I've worked in the fitness industry for 15 years now. We've long known biodiversity of the diet is the most optimal way of eating because the more diverse the diet, the more nutrients and vitamins one consumes.
A simple and easy way to eat more diverse produce is through raw food salads, and Dr. Fuhrman's dressing is an excellent compliment to consume more whole and raw food without making junky salad dressings. 
What is unique about this dressing is that it uses walnuts to replace oil and raisins to replace any sweeteners that go into dressings. Walnuts look like little brains and are major sources of Omega 3 fatty acids, so these little nuts aide in heart and brain function.
This by far is my favorite salad dressing recipe I've ever had and made. 
Dr. Fuhrman is a medical doctor who healed himself from an injury with alternative medicine. That healing experience inspired him to become a medical doctor. He advocates for eating G-BOMBS, which is considered the healthiest, most anti-cancer foods. What does G-BOMBS stand for?
G-Greens B- Beans O-Onions M-Mushrooms B-Berries S-Seeds This rainbow salad was inspired by G-Bombs; however, you can add, eliminate or swap any vegetables. To make this a further rainbow salad, one can add purple cabbage, purple onion or even blueberries. I am not a fan of mushrooms or raw onions in any traditional raw salad, unless it is a more hearty kale salad. However, choose the ingredients that work best for you and your budget! 
Dr Fuhrman's No Oil Walnut Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
Prep time: 5 minutes Makes 3/4-1 cup Salad Dressing Ingredients: 1/2 cup water 1/4 cup balsamic vinager 1/4 cup walnuts 1/4 cup raisins 1 clove garlic 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1/4 tsp dried thyme Directions: For the dressing, combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth. For the salad, choose the vegetables you would like to add in, including a bean and seed if desired. Wash, chop, mix together and top with dressing. Enjoy! Let's Connect! Here are some other salad recipes you may also enjoy!
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Image source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/9-powerful-reminders-from-the-miracle-at-the-red-sea.html
As stated in former blogs, life on planet earth is an incarnation of polarity. We cannot have the north pole without the south pole, and we cannot have positive energy without negative energy.
Everything on this planet from the minerals to the animals to human beings are consciousness. From a spiritual perspective, everything is sending and receiving vibration, frequency and the most evolved energy, love. Animals are biologically programmed to perform a function, which is not always kind. Luckily, humans are equipped with a consciousness that can depict the difference between moral and immoral. However we are losing that channel or intelligence. Because of continuous programming of the mind, people have become so disconnected from basic understanding of human physiology. They'll believe in marketing commercials and lies sold to them from billionaire corporations, but refuse to listen to people who've spent their careers analyzing and studying various forms of science. In terms of understanding how this applies to this topic, the more we fuel the ego, the more we set off our sympathetic nervous system. The adrenaline pumping through our body ignites the fight or flight response. When grounded, calm, cool and collected, one taps into the parasympathetic nervous system, which is the rest and digest phase of the nervous system (opposite of fight or flight). We have the choice everyday to fuel the ego and the polarity, or switch or consciousness to focus on the light and trust the path that the truth will be exposed one day.
In other blog's I've also stated that the truth lies somewhere in the middle. In today's collective environment, much lower frequency consciousness is being sent and received to the masses. The media is rarely uplifting, constantly promoting the sludge of the earth.
In today's current situation, we are losing the path of our divine nature and the true consciousness of love. As planet earth is polar, we are witnessing the rise of polar opposite energies that have two fundamental different beliefs. Like Moses parting the sea, the waves on each side is getting bigger and bigger. This is scary, but this also provides a path to walk in divine nature. It is important to be aware but not get lost in the sludge or lower consciousness. It's a place ofego and lower brain frequency that destroys other people for their opinion or belief. What happens when two tidal waves collide?
When two waves collide it creates a form of chaos. Think of a medieval war. Two opponents from opposite sides run and collide into one another and create destruction.
In physics, when two or more waves meet, they interact with one another. Wave interference happens when two waves that are traveling in opposite directions meet. When the two waves meet, they create an amplitude, which is affected by the interference. There is a constructive or destructive interference. The constructive interference is when two waves meet, the crest or highest point of one wave overlaps another to produce a greater, or larger amplitude. When thinking about war, the energies collide, scatter and eventually one side becomes the winner. Why is this important?
