-paced world.
So, step into the peace with us; let's listen to the whispers of nature together.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Announcer (00:01):
You're listening to the Realized Empath Podcast,
where we get real about lovingand stumbling through our
sensitive lives with your hostand holistic counselor, Kristin
Schwartz, who helps redefinewhat's possible for an empath
who embraces a path ofself-healing.
Kristen Schwartz (00:21):
Hello everyone , welcome back to another
episode of the Realize EmpathPodcast.
I want to start out byexpressing my sincere gratitude
for being here with me today.
Your presence means the worldto me and I'm truly thankful for
the opportunity to connect witheach of you In these
challenging times.
I want you to know that Iempathize deeply with anyone
(00:45):
who's been struggling with therecent world events.
The chaos and uncertainty canbe overwhelming, especially for
empaths and highly sensitivepeople like us, but I want you
to understand you're not alonein this journey.
Your feelings are valid and Icare deeply about your
well-being.
That's why I'm excited to sharesomething amazing with you.
(01:07):
I'm going to host a specialmasterclass this Friday, october
20th, titled Navigating aChaotic World with a Tender
Heart.
In this masterclass, we'llexplore powerful and practical
ways for empaths and highlysensitive people to navigate the
stress and challenges oftoday's world while embracing
(01:29):
the beauty of our sensitivehearts.
By attending this masterclasson Friday, via Zoom, you'll gain
invaluable insights into how tomanage and alleviate the
emotional burns you might becarrying, to techniques for
setting healthy boundaries andprotecting your energy, to ways
to transform your sensitivityinto a source of strength and
(01:52):
resilience, and so much more.
This masterclass will give youthe tools and knowledge to
thrive as an empath in ourever-changing world.
To secure your spot, spots arelimited.
You can visit my website atRealizedEmpathcom and click the
Services tab to register.
I can't wait to connect withyou during this transformative
(02:13):
event and support you on yourjourney towards embracing your
empathic gifts.
Again, thank you for being partof the RealizedEmpath community
and I look forward to seeingyou at the masterclass.
Okay, back to today's episode.
So what we're going to do todayis we're going to dive deep
(02:34):
into a topic close to manyhearts the healing power of
nature and eco-therapy forhighly sensitive people.
My goal today is to explore theprofound connection between
highly sensitive people and thenatural world and discover how
eco-therapy can heal andrejuvenate our sensitive souls.
(02:59):
So settle in, get a warm cup ofyour favorite beverage, open a
window, let the breeze in andlet's get started.
Let's kick things off by trulygrasping what it means to be a
highly sensitive person or anHSP.
Imagine Sarah, an HSP,overwhelmed by the noise and
(03:20):
chaos of a bustling city.
So Dr Elaine Arons researched,outlined in her book the Highly
Sensitive Person, sheds Light onIndividuals Like Sarah.
Hsp's have a heightenedsensitivity to sensory stimuli,
making everyday experiences moreintense.
Like Sarah, their emotionaldepth and empathic nature allows
(03:44):
them to deeply connect withothers' emotions.
Now let's explore thefascinating history of highly
sensitive people and our deepconnection to nature.
So this connection is notrecent, it's not something new,
and it actually has roots incultures and traditions
(04:05):
worldwide.
Now, historically, of course,hsp's have existed, although the
term highly sensitive personwas coined more recently by Dr
Elaine Aron.
What's intriguing, though, isthat many ancient cultures
recognized and valuedindividuals with heightened
sensitivity to the natural world, and these people often played
(04:27):
crucial roles in theircommunities.
So let's look at a few examples.
First up, indigenous cultures.
So many Indigenous cultureshave long-honored individuals
with heightened sensitivity tonature.
Shamans, medicine men and women,and spiritual leaders often
were HSP's who could communewith the natural world and gain
(04:53):
insights and guidance from it.
Their role, basically, wasmaintaining balance and harmony
with their communities and withnature, and so, in ancient
Greece, philosophers like Platoand Aristotle acknowledged the
importance of spending time innature for mental and emotional
well-being.
(05:13):
They recognized the healingpower of nature and its ability
to restore the soul.
Even then, highly sensitiveindividuals were likely drawn to
these ideas.
And next, eastern traditions.
A deep connection to nature iscentral in various Eastern
(05:34):
traditions like Taoism andBuddhism.
