Nature has a soothing and calming effect on my nerves.

Every year, our SHARAN team takes a trip to Nature. This year we visited the Hidden Oasis near Pune and did activities like trekking, swimming in the lake, walking on barefoot on the soil, forest bathing, harvesting and more. Dr Suman Govil from our team shares her experience of being in nature.

Nature is so generous and gives unconditionally. Whenever I get to outdoor spaces, forests, hill stations, I experience the enormity and abundance of nature. I also feel very nostalgic as it takes me back to my student days and botany excursion trips. It instantly uplifts my mood, my energy levels increase and I  feel so fresh and rejuvenated. Nature has a soothing and calming effect on my nerves.

Cool and fresh breeze, sunlight coming filtered through the canopy of trees, rustling sound of leaves, chirping of birds, squirrels jumping from one branch to another;  transports me to a feeling of fullness, utmost joy and overall happiness.

I can literally communicate with the plants.  When I look at 3-4 storeyed forests and see trees, birds and animals sharing the same space, water, air, sunlight  and coexisting happily; the mad rush of the human race to possess things makes me feel very small and I wish I never ever have to come back to experience the stressful life in urban cities.

Exposure to nature works like an antidote for stress and it is high time that we realise the importance of staying connected with nature and try to spend at least two hours outdoors every day for our physical, emotional and mental health.

Raw Banana Stem Salad

Try out this interesting salad recipe. You may be surprised at how delicious raw banana stem can taste! Apart from usual salad ingredients, try to include one new nature’s offering every week in your meals.

Ingredients

• 26” pc banana stem, chopped (soak in water post chopping)
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
• ½ a green chilli, finely chopped
• 1” pc ginger (or to taste), grated
• Chaat masala to taste
• Unrefined salt to taste
• 1 tbsp fresh coriander and mint leaves, for the garnish

Method

Drain and rinse the banana stem. Place in a mixing bowl and add the tomatoes, onions, green chilli and grated ginger. Sprinkle chaat masala over the salad. Add salt if required. Toss gently. Garnish with coriander and mint leaves. Serve.

Variation

Add any other vegetables of choice.

Serves 4

Food For The Mind

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Nature is actually the Best Medicine!

The Earth is a living system and human beings are fundamentally interconnected with Earth and with all life. Hence, neither the Earth’s problems nor humanity’s problems can be resolved without taking full account of this interconnection. Nature not only heals, it soothes, restores, rejuvenates and reconnects us to what our essential being is.

It is interesting to note a new branch called Eco-psychology. It studies how immersion in nature benefits one’s health and has found that 2 hours of a nature dose per week is enough for people to stay healthy and experience a strong sense of well-being! That’s how powerful Nature is! Read on to find out what you can do in your day to day life, practically, to be connected to Nature :

1. Go for a walk or a jog Choose a nearby park or the beach and go at least three times a week for a walk, jog and eventually a run.

2. Have plants at home Having indoor plants or maintaining a garden does a lot for your health. If you don’t have a green thumb, hire a gardener; but just do it!

3. Eat what Nature gives Consuming natural and organic foods from Mother Nature like fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds have been found not only to enhance health but also reverse diseases.

4. Sun-gaze The sun’s energy vitalizes; soak in it, every single day. Either from home or the building terrace or the nearby park. It’s essential. (Do not ever gaze directly into the full sun with the eyes open, as this can damage the eyes)

5. Plan Nature holidays Camping, a resort in nature or an organic farm are amazing places to enjoy a holiday.

6. Hug a tree It is an experience that you need to experience.

7. Understand Nature Everyone acts according to their own nature. Take time to understand your own nature and other’s natures.

8. Live according to Nature Nature is abundant and only gives. Nature is systematic and cyclical. When we live in accordance with nature; we will be as calm, bright and abundant as nature.

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