Utilizing Art and Nature in Your Health and Healing Regimen

"body">nature deficit disorder. We've become a civilization of
When we think of art we often think aboutthe concrete jungle and we're amazed when we go
museums, galleries, and art studios, but art can beout in nature how beautiful and rejuvenating it can
seen in nature. The fact that nature is in and of itselfbe. The truth is that interacting with nature in a
beautiful only adds to the healing nature created bypositive way is good for your physical, emotional, and
healing gardens.spiritual health.
I've been watching a series on television titled,Interacting with nature provides you with a sense of
Gardenstory: inspired places, healing spaces. Thewonder and possibility. It can teach you about
show looks at the impact gardens have on our livesresilience; something important to understand when
and how they can help us overcome obstaclesdiagnosed with a chronic or life-threatening illness. The
including health challenges.idea that nature can heal itself with time makes one
The recent show I watched focused on a gardenwonder how does that translate to your own life.
designer named David Kemp. The programThe idea that a healing garden can engage you
showcased three gardens; one for AIDS patients in avisually by color and structure; by sound as a result
New York hospital, one for dementia patients, andof the animals/birds it attracts, and touch by feeling
one to honor the lives lost on September 11th onthe different textures. It can provide solace when
Flight 93.you find a quit spot in the garden or it can exhilarate
As the host of the show walks the gardens with Mr.your system by the color and fragrances coming
Kemp you sense his deep commitment to the notionfrom the plants.
of gardens as healing agents. It doesn't matter if theWhat can you do today to incorporate the art of
garden is manicured or loose, on a rooftop or a field;nature into your health regimen? What lessons about
the gardens are amazing and to watch peoplehealth and healing do you take away from being in
interact with nature is breathtaking.nature? How will you utilize art and healing with
Most people living in industrialized nations suffer fromnature as part of your journey to wellness?