The practice of mindfulness,often linked to these traditions
, encourages individuals toconnect with the natural world
as a means of achieving innerpeace and enlightenment.
Many highly sensitive peoplefind resonance in these
(05:54):
practices.
Now, fast forward to today, andscientific research has provided
a more comprehensiveunderstanding of the link
between HSPs and nature.
Studies have shown that timespent in natural environments
can significantly reduce stressand anxiety and symptoms of
(06:15):
depression.
So it's like science iscatching up to what ancient
cultures intuitively understood.
So consider John, who'd be amodern day HSP who lives in like
a really busy city.
So he's felt the pressures ofurban life but found solace in
nearby parks and green spaces.
(06:37):
John's experience aligns withthese historical and cultural
connections between HSPs andnature.
This historical perspectivereminds us that the bond between
highly sensitive people andnature is timeless and deeply
rooted in our collective humanexperience.
It's a connection thattranscends cultures and
(06:59):
continues to be a source ofhealing and renewal for highly
sensitive people today.
Now let's dive deeper intoeco-therapy.
Eco-therapy is a powerfultherapeutic approach that
leverages the healing potentialof nature.
It's not just like a casualwalk in the woods.
It's a purposeful andintentional form of therapy that
(07:22):
can be incrediblytransformative for HSPs.
Eco-therapy, sometimes callednature therapy or green therapy,
is rooted in the understandingthat our connection to nature is
essential for our well-being.
This form of therapy recognizesthat the natural world can
serve as a mirror and a healerfor our inner selves.
(07:45):
Imagine, if you will, it's asif a gentle journey of
self-discovery and healing willwithin the embrace of mother
nature.
So what actually constituteseco-therapy?
It can take various forms,really, and it's tailored to the
individual's needs andpreferences.
But here's a few key components.
(08:06):
So we have number one.
We have nature immersion.
So that involves spendingquality time in natural settings
like forests or parks or evenyour backyard.
These environments provide anurturing space for reflection
and self-expiration.
And then we have mindfulnessand presence.
(08:27):
Eco-therapy often incorporatesmindfulness practices,
encouraging adults to be fullypresent in nature, just like
observing the natural world'ssights and sounds and sensations
with a sense of awareness andgratitude.
And next, creative expression.
So some forms of eco-therapyinvolve creative activities such
(08:51):
as journaling or drawing orphotography in natural settings.
So these can be a powerful toolfor self-expression and healing
.
And last, we have group therapy.
So eco-therapy can also be donein group settings.
So, basically, that's whenindividuals share their
experiences and support oneanother's healing journey.
The sense of community can beespecially beneficial for highly
(09:15):
sensitive people.
When I was trying to come upwith ideas regarding planning
the next realized and pathretreat, eco-therapy came into,
came into play.
I really wanted to make surethat I chose an environment that
was heavy in nature and beauty.
I knew I wanted to have someeco-therapy sessions.
(09:36):
That's why we're havingnighttime forest therapy walks
and group rainforestexplorations during the day.
I know the power of eco-therapyand nature when it comes to
impasse in highly sensitivepeople.
So when we think of eco-therapy, let's put it in story form
around another highly sensitiveperson that I know.
So Lisa is an HSP that wasstruggling with emotional
(09:59):
regulation and sensory overloadand she found immense solace in
eco-therapy.
She joined a group eco-therapysession that involved mindful
walks in a nearby forest and thegroup ended up practicing deep
breathing, grounding exercisesand then they shared their
experiences.
And then what happened overtime was Lisa gained a profound
(10:21):
sense of emotional balance andself-awareness through these
sessions.
So eco-therapy is a versatileand holistic approach that
aligns beautifully with theneeds of highly sensitive people
.
What it does is it provides uswith a safe and nurturing space
to connect with nature and toourselves and to each other.
(10:43):
It's not just therapy, it's ajourney of self-discovery and
healing and also empowerment.
So how can we incorporatenature into our daily life?
So I want to go deeper intopractical tips for incorporating
the healing power of natureinto every day, especially if
(11:05):
you live in a bustling city.
As impasse and highly sensitivepeople, it's crucial to have
the tools and practices to helpus stay grounded and connected
to the natural world, and Iunderstand that can be difficult
if you're living in a placelike New York City.
So tip number one is micromoments of nature.
