Most of us live far from truly wild places that could give us comfort from the troubles of this world, yet we badly need this healing found in nature. The Japanese recognize this need for connection to nature and have a custom they call "shinrin-yoku," which means forest bathing. In this piece, Lucia Bettler recommends that we each take time to rest our minds and hearts in the quiet greenness of Mother Earth. "This wild world brings us solace, peace and grace." Knowing that most of us don't live near forests or mountains, she suggests developing simple relationships with nature to restore our spirits -- things like taking a walk with a pet, watching the insects in the grass or sitting in the herb garden to rejuvenate ourselves. She reminds the reader that the medicine we all need is found in connection to the earth.
