Health and wellbeing Archives - ...metaphorically speaking

Everything you Need to know about… Forest Bathing!

March 30, 2023

by metaphor with No Comment Eco-social work Ecotherapy Forest bathing Healing the planet Healing with nature Health and wellbeing Mindfulness Mother Earth Nature and Forest Therapy Relaxation Self Care Shinrin Yoku Social and emotional wellbeing Stress

What is Forest Bathing?

FB is a nature connection practice inspired by the Japanese where it is called Shinrin Yoku. The Western Culture has also taken the practice and uses the terms forest therapy or nature therapy.

It’s not about getting wet.

The idea is to fully immerse yourself in nature and to bathe your senses.

Put simply it is about taking a slow mindful walk in nature, breathing in the forest air, sitting and observing, and developing an emotional connection to the forest.

It is different from hiking – where the pace is faster and you miss a lot of what is going on around you. It is also different from a naturist walk – where you might be identifying and naming particular species of fauna or flora.

A forest bathing or nature therapy walk covers less than a kilometre over a 3 hour time frame. Its aim is to help people slow down and take a break from the stresses of daily life, and to appreciate things that can only be noticed when moving slowly. Some people describe it like doing meditation or mindfulness in nature.

How do you do it? What do you actually do?

So my role as a Guide is to open the door for participants, knowing that the forest will provide exactly the kind of medicine they need. I do this by issuing a series of invitations, that participants can choose to take up if they feel comfortable. We always start with a guided meditation bringing people’s awareness to all their senses, and finish with a tea ceremony ideally using plants harvested along the trail. What happens in between, depends on what kind of environment we are in and what else is might be happening around us.

After each invitation, we come together as a group to share our experience, as much as we want to reveal, about what we are noticing within the environment or within ourselves.

We have a saying that the forest is the therapist, the guide just opens the door. Basically we make it easy for you to drop in to a relaxing and mindful space.

What evidence is there to say that it works?

The Japanese have been studying the effects of forest bathing since the 1980’s when it became a public health initiative, in response to the number of people that were basically working themselves to death. It was based on the principal that spending time in the forest was beneficial to health. To prove it, the Japanese ran a number of studies to evaluate the effects of walking in urban environments compared to the forest.

What they discovered was an antimicrobial organic compound called phytonicides that are given off by evergreen trees such as pines and eucalypts. When you go on a relaxed forest therapy walk breathing in these phytonicides, your blood pressure drops, your cortisol level (or stress hormone) reduces, and heart rate variablilty improves. Phytoncides, are natural immune boosters which increase the natural kill cells in our body, which have been associated with fighting cancer.

Other research has shown that being in nature:

Reduces depression and anxiety
Makes us more calm, focused and creative
Improves our mood and sleeping habits
Helps us to recover quicker after surgery or illness

In Japan and Korea, doctors now offer ‘green prescriptions’ for their patients to go walking in a Certified Forest Therapy trail. Other countries such as America are also working towards this in their health system. It’s starting to be talked about slowly in Australia but we are a long way off adopting this as a ‘go to’ prescription for mental health.

Why do we need forest bathing?

1. It’s part of our true nature

Our species evolved in forests. We spent the first several million years of our existence in them. Then we invented cities. Suddenly, while our genes are still optimized for the forest, our bodies live in the busy, stressful conditions of modern civilization.

Richard Louv has also used the term nature deficit disorder to describe the problem of children spending much less time in nature based outdoor activity, which is having a detrimental impact on their development.

2. Our own health and wellbeing

We have rates of mental health problems that are out of control. Over 50% of people are stressed at work. And 1 in 5 of us will go on to experience a mental illness. Many physical illnesses and disease can also be linked to stress as an underlying cause.

There is lots of scientific evidence to show that being in nature lowers stress levels and boosts immunity to fight infection and disease.

3. To address the Global climate problem

Humans have become so separate from nature that there has been little regard to how we treat the earth. I believe that if we are more closely connected to the natural world, we are more likely to want to care for and protect it.

So rebuilding our intimate connection to the forest again, will ultimately lead to the healing of the planet and of course, our own health too.

Why go with a guide? Why not on your own?

Some people find it really hard to slow down and they need someone to show them the way. Just like yoga, meditation or working out, Shinrin Yoku is a practice, that a Guide can help you develop and integrate into your everyday experience.

I guess one way of looking at it is… you could ask your partner for a massage, but if you want a really good massage from a trained, experienced person, then you go to a massage therapist.

In saying that, I am all for, more people getting out in nature more often. If people would like some ideas on how to incorporate nature connection in their life every day, I encourage them to get in touch. Subscribe to my newsletter and I will send you a free e-book of Nature Therapy invitations you can use on your own private forest bathing experience.