(11:25):
So in the hustle and bustle ofcity life, I want you to find
micro moments of nature as muchas you can and whenever is
possible, and this can be assimple as pausing to admire a
tree on your way to work orwatching birds in a nearby park
during your lunch break.
So these brief encounters withnature can be incredibly
(11:46):
refreshing and grounding.
Tip two is you can create agreen oasis at home.
So consider bringing natureindoors by adding house plants
to your living space.
You know, not only do theypurify the air, but they also
provide a sense of tranquilityand connection to the natural
world and choose plants thatresonate with you and require
(12:10):
minimal care.
If you're like me and sometimesyou can forget to water I find
that succulents like not only doI love the way that they look,
but I have some in my bedroomand in my kitchen and they
require very little water.
I take a couple ice cubes maybetwo or three ice cubes every
(12:30):
couple weeks, and I just putthem in the pot, keep them by a
window, and it's so simple andthey're so beautiful.
Next tip nature infusedmindfulness.
So what's great is you canincorporate nature into your
mindfulness or your meditationpractices.
You can find a quiet corner bya window and focus on the view
(12:52):
of trees or the sky.
Even you can even play likeflowing water or birdsong sounds
in the background to enhanceyour experience.
Next, urban nature escape.
So seek out your city's urbangreen spaces.
Maybe it's botanical gardens orcommunity gardens.
(13:12):
Utilize these areas becausethey offer a peaceful retreat
from the urban chaos.
You can spend time therewhenever you can, whether for a
leisure stroll or a picnic orsimply reading a book in a
natural setting.
It says wonders.
Next, take weekend naturegetaways Right.
So plan the occasional weekendgetaway to nearby natural areas.
(13:32):
If you live in a city, there'soften natural spots just a short
drive away.
Having these many retreats canprovide a much needed reset and
an opportunity to immerseyourself in nature.
Tip number 6.
Digital detox.
So I know we all know this, buthow often do we actually follow
(13:54):
through with what we know?
In today's world, we're oftenglued to our screens.
So consider implementing adigital detox when you
consciously set aside time eachday to disconnect from devices
and spend time in nature, evenif it's just for a brief walk.
And the last tip, and one that Ihighly considered when I was
(14:16):
planning the realized empathretreat, is forest bathing.
So explore the practice offorest bathing, known as shinrin
yoku in Japanese culture,involves immersing yourself in a
forest and engaging all yoursenses to connect deeply with
nature.
Even if you don't have accessto a forest, you can adapt this
(14:38):
practice to a nearby park orbotanical garden or any green
area.
Remember that these tips arenot just about escaping from the
city, but integrating thehealing energy of nature into
your daily life.
Doing this allows you to findbalance and reduce stress and
nourish your sensitive soul.
Even in the chaos of a city,nature is always there to
(15:01):
provide solace and renewal.
We just have to embrace it andwelcome it into our daily
routines.
Now that we understand a bitmore about what ecotherapy is,
let's actually explore thescience behind nature's profound
impact on our body and mind.
So numerous studies havedemonstrated that spending time
(15:24):
in natural environments cansignificantly reduce stress
levels.
Nature offers an escape fromthe demands and pressures of
modern life, allowing our bodiesto relax and unwind.
Nature has also been linked toimprove mental well-being.
Exposing ourselves to greenspaces has been associated with
(15:45):
lower rates of anxiety,depression, mood disorders.
It's like a naturalantidepressant that's available
to all of us.
Nature has a remarkable abilityto boost our cognitive function
too, so time spent outdoors canimprove focus, creativity and
problem solving.
(16:06):
It's as if nature refreshes ourmental faculties and, believe
it or not, especially in thefall and winter, which happens
to be flu season, nature canactually strengthen our immune
systems.
Yes, that's right.
Hiding inside our houses whenthere are illnesses roaming
(16:26):
about outside is not ideal forour immune systems.
The phetan sites released bytrees, for example, can enhance
our natural killer cell activity, making us more resilient to
illness, and nature's magic wandalso helps reduce inflammation.
So chronic inflammation islinked to various health issues,
(16:49):
and studies have shown thatimmersing ourselves in nature
can help reduce markers ofinflammation in the body, which
obviously does contribute to ouroverall well-being.
Nature is also a natural moodenhancer, so nature triggers the
release of feel-goodneurotransmitters like serotonin
and dopamine, leaving us with asense of contentment and
(17:11):
happiness.
