By Cyndi
I find it quite interesting to see the world and science continually affirming and confirming what we Christians already know. That we were created to be connected to our Creator and His creation. Except we actually give Him a name — we call Him God.
So when we “get back to nature,” we are, in reality, connecting with Him. This is where we belong—in intimacy and relationship with God. Not only does this help us spiritually and with our spiritual growth, it is being proven how this can even help us emotionally and physically.
For example, the Japanese have a practice called Shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing,” which is simply taking short walks or visits to a forest. There have been studies which have found many health benefits by connecting with nature in this way. Hmm…interesting fact.
The ocean and beaches give us blue colors, vitamin D, salt air, and many other benefits. Once again, God’s beautiful creation — all good for us. Cool.
And from the book, Peak Performance, I quote : “Exposure to nature not only helps with creativity, but it may also lower levels of Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a molecule associated with inflammation in the body.” In referring to another study, “…more than any other positive feeling, awe, an emotion commonly brought about by nature, is linked to lower levels of IL-6.” Lead author of that study, Jennifer Stellar, PhD, says, “experiencing awe makes us feel more connected to the universe and more humble…these feelings probably help to ‘switch off’ our stress response, in turn lessening inflammation.”
Fascinating! They may use the term “the universe,” but we know it’s God.
Confirmed over and over again, the awe-someness of our God relieves our stress and builds up our immune system. God is in His creation. When we can connect with it, we can connect with Him.
Not going over the edge with any New Age weirdness or anything, I must say let’s not let the enemy take away what we Christians rightfully possess. And that’s a truly awesome God Who has created some awesome things!
Now may you feel His wondrous presence as you go out and experience and connect with His magnificent and breath-taking creation. Go forth to your Creator!