It is important because we need to ground ourselves and realize the severity of rising polarities.
One side cannot rise in energy without the same polarity rising on the other side. That is in part of the lessons or "nature" of life on planet earth. If we cannot ground ourselves, come in the middle and meet with reason and diplomacy, the unpredictability from two tidal waves crashing into one another will ignite a sense of chaos. Particles will spurt in the air, going in every which way and direction. Water symbolizes emotion, and the emotional mess and chaos will lead to a clash like we've read in the history books. As the polarity rises, this creates an opportunity to ground ourselves on the earth and with our emotions, and keep focus on the light.
Yoga, meditation, prayer, nature walks and journaling are simple tools to ground ourselves in difficult times. These tools also allow us to maintain awareness without getting lost in the sludge and the lower mind.
From my experience over the last several months, the energy is dense, chaotic and negative. We are lost in the heads and really need to ground ourselves. Like a balloon, we need to root our tether. If we don't ground eventually the balloon will get lost in the sky and pop.
The lower mind fuels the tidal wave. The higher mind grounds ourself in spirit and walk in accordance to our higher self.
What is interesting about the tidal wave image, is that in the far far distance one sees the light. As the wave curves, it almost creates a heart formation. If anything changes, I hope it is in the direction of the world adopting a heart-centered culture. What are your thoughts? Other readings you may find significant during this time.
It's no secret 2020 has been a challenging year. No matter what situation you are in, just know that obstacles are here to challenge your soul's growth and potential. With the right mindset, these mantras help you during difficult times.
When under emotional stress, mantras calm the body and channel the thoughts back to a more positive state, to be in control of one's thoughts. "I accept the situation and can only control my own thoughts, actions and behaviors."
When going through a difficult situation, we must learn to make peace with the situation and understand how we can control actions and reactions.
"Take actions on the things that I can change."
To piggyback on the first quote, every situation in life has a learning lesson. Whatever the lesson may be, just know only you can control your actions and any changes that need to be made. Sometimes we have to endure loss in order to learn the most important things in life.
"I have two wolves that live inside my head. The wolf of the light. And the wolf of the dark. Right now, I choose to feed the wolf of the light."
We can control our thoughts and fuel positive, healthy thoughts or continue to spiral through negativity to keep ourselves down in the dumps.
"I have been put into this situation to strengthen my soul's growth."
All of these thoughts pertaining to this mantra have been mentioned above.
"Today I will do my best. I will let go of any self doubt, criticism or self-inflicting thoughts or harm."
We are our own worst critic. We can be hard on ourselves but we must realize we can only do so much in one day. For today, try to do your best and be proud of that.
"I trust in my life path and my life's journey."
Trust in your life's journey. Trust in God. Make smart decisions that benefit you, and do not tempt you.
"Everything in life is temporary. The feelings and emotions I am experiencing right now are temporary."
Nothing in life is permanent. Not the seasons and not your life. There is beginning and there is an end. The hard times too will pass, and know that your current emotions are temporary.
What is your favorite mantra to say during tough times? For more inspirational quotes, visit my Sunspiration Instagram page! Let's Connect! 
Many people may not realize that walking is healing, or at least has powerful healing capabilities to aide us through difficult times. When analyzing the human body from a spiritual lens, our anatomy is interconnected with pressure points that lay in our hands and feet.
The hands and feet are two of the most important parts of our body. The feet move us forward and the hands are the parts of our anatomy that give and receive. “All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking.” ~Nietzsche
In Chinese medicine and reflexology, the feet contain many pressure points that link directly to our glands and major organs. When compressed, these help us with various ailments that we suffer from. Walking, especially on cobblestone, puts pressure into these points to activate those areas of the body.
From another holistic perspective, many claim the chakras are also located in our feet. These areas tap into the chakras located along the spine and activate the same energy centers when triggered. Like the other chakras, these can also be "open or closed" to receiving energy or be out of balance at times. Walking is overall a low-impact form of exercise that ignites a meditation in motion type of experience. Walking Stimulates Oxygen + Blood Flow + Our Qi
Like any exercise, walking stimulates the body through the movement of oxygen and blood flowing throughout the circulatory system. When this happens, we secrete different hormones that make us feel better and elevates our mood.