Nature also helps to lower ourblood pressure, and this can
have a positive impact on hearthealth and reduce the risk of
cardiovascular diseases.
And who has ever felt mentallyfatigued?
So a short walk in nature canwork wonders.
Nature provides what's known asa soft fascination, allowing
(17:34):
our minds to relax and restoreattentional resources.
So all these scientificallyproven benefits, what they do is
they underscore the importanceof integrating nature into our
daily lives, especially forimpasse and highly sensitive
people.
Nature serves as a powerfulally in our quest for well-being
(17:55):
and emotional balance.
So, before we conclude today'sepisode, I thought it would be
fun to do a guided meditation,and I want to stop really quick
and say that if you are drivingor in a place where you can't
close your eyes and really relaxinto the meditation, that's
okay.
You can fast forward throughthis and save it for when you
(18:19):
get home from work or you gethome from wherever you're
driving to, because what I wantthis guided meditation to do is
transport you into the heart ofa serene forest, and it's
designed to help you experiencenature's healing and grounding
energy, even from the comfort ofyour own space.
(18:39):
So find a quiet and comfortableplace to sit or lie down, and
you can pause this until youfind that place.
And then I want you to closeyour eyes and take a deep breath
in and exhale slowly.
I want you to let go of anytension or distractions as you
(19:02):
settle into this moment.
Now imagine yourself standing atthe edge of a lush forest.
The air is crisp and clean andthe gentle leaves rustling in
the breeze surround you.
With each breath you take, youcan feel the calming energy of
(19:26):
the forest filling your lungs.
As you step forward, I want youto notice the softness beneath
your feet.
The forest floor is covered ina carpet of fallen leaves.
The path ahead is dappled withsunlight and it creates a dance
(19:51):
of light and shadow.
You begin to walk deeper intothe forest and with each step
you feel a sense of serenity andconnection washing over you.
The tall, ancient trees standlike guardians, their branches
(20:12):
reaching the sky.
Take a moment to place yourhand on the rough bark of one of
these wise trees, feel itsstrength and stability.
I want you to know that you arein a place of safety and peace.
(20:36):
As you continue your journey,you come across a small, crystal
clear stream and you kneel downand dip your fingers into the
cool water.
It feels refreshing andinvigorating.
Listen to the gentle babblingof the stream as it flows over
the smooth stones.
(20:57):
The sound is soothing andcalming, like a lullaby from
nature herself.
Now find a comfortable spot tosit down by the stream.
You can feel the softness ofthe moss beneath you.
The forest canopy aboveprovides a natural roof casting
(21:18):
a gentle shade.
Close your eyes and take a deepbreath, filling your lungs with
the pure, fresh forest air.
As you exhale, I want you torelease any tension or worries
and let them flow away likeleaves on the stream.
Fully immersed in this forest,connected to its energy and
(21:38):
wisdom, I want you to take a fewmoments in silence and just
simply be present in thisnatural sanctuary.
As we conclude this meditation,I want you to remember that you
(22:00):
can return to this forestwithin your mind whenever you
need peace and rejuvenation.
You can carry its serenity withyou as you step back into your
day and now I want you to startwiggling your fingers and your
toes and bring back yourattention to the present moment
and when you're ready, you canopen your eyes.
Thank you for joining me onthis journey into the forest,
(22:23):
and I hope you feel refreshedand grounded and ready to face
the world with a tender heart.
So, as today's episode wraps up,let's take a step back and
summarize the key takeaways fromtoday's episode.
We've covered the profoundconnection that highly sensitive
people share with nature, andwe talked about some scientific
(22:43):
evidence and some real lifeexamples.
We've seen how ecotherapy canbe a potent tool for healing and
rejuvenation and, to myincredible listeners, I want to
encourage you to embrace thehealing power of nature in your
own life.
If you resonate with the traitsof a highly sensitive person, I
would love for you to considerecotherapy as a valuable
(23:03):
resource.
Again, I'm so thankful for yourpresence and support and if you
found today's episodeenlightening and valuable, I'd
be overjoyed if you hit thesubscribe button and share this
podcast with fellow impasse andhighly sensitive people, and
also remember to connect with meon social media.
Explore my website for moreresources and engaging
(23:27):
discussion, including mymasterclass this Friday, october
20th.
I would love to have you thereUntil our next rendezvous.
Take care and remember to staydeeply connected to the wondrous
world around you.
Announcer (23:41):
Bye everybody, and until next time.
