Blog
“I decided to create this blog to share experiences, reflections, and ideas. I write with a lot of love for people and the rest of nature. I hope these writings will be helpful in your lives.” Jessica Sheffield Zamora. Founder and Director of Guardians of Nature.
Nature and our Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Health
May 7th, 2024
By Jessica Sheffield Zamora
“We only protect what we love, we only love what we understand, and we only understand what we are taught.” - Jacques Cousteau
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the trail winding through the forest near my home became an invaluable haven of well-being for my husband, my children, and me. Our frequent walks amidst the trees’ canopy, while activating our bodies, listening to nature’s symphony, and immersing ourselves in the surrounding biodiversity provided us with a sense of peace and enhanced our quality of life amidst the uncertainty.
April 2020: A forest moment with my children and our dog, captured by my husband during the COVID-19 pandemic
It was painful to think about those individuals, both adults and children, who were confined within four walls without the privilege of enjoying contact with nature during such a difficult time for humanity. Nature is not only the vital support of the planet; nature has a direct impact on our well-being. Through numerous studies Science has shown that being in contact with nature not only makes us happier, it also improves our physical, mental, and cognitive health.
Connecting with nature offers a myriad of benefits to our physical health by lowering blood pressure and bolstering our immune system. Furthermore, it positively impacts our mental well-being by reducing cortisol levels—the stress hormone—and increasing serotonin, known as the “happiness hormone.” Nature provides us with a sense of well-being and enhances our concentration and self-esteem. It also serves as an ideal place for meditation and prayer.
Exposure to the wonders of nature is crucial for us as a society. The benefits in the educational sphere, especially during childhood are profound. The absence of those experiences are often linked to mental health problems in adulthood.
Imagine, for a moment, being on the planet Mars: a desolate, rocky, dusty, reddish, arid, and lifeless place. Take a deep breath.
Mars view captured by NASA’s Perseverance rover in April 2023. NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/MSSS
Now, returning to this beautiful planet, I invite you to open your senses. Observe with attention some natural element around you: a flower, a tree, a passing cloud. Inhale deeply and give thanks for the blessings bestowed upon us in this world. We often take for granted the gifts that nature offers us.
Nature is synonymous with life, support, connection, wisdom, beauty, and health. I urge you to pause more frequently to feel her embrace, to observe her, to inhale her fragrances, to touch her textures, to cherish her, and to connect with her Creator.