Where can I try it?

From time to time I offer public Nature Therapy walks or you can book a private walk with a group of friends, work colleagues or an intimate experience with your partner. I also offer forest bathing as a Corporate Wellbeing experience for small teams who want to promote health and wellbeing in their workplace.

Get out in nature. It not only feels intuitively good for you. But science says it’s so.

We’ve planted 147 trees this year, but is it enough?

December 22, 2022

by metaphor with No Comment Climate Action Climate Change Eco-social work Ethics and values Healing the planet Healing with nature Health and wellbeing Mother Earth My personal journey Projects

If sustainability is a core value of yours, like it is for me, I wonder if you get to this time of year and think ‘what difference have I made in the world?’

Sometimes it’s difficult to quantify the little actions you may have taken to make the world a better place – those small conversations you had with someone who was feeling down, those little bits of plastic you picked up off the beach or the times you chose to walk, ride a bike or carpool instead of using your car.

I’ve been listening to ‘Wild’, Sarah Wilson’s podcast, for a while now and there is always something thought provoking in its content. One of the strongest themes I’ve picked up in her interviews and newsletters is the idea of not letting the big fossil fuel companies off the hook for the damage they have caused the planet; and not falling for their propaganda that we, as consumers, are the problem and therefore every one of us should work harder to lower our carbon footprint.

This is a difficult issue to wrestle with. On one hand I do feel that my small daily actions can make a big difference. When they go alongside other individuals taking actions too, big changes are achievable. And let’s face it, big change is needed if we’re going to get through the climate crisis. Yet, the individual carbon footprint argument has been pushed hard on us; this can feel like a lot of pressure and contribute to guilt and shame if you don’t do the right thing.

It’s complicated. But the reality is that the fossil fuel companies have been pushing their agenda for a long time, and they don’t have ours or the planet’s interests at heart. Seth Godin goes so far as to argue that we should ditch the small activism and target the bigger players. Did you know that one hour of using a gas-powered leaf blower is equivalent to driving your car over 4800 kilometres? In Godin’s town, it took just 20 people putting pressure on council to have leaf blowers banned. Anyway, I encourage you to check out his ‘outside the box’ ideas in this interview with Sarah.

Some of the trees we’ve helped plant this year. Photo: Reforest Now

I know that I am guilty of putting more effort into individual action than lobbying governments about bigger impact policy change. Here’s a good example that supports Godin’s argument. One of the new things I started in 2022 was funding tree planting by Reforest Now, to regenerate the ‘big scrub’ in Northern NSW. We have been donating $1 from each counselling session to the project and so our total donation of $734 is equivalent to an extra 147 rainforest trees planted. Yes, it’s a tiny contribution on the scale of things, but that feels like a reasonable carbon offset for little old me. And if we all did that, it would make a difference, right? Only problem is there is only so many trees we can plant. We also need to stop cutting down the forests we already have, stop pulling fossil fuels out of the ground and regenerate our depleted soils, if humans are to come off the ‘heading for extension’ list. That requires collective effort and protest. If you need further inspiration, check out ‘Franklin’ now showing on SBS on Demand.

By all means, don’t stop what you’re doing. I’m not going to stop funding tree planting. The actions you’re taking right now do inspire and encourage others. But my challenge to you is to think about how you can get involved politically, to take things to the next level? It’s something I need to also do if I am going to live out the values of a truly sustainable life.

References:

Sarah Wilson’s ‘Wild’ podcast
Reforest Now

Healing Herbs for Mental Health (part 2)

December 21, 2022

by metaphor with No Comment ADHD Anxiety Depression Ecotherapy Healing the planet Healing with nature Health and wellbeing Herbs Mental health Social and emotional wellbeing Wellbeing

This is the second blog in a series exploring natural alternatives to reduce stress and manage mild to moderate mental health problems such as anxiety, depression and ADHD symptoms. If you haven’t read part one in this series, then I suggest you start there first.

Lemon Balm (melissa officinalis)

With its long history in Greek medicine, lemon balm was affectionately referred to as an elixir of life, for its reputation for prolonging one’s life. Greek physicians encouraged drinking lemon balm to make the heart merry, revive spirits and do away with melancholy. In 1696 the London Dispensary stated the balm steeped in wine would reverse aging and “relieve languishing”. The Arabs also talked about its calming and healing properties for steadying nerves and a remedy for heart palpitations. Perhaps they were onto something, as more recent studies in patients with chronic stable angina demonstrated decreases in depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep disorders after taking lemon balm supplements. There are also good, published results for women experiencing the post-partum blues after caesarean births. The oil in lemon balm has a sedative effect which reduces tension and stress. There are anecdotal reports of many a student benefiting from the herbal tea, just prior to sitting exams, to calm the butterflies, clear their head and sharpen the memory. Lemon balm tea is safe for all ages – even an unsettled baby to help with sleep.