Thanks for tuning in.
You're listening to the Realized Empath Podcast,
where we get real about lovingand stumbling through our
sensitive lives with your hostand holistic counselor, Kristin
Schwartz, who helps redefinewhat's possible for an empath
who embraces a path ofself-healing.
Kristen Schwartz (00:21):
Hello everyone , welcome back to another
episode of the Realize EmpathPodcast.
I want to start out byexpressing my sincere gratitude
for being here with me today.
Your presence means the worldto me and I'm truly thankful for
the opportunity to connect witheach of you In these
challenging times.
I want you to know that Iempathize deeply with anyone
(00:45):
who's been struggling with therecent world events.
The chaos and uncertainty canbe overwhelming, especially for
empaths and highly sensitivepeople like us, but I want you
to understand you're not alonein this journey.
Your feelings are valid and Icare deeply about your
well-being.
That's why I'm excited to sharesomething amazing with you.
(01:07):
I'm going to host a specialmasterclass this Friday, october
20th, titled Navigating aChaotic World with a Tender
Heart.
In this masterclass, we'llexplore powerful and practical
ways for empaths and highlysensitive people to navigate the
stress and challenges oftoday's world while embracing
(01:29):
the beauty of our sensitivehearts.
By attending this masterclasson Friday, via Zoom, you'll gain
invaluable insights into how tomanage and alleviate the
emotional burns you might becarrying, to techniques for
setting healthy boundaries andprotecting your energy, to ways
to transform your sensitivityinto a source of strength and
(01:52):
resilience, and so much more.
This masterclass will give youthe tools and knowledge to
thrive as an empath in ourever-changing world.
To secure your spot, spots arelimited.
You can visit my website atRealizedEmpathcom and click the
Services tab to register.
I can't wait to connect withyou during this transformative
(02:13):
event and support you on yourjourney towards embracing your
empathic gifts.
Again, thank you for being partof the RealizedEmpath community
and I look forward to seeingyou at the masterclass.
Okay, back to today's episode.
So what we're going to do todayis we're going to dive deep
(02:34):
into a topic close to manyhearts the healing power of
nature and eco-therapy forhighly sensitive people.
My goal today is to explore theprofound connection between
highly sensitive people and thenatural world and discover how
eco-therapy can heal andrejuvenate our sensitive souls.
(02:59):
So settle in, get a warm cup ofyour favorite beverage, open a
window, let the breeze in andlet's get started.
Let's kick things off by trulygrasping what it means to be a
highly sensitive person or anHSP.
Imagine Sarah, an HSP,overwhelmed by the noise and
(03:20):
chaos of a bustling city.
So Dr Elaine Arons researched,outlined in her book the Highly
Sensitive Person, sheds Light onIndividuals Like Sarah.
Hsp's have a heightenedsensitivity to sensory stimuli,
making everyday experiences moreintense.
Like Sarah, their emotionaldepth and empathic nature allows
(03:44):
them to deeply connect withothers' emotions.
Now let's explore thefascinating history of highly
sensitive people and our deepconnection to nature.
So this connection is notrecent, it's not something new,
and it actually has roots incultures and traditions
(04:05):
worldwide.
Now, historically, of course,hsp's have existed, although the
term highly sensitive personwas coined more recently by Dr
Elaine Aron.
What's intriguing, though, isthat many ancient cultures
recognized and valuedindividuals with heightened
sensitivity to the natural world, and these people often played
(04:27):
crucial roles in theircommunities.
So let's look at a few examples.
First up, indigenous cultures.
So many Indigenous cultureshave long-honored individuals
with heightened sensitivity tonature.
Shamans, medicine men and women,and spiritual leaders often
were HSP's who could communewith the natural world and gain
(04:53):
insights and guidance from it.
Their role, basically, wasmaintaining balance and harmony
with their communities and withnature, and so, in ancient
Greece, philosophers like Platoand Aristotle acknowledged the
importance of spending time innature for mental and emotional
well-being.
(05:13):
They recognized the healingpower of nature and its ability
to restore the soul.
Even then, highly sensitiveindividuals were likely drawn to
these ideas.
And next, eastern traditions.
A deep connection to nature iscentral in various Eastern
(05:34):
traditions like Taoism andBuddhism.
The practice of mindfulness,often linked to these traditions
, encourages individuals toconnect with the natural world
as a means of achieving innerpeace and enlightenment.
