Nature Connections Off the Grid
Nature Connections Off the Grid
Mind, body and spirit
The main reason I live off the grid is to be closer to nature. If I consider my most inherent values, nature connection tops the list. I want to connect with nature for the sake of being closer to nature with no other ulterior motive.
Yes, I am an environmentalist and I love that living off the grid means a reduced carbon footprint. I feel good in my day to day knowing that I am doing something, albeit small, to help offset the climate crisis. And I hope that by writing about it and spreading the word, my positive impact can increase.
I am an environmentalist because I understand that conserving our habitat is the most pressing crisis right now on our planet. While I believe that there are many important causes to get behind, for me none are as critical as the environment. Without our habitat, we won’t exist. As we destroy our habitat, we are taking down the animals, plants, and other nature beings with us. We are polluting our beautiful planet at a rapid rate and making it unlivable for the creatures that specially evolved to coexist here. Ending war is second on my list of important causes because a nuclear holocaust is pretty much going to create the same result.
Currently, humans are committing mass genocide against all other living beings on this planet.
My motive does not stem from wanting to save humans. If we are unable to figure out a way to live sustainably on this planet then perhaps, we don’t deserve to live here. My motive does not stem from wanting to save the Earth. The Earth will continue long after we are gone in a new manifestation that may sustain new life. My motive is saving all the animals, trees, plants, clouds, rivers, oceans, birds, fungi, et al, that currently live here with us in our community. Because I have a genuine, inherent love for nature.
And so, while I am glad my way of life is more sustainable and is less hurtful to the ecosystem, I am mostly happy that I get to coexist peacefully with the nature beings around me. I love showering in my rainwater, generating electricity from the sun and being able to compost my waste to give back to the earth. I love being outside, communing with the plants and animals in my yard, growing food, and heating my house with sunshine. I feel more connected to the natural world and in relationship with nature.
Once upon a time, this was an inherent aspect of human life. Our ancestors lived outside and in relationship with all the natural world. There was no separation between the humans and nature. But in our post-industrial modern world, we are more disconnected from the natural world than ever before. And we are sick and unhealthy. We are depressed and anxious. We are spiritually disconnected and full of hate and rage. We are losing the thread.
We need to return to our connection to nature, personally and collectively. I have put together a short list of benefits from reconnecting to the natural world below and the scientific research to back it up. This is only the tip of the quickly melting iceberg and I urge you to dig deeper below the surface and learn more for yourself.
Physical
Visits to the forest not only increase human NK cells, a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune system and fighting cancer, but also sustains heightened NK cell activity for over seven days following the forest trip.
Time in the great outdoors shows decreases in the incidence of diabetes.
Being in nature has a positive effect on our bodies by reducing cortisol levels, muscle tension, and demands on our cardiovascular systems.
Being outside regularly helps you to sleep better.
Sunlight provides Vitamin D which helps our body absorb calcium, one of the main building blocks for strong bones.
Light exercise outdoors reduces fatigue, improves mood and shows reductions in markers of physiological stress (heart rate, blood pressure and salivary cortisol).
Access to green spaces in urban environments positively correlates with overall health outcomes.
Mental
Being in nature helps recharge your mind and reduce stress.
Immersion in nature decreases activity in the brain associated with repetitive negative thinking.
Engaging with natural environments enhances cognitive function and attention.
People who regularly connect with nature are happier and generate more positive emotions.
Nature can help us improve our thinking, reasoning, and other mental abilities.
Being in natural settings can help you connect with others and alleviate loneliness.
Walking in nature yields measurable mental benefits and reduces the risk of depression.
Spiritual
(sorry, no scientific studies for this one, LOL)
Moments of awe and wonder that you experience in nature when you see a sunset, animal or beautiful vista, remind us of the joy of being alive in celebration and curiosity.
Tuning into the seasons reminds us that we are ever evolving beings in tune with all of life around us and teaches us acceptance versus resistance.
Recognizing the interconnectedness of our ecosystem reminds us of our interconnectedness to all beings human and otherwise, which shows us how to share and care for each other as we are interdependent.
Connecting with nature beings reminds us that we belong to the Earth as part of the entire community of Earth and expands our worldview to be more inclusive.
With time in nature, we can learn gratitude for simple gifts like water, plants, air and sun.
Being in nature shows us how to see and appreciate beauty in imperfections.
Reflecting on the natural world and how beautifully everything works together, we may feel closer to the sacred and be reminded of our own divinity.
I hope this list encourages you to spend more time outdoors or reignites your passion for connecting to nature. Feel free to share it with others who you think need more nature connection in their life and need convincing. Being in nature will make us healthier and happier, but it will also inspire us to stop our hyper-consumerist, resource-exploiting, infinite-growth attitude that is destroying our habitat.