Refresh Your Spirit Through Nature

Contributed by Michael Goldberg, the Baha’i Community

In 1945, delegates from all over the world met in San Francisco to establish the United Nations. On May 19, they traveled to Muir Woods to honor the memory of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

President Roosevelt believed in the value of national parks as sources of inspiration and human renewal. He also believed that good forestry practices and sustainable development of natural resources were keystones to lasting peace around the world.

Organizers of the event hoped that the profound beauty and serenity of Muir Woods would inspire the delegates to pursue the president’s program for world peace.

Dag Hammarskjold, Secretary-General of the United Nations upon visiting Muir Woods in 1955 said, “Persons who love nature find a common basis for understanding people of other countries, since the love of nature is universal among men of all nations”.

We live in a polarized society with news and social media playing on our lower nature, causing feelings of anger and divisiveness. This is not healthy for our physical and spiritual well-being. If you turn your attention to the things that unite us, you will find yourself more tranquil and calm.

 Connecting with nature can bring countless benefits. It can inspire questions about our purpose, our earthly existence. We experience awe and wonder at the beauty, magnificence and complexity of creation. Being in nature or even viewing scenes of nature reduces anger, fear, and stress and increases pleasant feelings. It gives you a sense of connection to something bigger than yourself. Countless studies have shown that nature has many therapeutic benefits for the mind, body, and spirit. Nature can make people feel more energized and less stressed while also increasing levels of happiness.

Communing with nature is not very complicated. You only have to go outdoors and attune yourself to the abundant life already there waiting for you. Treat yourself to happiness. You deserve it.

This blog post is the expressed opinion of its writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Tysons Interfaith or its members.