Many highly sensitive peoplefind resonance in these
(05:54):
practices.
Now, fast forward to today, andscientific research has provided
a more comprehensiveunderstanding of the link
between HSPs and nature.
Studies have shown that timespent in natural environments
can significantly reduce stressand anxiety and symptoms of
(06:15):
depression.
So it's like science iscatching up to what ancient
cultures intuitively understood.
So consider John, who'd be amodern day HSP who lives in like
a really busy city.
So he's felt the pressures ofurban life but found solace in
nearby parks and green spaces.
(06:37):
John's experience aligns withthese historical and cultural
connections between HSPs andnature.
This historical perspectivereminds us that the bond between
highly sensitive people andnature is timeless and deeply
rooted in our collective humanexperience.
It's a connection thattranscends cultures and
(06:59):
continues to be a source ofhealing and renewal for highly
sensitive people today.
Now let's dive deeper intoeco-therapy.
Eco-therapy is a powerfultherapeutic approach that
leverages the healing potentialof nature.
It's not just like a casualwalk in the woods.
It's a purposeful andintentional form of therapy that
(07:22):
can be incrediblytransformative for HSPs.
Eco-therapy, sometimes callednature therapy or green therapy,
is rooted in the understandingthat our connection to nature is
essential for our well-being.
This form of therapy recognizesthat the natural world can
serve as a mirror and a healerfor our inner selves.
(07:45):
Imagine, if you will, it's asif a gentle journey of
self-discovery and healing willwithin the embrace of mother
nature.
So what actually constituteseco-therapy?
It can take various forms,really, and it's tailored to the
individual's needs andpreferences.
But here's a few key components.
(08:06):
So we have number one.
We have nature immersion.
So that involves spendingquality time in natural settings
like forests or parks or evenyour backyard.
These environments provide anurturing space for reflection
and self-expiration.
And then we have mindfulnessand presence.
(08:27):
Eco-therapy often incorporatesmindfulness practices,
encouraging adults to be fullypresent in nature, just like
observing the natural world'ssights and sounds and sensations
with a sense of awareness andgratitude.
And next, creative expression.
So some forms of eco-therapyinvolve creative activities such
(08:51):
as journaling or drawing orphotography in natural settings.
So these can be a powerful toolfor self-expression and healing
.
And last, we have group therapy.
So eco-therapy can also be donein group settings.
So, basically, that's whenindividuals share their
experiences and support oneanother's healing journey.
The sense of community can beespecially beneficial for highly
(09:15):
sensitive people.
When I was trying to come upwith ideas regarding planning
the next realized and pathretreat, eco-therapy came into,
came into play.
I really wanted to make surethat I chose an environment that
was heavy in nature and beauty.
I knew I wanted to have someeco-therapy sessions.
(09:36):
That's why we're havingnighttime forest therapy walks
and group rainforestexplorations during the day.
I know the power of eco-therapyand nature when it comes to
impasse in highly sensitivepeople.
So when we think of eco-therapy, let's put it in story form
around another highly sensitiveperson that I know.
So Lisa is an HSP that wasstruggling with emotional
(09:59):
regulation and sensory overloadand she found immense solace in
eco-therapy.
She joined a group eco-therapysession that involved mindful
walks in a nearby forest and thegroup ended up practicing deep
breathing, grounding exercisesand then they shared their
experiences.
And then what happened overtime was Lisa gained a profound
(10:21):
sense of emotional balance andself-awareness through these
sessions.
So eco-therapy is a versatileand holistic approach that
aligns beautifully with theneeds of highly sensitive people
.
What it does is it provides uswith a safe and nurturing space
to connect with nature and toourselves and to each other.
(10:43):
It's not just therapy, it's ajourney of self-discovery and
healing and also empowerment.
So how can we incorporatenature into our daily life?
So I want to go deeper intopractical tips for incorporating
the healing power of natureinto every day, especially if
(11:05):
you live in a bustling city.
As impasse and highly sensitivepeople, it's crucial to have
the tools and practices to helpus stay grounded and connected
to the natural world, and Iunderstand that can be difficult
if you're living in a placelike New York City.
So tip number one is micromoments of nature.
(11:25):
So in the hustle and bustle ofcity life, I want you to find
micro moments of nature as muchas you can and whenever is
possible, and this can be assimple as pausing to admire a
tree on your way to work orwatching birds in a nearby park
during your lunch break.