In Chinese medicine, the flow of energy is called Qi. Walking moves the "Qi" that is stuck or built up in the body. Moderate exercise in general can balance hormones without overtraining. Walking Helps Us Move Forward
Walking, specifically on a journey like the Camino de Santiago, moves us in a forward direction toward a destination. But it is the journey that pushes our boundaries and allows us to move past barriers in life.
The symbolism here is that we move forward and leave all the "junk" behind us. The journey doesn't know whether there will be hills, uneven terrain or bad weather, but through that journey we are pushed to overcome whatever obstacle comes our way. When overcoming issues on the walk, it is symbolic to being able to overcome issues in everyday life. Walking Grounds Us
The feet are our foundation of the kinetic chain. Walking grounds us to the planet, especially if walking barefoot in the grass. Similar to the concept of "earthing," basically our feet (and its energy centers) absorb energy from the earth to help us stay grounded and in balance.
It's like being a battery and the earth recharges ourselves. Walking is "Yoking" our Mind, Body, Spirit
Like yoga, or any other form of exercise, walking, specifically in nature, unites the mind, body and spirit.
Especially when walking in nature, most people feel connected to God or their source energy. When surrounded by unity, walking ignites deep thoughts while meandering on the trail. It also connects the body to be aware to the breath and notice the physical presence of the body (even if there is pain). When the hormones secrete, most people feel alive and vibrant. I recommend reading some of these following links regarding how walking elevates mood and promotes optimal brain health and physical wellbeing. Has walking healed you? I hope whatever journey you are in life, walking can help you move past barriers and be one with yourself and your spirit. Let's Connect!
About a year ago, I posted this blog, "Sunspiration #121: Emerging of the Artificially-Induced Consciousness." Now that we are in the COVID 19 era, it is apparent how much more the artificial world, and its consciousness, is on the rise.
Natural law and spiritual law follows the God-given grain of movement, flow, or action that is biologically driven or created the natural way. The way the humans lived and what the ancients preached through spirituality is much of the natural way of living. Natural law (i.e. what goes down, goes up), ebbs and flow, love, family, gardening, community, farming, nature - these are some examples of things that are natural to our human existence. Artificial living are things that are man-made or created by man. Think about it. Pharmaceuticals, fast food, pornography, war, division, hedonism, artificial food, internet, social media, reality TV, synthetic fibers, photoshopping - all of these things are artificial constructions created by man, which for the most part does not always benefit mankind. Unbeknownst to most humans they are in a battle between the artificial and the natural world.
Much of today in this, "spiritual war," is really a battle between the artificial and the natural world. The natural ways of living are being impeded by artificial methods. For example, for many years doctors have prescribed meds to patients with high blood pressure. They were not encouraged to change their diet, or their exercise habits, which vastly affects their blood pressure.
The same has been seen in the weightless industry. Everyone wants to be gluttonous and take a magic pill, but not actually make lifelong changes to their health. The irony is that many ingredients in meds are properties that come from whole and natural foods. When you look at the "S.A.D." or the "Standard American Diet," one notices how much processed food is a part of everyone's daily living. There is no life or vibrancy in that food. And when you analyze the difference between natural food and artificial and processed foods is that both are created under two different light forms.
The light you seek is the light you reap.
Spiritual law knows what you reap is what you sow. The old adage, "you are what you eat," rings true in many ways. You become a byproduct of the type of light and products you consume. Today, most people get most of their light from the television, and not actually from the light of day.
The television has numbed people's ability to critically think and altered their subconscious mind. They say curiosity kills the cat, and the television has made people curious many self-destructive ways. In addition to changing people's behaviors and the way we interact. 
There is truth to God and natural law, and everything else is man-made or created by egos. This is not to discard anything man-made or artificial. But as we notice the rise in psychopathy and narcissism, the many man-made tools have enhanced this shadow side in humans.
Humans are like a computer. The physical body is like the hardware or the actual computer and the mind is like the software. You choose what to download into your conscious and subconscious mind.
If you analyze society as a whole you can notice the difference between behaviors and actions with the rise of the artificial world.