Affectionately known as ‘melissa’ in some countries, lemon balm is a good companion plant in the garden. Some people plant it near their beehive to settle bees into their new home and prevent swarming. Lemon balm will grow in sun or shade, and it won’t take over like its mint cousin. Propagate it by cutting, root division or seed.

Make a tea with one heaped teaspoon of chopped, fresh leaves in a cup of boiling water, 2-3 times a day. It’s also a lovely refreshing drink, when chilled, or makes a nice addition to fresh fruit salad. It can also be added to the bath for a relaxing body soak.

Lemon balm should not be consumed if taking thyroid hormones.

Hops (humulus lupus)

Hops is a member of the Cannabaceae (marijuana) family. Native Americans were some of the first to discover the sedative effects of hops, back in the 9^th century. In 16th Century Europe, hops were widely used as a herbal tonic that offered calming, sedative, and sleep-promoting properties, not just as an ingredient to prevent beer spoiling. The Chinese started using hops to treat insomnia, restlessness and nervous tension in the 19^th Century. In 2017, a study of healthy young adults experiencing mild anxiety and depression were treated with hop extract for one month, demonstrating significant reductions in symptoms. Whilst a few studies suggest hops has the ability to treat anxiety and mood disorders, more research is needed to confirm these effects. Anecdotally and historically, hops calm the central nervous system and relaxes muscles, soothing worries and tension.

The vine from hops will very quickly cover a pergola or trellis. It requires a rich soil and warm sunny position in the garden. In subtropical gardens, the plant appreciates afternoon shade. Propagation is by seed, cuttings or root divisions with buds. Female plants are preferable to produce an abundance of the strobiles, the cone-shaped fruit used in making the medicinal tonic, however male plants are needed if you wish to collect seed.

Dried or fresh hops can be used with vodka or another flavourless alcohol to make a tincture which will keep for many months. Hops can also be used to make a tea or stuff a pillow along with other more pleasant-smelling herbs, to put beside your head at night to aid sleep.

If you have a history of trauma its best to avoid hops to begin with and use an alternative nervine such as skullcap or blue vervain, until you are well into your healing journey. There are no known side effects or contraindications for using hops, however, always consult your doctor if introducing it to your treatment plan.

Scullcap (scutellaria lateriflora)

Lateriflora and Baicalensis are the two most common varieties of skullcap from the mint family. Lateriflora derives from native American soil and basicalensis is a traditional Chinese herb. Although related, they treat very different ailments.

Traditionally American scullcap was used as an emmenagogue by Indian elders, to bring on the menstrual cycle of young girls. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, physicians used it as a nervine to treat anxiety caused by physical health issues, mental exhaustion and heart disorders. In the last few centuries, lateriflora has also been used to assist people experiencing mild depression, insomnia and to improve mood. Research appears to support the hypothesis that skullcap stimulates gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that helps calm nervous, thereby positively impacting mood and reducing anxiety. In this way, it works similar to many anti-anxiety medications.

Herbalists often turn to scullcap as a good all-round ‘nerve food’ for its ability to reduce nervous tension and regenerate the central nervous system during periods of stress. For those times in our lives when it’s not logistically possible to reduce some of the sources of stress, skullcap can be the perfect daily tonic.

Propagation is by seed, cuttings or root division. Plant in a sunny, well-draining soil or if you would prefer the plant doesn’t take over your garden then keep in a pot. Harvest the leaves and flowers once it is in full bloom. It will die back in winter and resurge in Spring.

The ideal dose is 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb steeped in boiling water for 10-15 minutes, 3 times a day. It is quite bitter, so you may want to add honey or other herbs like mint to improve the tea flavour. Best to start on a low dose and build up slowly. It also has immediate therapeutic effects that can make you sleepy.

Scullcap is a relaxant and sedative that can trigger side effects such as drowsiness, confusion and irregular heartbeat, so consult your GP before taking this herb. Scullcap is known to interact with some medications. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid it altogether. Large doses and long-term use are associated with liver damage.

Vervain (verbena officinalis)

Vervain is such an amazing healing herb that has been used in folk medicine to treat a whole range of different ailments. Legend has it that after the body of Jesus was removed from the cross, vervain growing nearby was pressed onto the wounds. Military physicians during the French revolution used it extensively for pain and wound management. During the Middle Ages, it was used for numerous skin and hair ailments. Since then, the list of applications for physical health has grown exponentially. In more recent times, the focus has also been on mental health benefits.

