The Great Escape                                    by John Martin

The news of late is enough to keep all our nerves on edge. Combine that with the fast-paced, techno – driven way of life we have adopted, and it’s no wonder many of us are driven to the brink. Recent studies show, however, that one of our greatest healers is right at our sides, all along this rugged trail. Mother Nature, who brought us into this world and stubbornly resists our continual abuses of her, provides comfort and healing for those who have lost their way.

Green Therapy, or Ecotherapy, explores the effect the natural world has on our mental well-being. Stress levels decrease, nerves calm, and positive feelings flow after that hiking trip, bike ride, or walk in the park. A recent article even linked gardening to an increase in male libido! Indeed, gardening can be immensely therapeutic, reawakening in us those feelings of patience and nurturing and allowing us to focus and meditate while temporarily shutting out the crazy world. Sometimes out of necessity, when dwindling resources limit our outward mobility, we are left to stay home and enjoy, even pamper, our own little piece of the world, garnering from it comfort, well-being, and even a few home-grown tomatoes. There’s a warm glow that one gets from coming home to a well-tended garden.

So go and find some peace in this world, even if you have to shut off the news. Take a walk in the woods, plant a shrub, or grow your own pole beans, and you just might find enough strength and happiness to get you through that next hectic day.