Spiritual people understand that everything, or everyone is connected. And the complex web of a world we live in, spiritual people understand that many artificial things are part of the path of self-destruction. People's behaviors weren't like this twenty years ago when technology was just used for email and some research. We can't escape the artificial world. Some blessings like medical advancements have greatly benefited mankind, but most of what has been created in the social media realm has affected our behaviors on a scale that most people don't realize. 
Whether you're struggling, or in a good spot in your life, it is easy to forget the things that really matter in life. We can get caught up in social media and pleasing everyone, that we are left exhausted, and eventually forget the simple things in life that we should be thankful for. Here is a list of short reminders of what to be thankful for in this world.
Nature & The Natural World
Nature is our true artist and the greatest healer in our life.
God / Our Creator
Whatever belief system you have, just know that God wants the best for you. He may put you through hard times, but know it is for your growth.
Good Health
My dad has always said there is nothing more important than your health.
Wisdom Gained Through the Years of Age + Experience
As society grows, we tend to become more intellectual but what we need today is more wisdom. Spiritual wisdom is what people are lacking.
Your Parents, Family & Support System
Not everyone is blessed to have a healthy family, but for those who have parents, loved ones or support pieces who care and help you, that is something to be thankful for every day.
Being in Love
Life is not easy whether one is single or taken, but there is something magical about being in love, especially living in a world where people crave love and the human heart.
Money in Savings
Most people live pay check to pay check, so it is important to be thankful for that savings for that rainy day, or retirement account, or that 401k that your company contributes towards.
Kindness in Strangers
Whether its getting a donation, or someone holding the door, we should appreciate those small acts of kindness.
Art
Art is a form of therapy and escapism to help us appreciate the beauty of the world, or one's creativity.
Waking Up Everyday Day
In reality, everyday you wake up, live and breathe is the greatest gift from God as we never know when our time will expire.
Sunrises + Sunsets
Not only are sunrises and sunsets beautiful, but it reminds us that there is a beginning and that there is an end. It also reminds us that each day is an opportunity for a fresh start.
Your Struggles
No one wants to go through a hard time, but if you analyze those hard times know it puts you in a better position and somehow your soul needed that experience in order to grow. Those hard times can lead us to better places.
Walking
For those who have the ability to walk, walking and movement is healing. Walking is symbolic to moving forward in life. We have the ability to walk away from things that no longer serve us and to walk forward in life to heal.
Free Services
Even if you're struggling, there are free services out there for nearly everything. Free food. Free counseling. Free fitness classes. Be thankful for the people who volunteer or provide monetary donations to provide free services.
Pets or Animals
Even if you don't have a pet, sometimes sitting in nature and admiring nature like a bird singing songs, or a seal swimming in the ocean is something that brings immense joy to humans. We have a connections with nature and the natural world, and we can all find gratitude in the beauty of animals.
What are you most thankful for in life? 
Life is one long, crazy journey. Some of us work to live, where others live to evolve their soul and spirit on this planet. As we go, and grow, through life we encounter moments of highs, lows, loneliness, fulfillment and (dis)satisfaction.
It is common to fluctuate through moments of empowerment and dis-empowerment. Through my work, I've encountered many people from all walks of life who have various mindsets, life experiences and traumas. And as I've reflected events in my life, and pinged ideas off like-minds, personal empowerment is so important in the modern world. Everyone has the capability of gaining power, and what we've seen for thousands of years is the abuse of power and corruption of the heart. Something is not working in the modern world. With the increase of infidelity, lust, drug use and open relationships, many people are craving depth, solidarity, monogamy, giving back and a healthy life. The body, nature and society operates best in balance. The more unbalanced we become, the more-tsunami like our ripple effect will be to the world and the more we leave a trace of our carbon footprint on human emotions. Personal empowerment breaks the chains of abusive power, constraint and compromising standards.
em·pow·er·ment - the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one's life and claiming one's rights.
Empowerment is walking away from what no longer serves you.
Empowerment is being true to your life mission and walking away from the things that hold you back or put you done. Empowerment is knowing yourself in and out and what works, what doesn't and what brings out the best in you. It is being the investigator in your life, and understanding the depths of your mind, body and soul. To some extent, I believe personal empowerment comes from God and doing the inner work. It is to know your worth and value, but you cannot be a hypocrite in the process. Dis-empowerment is the low-ego or low confidence mindset that believes you are NOT worthy, capable of receiving healthy love, or continuously compromising your standards. This is the ungrounded energy that is grasping or grappling for any sort of confidence booster, which usually comes from external substances. Dis-empowerment is NOT respecting yourself. To some extent, darkness or demonic energy wants you to feel HORRIBLE about yourself. What is empowerment vs. dis-empowerment?