So these brief encounters withnature can be incredibly
(11:46):
refreshing and grounding.
Tip two is you can create agreen oasis at home.
So consider bringing natureindoors by adding house plants
to your living space.
You know, not only do theypurify the air, but they also
provide a sense of tranquilityand connection to the natural
world and choose plants thatresonate with you and require
(12:10):
minimal care.
If you're like me and sometimesyou can forget to water I find
that succulents like not only doI love the way that they look,
but I have some in my bedroomand in my kitchen and they
require very little water.
I take a couple ice cubes maybetwo or three ice cubes every
(12:30):
couple weeks, and I just putthem in the pot, keep them by a
window, and it's so simple andthey're so beautiful.
Next tip nature infusedmindfulness.
So what's great is you canincorporate nature into your
mindfulness or your meditationpractices.
You can find a quiet corner bya window and focus on the view
(12:52):
of trees or the sky.
Even you can even play likeflowing water or birdsong sounds
in the background to enhanceyour experience.
Next, urban nature escape.
So seek out your city's urbangreen spaces.
Maybe it's botanical gardens orcommunity gardens.
(13:12):
Utilize these areas becausethey offer a peaceful retreat
from the urban chaos.
You can spend time therewhenever you can, whether for a
leisure stroll or a picnic orsimply reading a book in a
natural setting.
It says wonders.
Next, take weekend naturegetaways Right.
So plan the occasional weekendgetaway to nearby natural areas.
(13:32):
If you live in a city, there'soften natural spots just a short
drive away.
Having these many retreats canprovide a much needed reset and
an opportunity to immerseyourself in nature.
Tip number 6.
Digital detox.
So I know we all know this, buthow often do we actually follow
(13:54):
through with what we know?
In today's world, we're oftenglued to our screens.
So consider implementing adigital detox when you
consciously set aside time eachday to disconnect from devices
and spend time in nature, evenif it's just for a brief walk.
And the last tip, and one that Ihighly considered when I was
(14:16):
planning the realized empathretreat, is forest bathing.
So explore the practice offorest bathing, known as shinrin
yoku in Japanese culture,involves immersing yourself in a
forest and engaging all yoursenses to connect deeply with
nature.
Even if you don't have accessto a forest, you can adapt this
(14:38):
practice to a nearby park orbotanical garden or any green
area.
Remember that these tips arenot just about escaping from the
city, but integrating thehealing energy of nature into
your daily life.
Doing this allows you to findbalance and reduce stress and
nourish your sensitive soul.
Even in the chaos of a city,nature is always there to
(15:01):
provide solace and renewal.
We just have to embrace it andwelcome it into our daily
routines.
Now that we understand a bitmore about what ecotherapy is,
let's actually explore thescience behind nature's profound
impact on our body and mind.
So numerous studies havedemonstrated that spending time
(15:24):
in natural environments cansignificantly reduce stress
levels.
Nature offers an escape fromthe demands and pressures of
modern life, allowing our bodiesto relax and unwind.
Nature has also been linked toimprove mental well-being.
Exposing ourselves to greenspaces has been associated with
(15:45):
lower rates of anxiety,depression, mood disorders.
It's like a naturalantidepressant that's available
to all of us.
Nature has a remarkable abilityto boost our cognitive function
too, so time spent outdoors canimprove focus, creativity and
problem solving.
(16:06):
It's as if nature refreshes ourmental faculties and, believe
it or not, especially in thefall and winter, which happens
to be flu season, nature canactually strengthen our immune
systems.
Yes, that's right.
Hiding inside our houses whenthere are illnesses roaming
(16:26):
about outside is not ideal forour immune systems.
The phetan sites released bytrees, for example, can enhance
our natural killer cell activity, making us more resilient to
illness, and nature's magic wandalso helps reduce inflammation.
So chronic inflammation islinked to various health issues,
(16:49):
and studies have shown thatimmersing ourselves in nature
can help reduce markers ofinflammation in the body, which
obviously does contribute to ouroverall well-being.
Nature is also a natural moodenhancer, so nature triggers the
release of feel-goodneurotransmitters like serotonin
and dopamine, leaving us with asense of contentment and
(17:11):
happiness.
Nature also helps to lower ourblood pressure, and this can
have a positive impact on hearthealth and reduce the risk of
cardiovascular diseases.
