ROANYOURBOAT

April Newsletter

Building Hope and Resilience

April -The Awe of Nature

To forget how to dig the earth and to tend the soil is to forget ourselves.

—Mahatma Gandhi
 

 Nature has always been so healing for me. It is surprising how a simple act of feeling the sun on my face, listening to the sounds of nature, or digging my hands in the soil can reset my entire attitude, my entire day. Although hiking a mountain trail or visiting a national park can be awe inspiring, the simple act of connecting to nature available around us, is more accessible and can be just as healing.  

Nature regulates our nervous system and research has found a multitude of health benefits including: lower blood pressure, and heart rate, improved mood and immune function; better sleep; and increased creativity and critical thinking skills. It increases satisfaction with life and allows our brain to recover from stress, trauma, and promotes neurogenesis. Beyond the physiological, there are prosocial effects to the awe of nature: less concern for self, increased generosity, and more cooperation. This might be why research suggests there is less violence when trees are incorporated into low-income housing developments. (Research cited greatergood.berkley.edu)

Researchers recommend at least 5 hours a month of mindful focused time in nature and regular mircobreaks to reap the benefits.  Have you heard of forest bathing?  It is a practice that came from Japan and includes focused time in nature. This is prescribed to residents for wellness and healing. Japan is ranked as one of the healthiest countries in the world.  Unfortunately, the United States does not make the top 25 list.

Research has focused on two main aspects of nature’s healing properties, the experiences of awe and wonder. Wonder can be understood as a feeling of surprise and fascination evoked by an element of nature, this feeling can lead to reflection and insight.  Awe is described as being in the presence of something bigger than ourselves that fills us with wonder and curiosity. Awe can lead to feelings of being less separate from a larger existence this can decrease worries of the past and future.  The sense of awe also changes our perception of time and may alleviate the feeling of time starvation that plaques modern society. In addition to the experiences of awe and wonder. 

Putting your hands in the soil can have health benefits, the smell of mychobacterium vacii, a microorganism found in soil, compost, and leaf mold triggers our body to activate neurotransmitters like serotonin. 

We just passed earth day a perfect time to reflect on how we can connect to the earth and all its beauty and make small changes toward sustainability.  The health of the environment is intimately entwined with our mental health. When we cultivate feelings and behaviors like gratitude, awe, wonder, and empathy these motivate us to take action for the earth and try to live more sustainably.

How can YOU connect with nature that will sustain you and the earth?

 

 The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science.

 

He whom the emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand wrapped in awe, is as good as dead; his eyes are closed. – Albert Einstein

We still have room in our Kintsugi Grief Group - Please pass on the information

 

Do you shop at Smiths? 

Our foundation has been approved to receive donations when you shop with your Smiths card.

Register your card here Smiths Inspiring Donations and choose the RoanYourBoat Foundation. It doesn't take away from your fuel points and most purchases count.  

Thank you for your support 

 

Kintsugi Supportive Art Group for Grief and Loss 

Embracing strength and beauty after loss of a loved one. 

Kintsugi is a technique that symbolizes healing and resilience. Has grief, loss, and hardship broken your heart open.  In your brokenness you are stronger, more precious, and beautiful. 

Join us for a healing experience using the Kintsugi art process and incorporating mindfulness, writing exercises, and group support.   

Tuesday Evenings - 4 week series 

 

 Email us at info@roanyourboat.org for more information or to register.

 
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May 

Follow us on Facebook & Instagram @roanyourboat

May

Mental Health Awareness Month

5th – Cinco De Mayo

6th – National Nurses Day

9th – Mothers Day

15th – Peace Officers Memorial day

19th- Plant a vegetable garden day

28th - World Hunger Day

31st – Memorial Day (last Monday in May)

 

Watch for events and group workshops to come by visiting our calendar of events.

 

Watch for a date for our Tiny Universe Healing Arts Group. 

 
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