It takes time and life experience to feel or to get empowered, and sometimes we need to experience moments of being dis-empowered to become empowered. It is important to not be stuck in the mud, but continue to heal and move through the inner fear to become an empowered lotus flower. Lotus flowers, in order to bloom, must grow through mud and dirty water.
Everyone has the ability to gain power, but it depends on how we utilize that power. For good or not. Life is like the ocean, it ebbs and flows. We may bounce in and out stages of (dis)empowerment, but once empowered, it is difficult to walk backwards. “The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.” – Mulan
What are ways you empower yourself?
In the world of anatomy, the brain is considered the body's most vital organ. Some professors claim that it is also the body's most delicate organ because the brain is about 75% water and has about 60% fat. It has the consistency of butter.
The brain indeed is soft and fragile and gives the body commands. Genius minds have advanced human life to the world that we know today. However, on energetic and emotional level, the heart is what drives humans to do the most amazing and the most atrocious things. Some people have a heart that is white as snow where others have a heart that is black as coal, and linking that emotion to their mind and ego makes or breaks people, communities and the planet.
So yes, maybe the brain is the most vital organ; however, there are people who still live and are "brain dead" or in a coma. They are still a living and breathing organism although unable to perform cognitive and motor function. Life support is necessary.
Is it possible that the human heart is the most vital
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It is no secret that nature is healing. I don't think I've met any human being who's left nature and then claimed their dislike for it. Most people who spend time in nature, often return to the "real world" feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and relaxed. Often the mind has a sense of clarity and the spirit revived to either help people through difficult life situations, or possible set them on the better track in life.
Many people wonder, why is nature so healing? There are countless reasons, but science is starting to understand how nature heals humans. Whatever your belief is, there is a certain vibration or energy found in different types of environments.
Many people wonder, why is nature so healing? There are countless reasons, but science is starting to understand how nature heals humans. Whatever your belief is, there is a certain vibration or energy found in different types of environments.
“Allow nature’s peace to flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.” – John Muir
Like attracts like. If you go to a beach town, you'll notice the people are different than say in the wild west or from the snow bunnies skiing in the winter.
There are four elements on this planet: earth, air, fire and water. Although every landscape differs, every landscape usually contains all four elements to some degree. Most common natural escapes include the mountains and forest (earth), the ocean (water) or the desert (fire). Air is found everywhere and in constant motion even though you cannot see it.
Most people usually appreciate all types of landscapes, but usually gravitate towards something specific like the beach, mountains or drier climates. Now there is a breakdown for what people like. For example, someone who loves water may not necessarily be attracted to sunny, hot beaches, but may actually resonate with cooler, icier waters like you see in Scandinavia.
The four elements is literal in a physical sense, but also metaphorical while viewing life through a metaphysical lens.
There are four elements on this planet: earth, air, fire and water. Although every landscape differs, every landscape usually contains all four elements to some degree. Most common natural escapes include the mountains and forest (earth), the ocean (water) or the desert (fire). Air is found everywhere and in constant motion even though you cannot see it.
Most people usually appreciate all types of landscapes, but usually gravitate towards something specific like the beach, mountains or drier climates. Now there is a breakdown for what people like. For example, someone who loves water may not necessarily be attracted to sunny, hot beaches, but may actually resonate with cooler, icier waters like you see in Scandinavia.
The four elements is literal in a physical sense, but also metaphorical while viewing life through a metaphysical lens.
Air and Fire are masculine. Earth and Water are feminine.
- Air represents intellect, mental intention, communication, the breath of life, and connection to universal life force. Air is associated with spring , the east direction and known to have a cleansing power. Physically, air has been considered a pure element. Humans require oxygen for survival and our expenditure of CO2 is then absorbed by the plants to then release O2. Air does take up space, and has volume and exerts pressure.
- Earth represents grounding, the foundation of life, substance, nourishment, stability, fertility, connection to life path, and family roots. Earth is related to winter, the north direction and known to have a cleaning power. Physically, the earth contains rocks and minerals that provides the soil the ability to grow vegetation and to support life.