And who has ever felt mentallyfatigued?
So a short walk in nature canwork wonders.
Nature provides what's known asa soft fascination, allowing
(17:34):
our minds to relax and restoreattentional resources.
So all these scientificallyproven benefits, what they do is
they underscore the importanceof integrating nature into our
daily lives, especially forimpasse and highly sensitive
people.
Nature serves as a powerfulally in our quest for well-being
(17:55):
and emotional balance.
So, before we conclude today'sepisode, I thought it would be
fun to do a guided meditation,and I want to stop really quick
and say that if you are drivingor in a place where you can't
close your eyes and really relaxinto the meditation, that's
okay.
You can fast forward throughthis and save it for when you
(18:19):
get home from work or you gethome from wherever you're
driving to, because what I wantthis guided meditation to do is
transport you into the heart ofa serene forest, and it's
designed to help you experiencenature's healing and grounding
energy, even from the comfort ofyour own space.
(18:39):
So find a quiet and comfortableplace to sit or lie down, and
you can pause this until youfind that place.
And then I want you to closeyour eyes and take a deep breath
in and exhale slowly.
I want you to let go of anytension or distractions as you
(19:02):
settle into this moment.
Now imagine yourself standing atthe edge of a lush forest.
The air is crisp and clean andthe gentle leaves rustling in
the breeze surround you.
With each breath you take, youcan feel the calming energy of
(19:26):
the forest filling your lungs.
As you step forward, I want youto notice the softness beneath
your feet.
The forest floor is covered ina carpet of fallen leaves.
The path ahead is dappled withsunlight and it creates a dance
(19:51):
of light and shadow.
You begin to walk deeper intothe forest and with each step
you feel a sense of serenity andconnection washing over you.
The tall, ancient trees standlike guardians, their branches
(20:12):
reaching the sky.
Take a moment to place yourhand on the rough bark of one of
these wise trees, feel itsstrength and stability.
I want you to know that you arein a place of safety and peace.
(20:36):
As you continue your journey,you come across a small, crystal
clear stream and you kneel downand dip your fingers into the
cool water.
It feels refreshing andinvigorating.
Listen to the gentle babblingof the stream as it flows over
the smooth stones.
(20:57):
The sound is soothing andcalming, like a lullaby from
nature herself.
Now find a comfortable spot tosit down by the stream.
You can feel the softness ofthe moss beneath you.
The forest canopy aboveprovides a natural roof casting
(21:18):
a gentle shade.
Close your eyes and take a deepbreath, filling your lungs with
the pure, fresh forest air.
As you exhale, I want you torelease any tension or worries
and let them flow away likeleaves on the stream.
Fully immersed in this forest,connected to its energy and
(21:38):
wisdom, I want you to take a fewmoments in silence and just
simply be present in thisnatural sanctuary.
As we conclude this meditation,I want you to remember that you
(22:00):
can return to this forestwithin your mind whenever you
need peace and rejuvenation.
You can carry its serenity withyou as you step back into your
day and now I want you to startwiggling your fingers and your
toes and bring back yourattention to the present moment
and when you're ready, you canopen your eyes.
Thank you for joining me onthis journey into the forest,
(22:23):
and I hope you feel refreshedand grounded and ready to face
the world with a tender heart.
So, as today's episode wraps up,let's take a step back and
summarize the key takeaways fromtoday's episode.
We've covered the profoundconnection that highly sensitive
people share with nature, andwe talked about some scientific
(22:43):
evidence and some real lifeexamples.
We've seen how ecotherapy canbe a potent tool for healing and
rejuvenation and, to myincredible listeners, I want to
encourage you to embrace thehealing power of nature in your
own life.
If you resonate with the traitsof a highly sensitive person, I
would love for you to considerecotherapy as a valuable
(23:03):
resource.
Again, I'm so thankful for yourpresence and support and if you
found today's episodeenlightening and valuable, I'd
be overjoyed if you hit thesubscribe button and share this
podcast with fellow impasse andhighly sensitive people, and
also remember to connect with meon social media.
Explore my website for moreresources and engaging
(23:27):
discussion, including mymasterclass this Friday, october
20th.
I would love to have you thereUntil our next rendezvous.
Take care and remember to staydeeply connected to the wondrous
world around you.
Announcer (23:41):
Bye everybody, and until next time.
Thanks for tuning in.
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