Nature and Your Health: Feed Your Chakras

Have you noticed that a warm, sunny day in early Spring can bring out droves of people? After a long winter there is a strong urge to get outside. We’ve been cooped up in our homes and offices for months, away from the sun and the outdoors.

This craving for the outdoors and nature is referred to as biophilia (love of living things). Scientists have theorized that humans have a biological need to bond with and be close to other living systems, including: animals, plants, habitats, objects in nature and even the weather.

The term Nature Deficit Disorder (NDD) was first coined by author Richard Louv in his book, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder. He refers to the biophilia theory and suggests that many of our children are suffering as a result of the disconnect from nature created by our modern lifestyles.

However, it’s not just children who need nature! We all need this connection to nature to some degree.

Nature has a rejuvenating effect. A mindful walk in the woods is not only grounding but helps you to get centered and present. There is energy in the air, in the sunlight and from the natural world that supports your wellbeing on all levels.

For example, a walk in the woods can affect your chakra health (and therefore your overall health) in the following ways:

Chakra 1 (Root) – Making direct contact with the earth by walking reinforces your energetic connection to the earth and helps you feel mentally and emotionally grounded and stable.

Chakra 2 (Sacral) – The sacral chakra is the seat of your feelings. The sensual experience of being out in the woods (sights, sounds, smells) stimulates and feeds this chakra. And feeling the strength and mobility of your body reminds you how good it feels to be alive.

Chakra 3 (Solar Plexus) – The Solar Plexus is the seat of your personal power and self-esteem. Quiet, reflective time alone allows you to connect with your true self.

Chakra 4 (Heart) – The Heart chakra is associated with the vibrational frequency of the color green, the predominant color of all plant life. As you observe the beauty of creation that surrounds you in the woods, the feelings of appreciation, love and gratitude that you feel support a coherent and healthy heart.

Chakra 5 (Throat) – As you observe the blue background that the sky provides to the trees above you, let the vibration of that blue color feed your Throat chakra. Listen to the soothing sounds of the woods and learn to speak as the birds and insects do—expressing your truth and feelings honestly.

Chakra 6 (Brow) – Walking can be a form of meditation–let the rhythm of your step move you to a state of openness and release. This walking meditation can help open you to wisdom, insight and clarity.

Chakra 7 (Crown): The Crown is our connection to the Divine. Witnessing the oneness of life in nature reminds us of our connection to all of life. As you witness the hand of the Creator in the natural world, you experience a greater sense of inner peace.

There are many ways to experience nature, even if you live in an urban area. You may have to aim for small-scale nature for everyday—your own yard, a local park, a lunchtime walk appreciating the sky and a nice landscaping job.

Are you drawn to certain natural settings or animals? Does spending time with them make you feel better? Pay attention to how you feel in different natural settings—what “feeds” you.

You may find that the sunset colors in the desert are what you really crave. I find that I am drawn to moving water—the energy near a river or an ocean beach is energizing and cleansing.

I also feel soothed by trees. If you need help getting grounded, try this: lean against or hug a large tree and let the tree “help” you connect to the earth. Trees are very grounding with their many roots going in all directions into the earth and their years of growth.

The sun itself is a huge source of life force energy. It’s no wonder we crave the outdoors after months of short days and being shut up inside all winter.

Time spent in nature is never wasted. Find a way to experience nature on a regular basis as part of your self-care routine.