Notice how you feel good and happier out there if you spend time in nature. Why so?
Well, our need for nature is more than just a good feeling. It's in our DNA. I always think we’re genetically programmed to find trees, rocks, water, wind, and other natural elements.
One of the better-known concept called the biophilia suggests that humans have the innate tendency to seek connection with nature. An American naturalist and writer Edward O. Wilson coined the term biophilia in his book Biophilia (1984) as "the urge to affiliate with other forms of life". Likewise, numerous studies suggest that being in nature reduces anger, fear, and stress and increases pleasant feelings.
I find this true whenever I do hiking, climb the mountains or take a stroll into the forests and by the river.
Last summer, we took a long hike to the spectacular Mont-rebei gorge or Congost de Mont-rebei at the border between the provinces of Lleida in Catalonia and Huesca in Aragon — undoubtedly one of the most spectacular landscapes in all of Catalonia.
Congost de Mont-rebei has all the elements of nature from its impressive rock walls, lush vegetation, and serene river gorge. I can still picture myself there. Time seems to slow down. Nature seems to restore my focus and energy depleted from stressful and noisy city life.
There is a lot of explanation of why we find inner comfort and happiness in the natural world. Whether you call it biophilia, mother nature or the great mystery, nature has its divine power that heals, restores and helps you connect back to yourself.
And human exposure to nature has never been more important than it is today.