- Fire represents energy, transformation, connection to personal power, and inner strength. It represents a purifying power and means light. Fire has two sides. In one way fire ignites warmth and creates life, but it also has the ability to burn and destroy. Fire is considered the first element born when the universe was created. On the physical plane fire we know is the sun or a flame. Without the sun there would be no life. Fire requires three things to ignite: oxygen, fuel and heat.
Fire is associated with summer and the south direction. - Water represents emotional release, intuition, purification, healing, dreaming and inner reflection. Water is indicative of the death-rebirth cycle because it gives life, but also is destructive. Water is associated with autumn and the west direction. Physically, water comprises of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Hydrogen (positive charge) attaches on each end of the oxygen atom (negative charge) and polarizes the water molecule.
Air and Fire are masculine. Earth and Water are feminine.
“Nature itself is the best physician.” – Hippocrates
Some beliefs, like Ayurveda, state that there is a fifth element, called the ether, which is the vacant space where everything happens. Aristotle stated the fifth element was "aether." For example. if standing in front of a tree there is space between you and the tree. But there is also space between the leaves and the branches. Sound is part of the ether, which is vibratory and moves through space.
Part of our attraction to natural settings is also based on the soothing sounds of the natural world that calms the mind, body and soul. Whether its the waves of the ocean crashing into shore, the trickling of a stream in a forest, or the songs of the birds heard in a meadow, sound also has a way of healing us. Musically, the lower beat per minute stimulates the brain to relax where faster and harder beats per minute make us work out harder, move faster or drive more aggressively.
Sound is healing. The natural sounds produced from nature relaxes the brain, which affects the body.
Humans are naturally attracted to nature because we are ourselves are creatures of the earth. Nature is engrained in our DNA. When understanding the elements from a metaphysical sense, it is no wonder that nature is a healer. So many people gravitate to the mountains or ocean for healing or to escape the city life.
With earth and water being feminine qualities, it is no secret that Mother Nature herself bundles us up in her warmth, love and beauty, just like a mother does to her child.
Part of our attraction to natural settings is also based on the soothing sounds of the natural world that calms the mind, body and soul. Whether its the waves of the ocean crashing into shore, the trickling of a stream in a forest, or the songs of the birds heard in a meadow, sound also has a way of healing us. Musically, the lower beat per minute stimulates the brain to relax where faster and harder beats per minute make us work out harder, move faster or drive more aggressively.
Sound is healing. The natural sounds produced from nature relaxes the brain, which affects the body.
Humans are naturally attracted to nature because we are ourselves are creatures of the earth. Nature is engrained in our DNA. When understanding the elements from a metaphysical sense, it is no wonder that nature is a healer. So many people gravitate to the mountains or ocean for healing or to escape the city life.
With earth and water being feminine qualities, it is no secret that Mother Nature herself bundles us up in her warmth, love and beauty, just like a mother does to her child.
“We depend on nature not only for our physical survival, we also need nature to show us the way home, the way out of the prison of our own minds.”
When analyzing the five senses (sight, sound, smell, hearing and taste), nature stimulates our senses quit differently than an urban setting or our daily job.
Nature affects our health in four primary ways:
Beauty is inspirational, and nature is beautiful. It is no wonder why poets, artists and other creatives spend time in nature writing, contemplating or drawing nature scenes. Beauty inspires the soul, and for some evolves them into the best version of themselves.
Being in the moment and focusing on the present is very important to our well-being. Time in nature slows us down and "forces" us to enjoy the moment. Meditation does not necessarily mean sitting still in a Buddhist temple. Meditations can be in motion. A walk through a forest is just as contemplative as sitting on top of a mountain pondering what will happen in life.
Nature affects our health in four primary ways:
- Nature removes us from chaotic environments that contain air pollution, noise pollution, and from artificial light due to looking at screens constantly while at home or work. This overall reduces stress.
- Nature increases physical activity. Whether its a swim in a lake or ocean, or a walk on a trail, spending time in nature generally moves our body. Physical activity (and nature) is associated with elevating mood, reducing physical pain and circulating more oxygen throughout the body, thus making the body feel good. Achieving great physical pursuits like summiting a mountain extends well-being into the emotional, mental and spiritual bodies to make us believe that we can conquer any obstacle or barrier in life.
