Nature and Spirituality
"Use your free will to magnify good karma." -Pinky C.
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Spirituality is an avenue through which one can find a higher purpose, experience the true self, and connect with the universe in meaningful ways. This principle has been further recognized in the field of medicine since spirituality also involves incorporating the human dimension. The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences began to incorporate these concepts into their education as have many other medical schools. Studies have shown that patients also welcome discussions regarding spirituality with their medical team. Nature and spirituality combined can be useful tools to further ease one's medical journey. A study from Japan showed that spending time in natural environments, such as the outdoors, can reduce cortisol levels and can potentially have other therapeutic affects.
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Nature and Yoga
The Benefits of Yoga
By: Akhil P. (Majors: Chemistry/Religion)
Yoga has been considered to be a form of alternative therapy for centuries. From physical to mental health, as well as health maintenance, yoga has been a 500-year old system of life that encourages a happy and healthy life. It has been backed by scientific research and is considered to be an optimal life force, such as treating a wide range of conditions, from anxiety and depression to controlling type 2 diabetes or hypertension. Yoga has also been used as a form of self care that helps with maintaining the body: both physically and mentally. “Practitioners of yoga have experienced better physical health, an improved figure, a glowing complexion, relief from pain and sickness, mental clarity, emotional stability, better intuition, and more, creativity, energy and enthusiasm for life.” (Fundamentals of Yoga 1)
Nature also plays an important role in yoga practice. First, a study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health stated that when people spend time outdoors, specifically in a forested area, they tend to have increased feelings of vigor and vitality, which in turn helps replenish depleted energy. Also, when people practice yoga outdoors, the natural scenery tends to heighten their awareness. Researchers at USC stated that beautiful scenery releases endorphins in the body. Lastly, the outdoors helps reduce the concentration of cortisol (hormone released during times of stress) in the body.
Sarasvati, Brahmananda. (1987). Fundamentals of Yoga: a Handbook of Theory, Practice, and Application. Julian Press.
Alpert, Y. M. (2015). 4 Ways Practicing Yoga Outdoors Enhances It. Retrieved from https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/4-reasons-science-suggests-practicing-yoga-outdoors-enhances
