Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) need time in silence to thrive.
We are known for having a rich inner world and need time alone to imagine, dream, and process our thoughts. As a result, it is important that we allow space for silence and reflection.
The Healing Power of Nature
We are natural beings. It is easy to forget in our comfortable, modern world. However, our souls (or our inner selves) inherently understand our connection to nature.
After all, in the great timeline of human life, only a small part of our existence has been spent living in the industrial era. Our roots are truly in wild places.
According to this Psychology Today article, time spent in nature reduces blood pressure and the production of stress hormones. Further, it increases tolerance to pain and shortens recovery time for illnesses.
A Sensitive Person’s Respite
In my previous article about depression, I discussed how I view dips in my mental health as an alarm, alerting me to a need for personal growth. One of the ways I choose to determine my next best steps for moving through these moments is by returning to nature.
I spent many hours last weekend clearing brush at my family’s lake house. Digging in the soil, I allowed my hands to get very dirty, truly immersing myself in the natural world.
Many years ago my grandmother had beautiful perennial gardens there. I am now working to bring them back to life. Transplanting her irises, rose bushes, and several breeds of lilies to more visible, cared for locations allows me to affect positive change.
I walked in the forest in my down time and listened only to the birds, the wind, the lake in the distance, and my thoughts. Doing so, I was able to process so much inside. My depression has come and gone, and I credit that to time in my thoughts, in nature, alone with myself.
Flow in Nature
In spite of the sadness inside of me, I couldn’t help but be deeply inspired by the beauty of the natural world. There is such a rhythm there that flows regardless of my sorrows.
It’s spring here in Michigan, and everything has come back to life. The trees are green, flowers are blooming, and life is all around. I saw my first indigo bunting this weekend, and it was beautiful.
Immersing myself in the natural world is like returning home for my sensitive heart.
The overall impact of taking time to be alone in nature has been studied at length and the benefits are many. I hope you will be inspired to give yourself the gift of time in nature. Even if you don’t live near a natural place, you can still experience the grounding benefits by stepping outside for a while to feel the breeze on your skin and listen to neighborhood birds.
As always, thank you for reading. Much love to you all <3
Great messages here! I love taking a quiet walk through the woods and having that reflective time.
Thank you for always supporting my work!