- Nature is a healthy form of escapism and offers us an opportunity to socialize. Most people travel with their friends or family, and throughout these experiences memories are being created. The stress is left at home, and nature allows us to focus on the moment, enjoy the little things and it brings people together as a form of socialization. Socializing removes feelings of loneliness and isolation, which also boosts mood and self-esteem. A study conducted by the University of Rochester discovered that the people exposed to nature were more socially conscious, they felt more generous and connected to their community.
- Nature is spiritual itself. Whether one believes in God or not, most people marvel at the power of nature. Standing in a valley while gazing at the mountains makes people realize that there is something greater in this world than themselves. That in itself is spiritual and may increase empathy. Even if alone, there are moments of reflection that occur that forces people to spiritually evolve or grow.
Beauty is inspirational, and nature is beautiful. It is no wonder why poets, artists and other creatives spend time in nature writing, contemplating or drawing nature scenes. Beauty inspires the soul, and for some evolves them into the best version of themselves.
Being in the moment and focusing on the present is very important to our well-being. Time in nature slows us down and "forces" us to enjoy the moment. Meditation does not necessarily mean sitting still in a Buddhist temple. Meditations can be in motion. A walk through a forest is just as contemplative as sitting on top of a mountain pondering what will happen in life.
“Nature holds the key to our aesthetic, intellectual, cognitive and even spiritual satisfaction.” – EO wilson
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In my personal experience, I look back to analyze the powerful healing that has occurred in various natural environments. Swimming in the ocean cleansed my soul where as walking through the mysterious forest allowed me to let go of the things that no longer serve me.
Every type of environment was healing. The desert at Burning Man burned away many low self-esteem issues.
The power of the mountains and the bugling elk in Estes Park healed my heart from various heart breaks. Mother Earth grounded me and absorbed my pain into the soil.
The oceans in Australia cleansed my soul to awaken my spirit and let go of my childhood wounds.
Walking through volcanic lava fields in Iceland made me realize there is more to life than my work and job title.
The Spirit Rock Vortex in Tuscon, Arizona flooded my body with positive energy as I also sent light and love to many people in my life.
The angels in the sky in Utah sent me a message while pondering a question at the petroglyphs and while staring out of the window I asked, "Is moving to Germany the right thing to do?" and there an angel from the clouds emerged.
And I'll never forget walking the ancient forests on the Camino de Santiago from Porto, Portugal to Santiago de Compostela. The trees absorbed my heart break from divorce and finding freshly fallen beautiful green leaves on the ground reminded me that even that even beautiful things in this life fall, but not necessarily fail.
Nature is healing for those who respect the land and the spirit that reside there. So many people today use nature for their own glory or to gain superficial attention from Instagram.
Every type of environment was healing. The desert at Burning Man burned away many low self-esteem issues.
The power of the mountains and the bugling elk in Estes Park healed my heart from various heart breaks. Mother Earth grounded me and absorbed my pain into the soil.
The oceans in Australia cleansed my soul to awaken my spirit and let go of my childhood wounds.
Walking through volcanic lava fields in Iceland made me realize there is more to life than my work and job title.
The Spirit Rock Vortex in Tuscon, Arizona flooded my body with positive energy as I also sent light and love to many people in my life.
The angels in the sky in Utah sent me a message while pondering a question at the petroglyphs and while staring out of the window I asked, "Is moving to Germany the right thing to do?" and there an angel from the clouds emerged.
And I'll never forget walking the ancient forests on the Camino de Santiago from Porto, Portugal to Santiago de Compostela. The trees absorbed my heart break from divorce and finding freshly fallen beautiful green leaves on the ground reminded me that even that even beautiful things in this life fall, but not necessarily fail.
Nature is healing for those who respect the land and the spirit that reside there. So many people today use nature for their own glory or to gain superficial attention from Instagram.
“The contemplation of nature can free one of the ego – the great troublemaker.” – Eckhart Tolle
Has nature healed you? I would love to hear your story or experience.
Let's Connect!
Let's Connect!
Love and feeling like one belongs in a community or their family is part of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. It is simple to say that love is a basic human need.
If analyzing modern society, it seems that we are not doing a good job at this notion. A lack of respect and acceptance along with the rise in Artificial Intelligence, has caused people to isolate themselves, igniting loneliness and anti-social behavior. Those who lack love either feel lonely, worthless or end up on the wrong path in life.
I believe humans are not meant to wander alone in life. We are social creatures, and love is the glue that binds us all.
If analyzing modern society, it seems that we are not doing a good job at this notion. A lack of respect and acceptance along with the rise in Artificial Intelligence, has caused people to isolate themselves, igniting loneliness and anti-social behavior. Those who lack love either feel lonely, worthless or end up on the wrong path in life.
I believe humans are not meant to wander alone in life. We are social creatures, and love is the glue that binds us all.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Maslow%27s_hierarchy_of_needs.svg
Love is physical, but it also fulfills humans on an emotional level. Many equate to love as a romantic partnership or gesture (like procreation), but love extends to various different aspects of life. Humans have an innate nurturing aspect within themselves. Even those who are childless often find a passion for taking care of something whether it'd be a pet or a garden.
Love is a part of the Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Once basic earth-plane needs are met, love is an important aspect of human life. There is a reason why "Find Your Tribe" has become a popular term. It is because we yearn for a sense of belonging within a community, or from other people.
It is natural for humans to want to be with a significant other, or to have a family. In fact, research shows that falling in love was one of the only emotional highs that humans once suffered.
But love goes beyond romance. Giving and receiving love is equally important. Those who are "pent" up with love need to channel it somewhere. And humans also crave receiving love and affection from one another. In the world of single parents, it is often the unconditional love that a child has for his or her parents keeps that single parent going. An act of kindness is what keeps hope alive in a person who feels lonely or suicidal.
The ancient Greeks believed in five forms of love: familial love, friendly / platonic love, romantic love, guest love and divine love. Love is considered a virtue comprised of kindness, compassion and affection. Healthy forms of selfless love is what nourishes humans.
Love is a part of the Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Once basic earth-plane needs are met, love is an important aspect of human life. There is a reason why "Find Your Tribe" has become a popular term. It is because we yearn for a sense of belonging within a community, or from other people.
It is natural for humans to want to be with a significant other, or to have a family. In fact, research shows that falling in love was one of the only emotional highs that humans once suffered.
But love goes beyond romance. Giving and receiving love is equally important. Those who are "pent" up with love need to channel it somewhere. And humans also crave receiving love and affection from one another. In the world of single parents, it is often the unconditional love that a child has for his or her parents keeps that single parent going. An act of kindness is what keeps hope alive in a person who feels lonely or suicidal.
The ancient Greeks believed in five forms of love: familial love, friendly / platonic love, romantic love, guest love and divine love. Love is considered a virtue comprised of kindness, compassion and affection. Healthy forms of selfless love is what nourishes humans.
But like everything in life, there is a dark or selfish side of love that drives humans away. Modern authors have identified forms of love such as unrequited love, empty love, infatuated love, companionate love, self-love and courtly love. These forms of love can isolate people, ignite mistrust or lead people to suicide or to kill. Many serial killers have a history of family dysfunction and not receiving love from the biological parents. Those who go too deep in self-love become narcissists.
Love is no joke. Love can save someone or destroy someone. But love is a basic human need. Our hearts are organs that keep us alive physically and spiritually. In order to avoid depression, anxiety and loneliness humans need a balance between giving and receiving love. And some of the love might be channeling that energy towards a passion like painting or rock climbing.
An equal balance is ideal but having some form of love keeps us motivated and going in life.
What do you think? Is love a basic need?
Let's Connect!
Love is no joke. Love can save someone or destroy someone. But love is a basic human need. Our hearts are organs that keep us alive physically and spiritually. In order to avoid depression, anxiety and loneliness humans need a balance between giving and receiving love. And some of the love might be channeling that energy towards a passion like painting or rock climbing.
An equal balance is ideal but having some form of love keeps us motivated and going in life.
What do you think? Is love a basic need?
Let's Connect!
Author
Elizabeth Rae Kovar M.A. is Author of her memoir, Finding Om and is a Fitness Trainer, Yogi, Reiki Master, Presenter and Lover of Life. To view her portfolio please visit www.elizabethkovar.com
Follow her travels at: lemontreetravel.com
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