Like other nervines, vervain has been shown to strengthen the nervous system by reducing stress, tension and anxiety, promoting feelings of calm and relaxation. It has natural tranquilising effects for those suffering from restlessness, irritation and insomnia. Giving our body the opportunity to ‘rest and digest’ during our stressful busy lives is critical, so our nervous system experiences calm and our hormones are balanced. Vervain has also been used extensively with those experiencing depression, low nervous energy and lack of motivation, due to its energy boosting and tonic properties.

Vervain has attractive white to purplish flowers appearing in late Spring and Summer. Propagation is by seed, root division or cutting. Plant in full sun in well-draining soil. It is frost resistant but does not cope with drought.

Make a tea of ½-1 teaspoon of dried or 3 teaspoons of fresh herb in a cup of water, for 10-15 minutes. It is quite bitter, so you may like to add honey or lemon to mask the flavour. Drink up to 3 cups a day.

Vervain used in excess may cause nausea and vomiting. It can interfere with hormone therapy and blood pressure medication. Pregnant women should avoid it, due to its association with uterine contractions.

Gotu kola (centella asiatic)

Like lemon balm, gota kola also has a centuries old history of being the ‘elixir of life’, increasing brain capacity and promoting longevity. However, lots of people now say, ‘eating a few leaves a day, keep arthritis away’. In Ancient China it was the key ingredient in their ‘fountain of youth’ elixir. The Chinese herbalist, Professor Li Chung Yun who lived to 256 years old proclaimed amongst various tips for a long stress-free life to include daily consumption of gotu kola and ginseng. In Ayurvedic medicine, gotu kola is valued for boosting nerve and brain cell function, promoting calmness and mental clarity, and improving poor memory and concentration. In the early 1930’s, biochemical studies proved gotu kola was influencing the replacement of biogenic amines, the brain neurotransmitters involved in learning, memory, attention and concentration. More recent research has shown gotu kola can relieve symptoms of attention deficit and hyperactive conditions such as ADHD.

A 2016 study on mice demonstrated gotu kola reduced anxiety induced behaviour, and that same year a small study on humans showed the herb reduced stress, anxiety and depression after 60 days. However, more research is needed.

Gotu kola is a ground cover and can be easily mistaken for pennywort or native violet. Propagation is by root division of the plant or seed. Gotu kola thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. If growing in more temperate regions, put in a large pot or Styrofoam box so you can shift it into a warm position in winter, and out of frosts. Fertilize regularly for the best growth.

Just like Professor Li, it’s best to make taking gotu kola a daily habit. Start with just one or two leaves in the morning and work up to 4-6 leaves a day. You can pick straight from the garden and chew it or chop and add it to food. The herb can also be dried and used as a tea; however, this is one herb where fresh is best. You may be tempted to take more to achieve more effects, however this is not advised. Some serious side effects have been anecdotally reported. Gotu kola is not recommended for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Whilst this article has outlined some of the medicinal herbs that can support your own mental health, make sure you do your own research. This can include spending some time with the plants you are considering. What are you noticing as you sit with them? Does it feel in your gut it is the right thing to try? You should always listen to what your body is telling you. If you are not sure, then find out more information. One of those people you should always consult before taking any herb is your healthcare practitioner, especially if you suffer from an existing medical condition or are on medication, to ensure there are no contraindications and to monitor any potential side effects.

Happy healing herb growing!

References:

‘How Can I use Herbs in my Daily Life?’ by Isabel Shipard
The Botanical Institute
The Lost Herbs
Healthline.com
Restorative Medicine
Webmd.com

Healing Herbs for Mental Health

July 5, 2022

by metaphor with No Comment Anxiety Depression Diet Disease and illness Ecotherapy Healing with nature Health and wellbeing Herbs Mental health Nutrition Stress Therapy with Food Traditional Healing Practices Wellbeing

As an advocate for the power of nature in mental health promotion, I have been wondering lately what herbs have to offer us in treatment?

Herbs can be an attractive alternative for people with mild to moderate mental health issues who are hesitant about starting pharmaceutical medications or want a more natural approach to their health. Our history of using plants as medicine in Australia dates back thousands of years and many First Nations people still use traditional bush medicines in the treatment of various illnesses including mental disorders. Indigenous peoples worldwide have a holistic view of health that promotes re-balancing both our physical and spiritual selves to treat illness. The answers are found in nature. After colonisation, the adoption of herbal medicines came from folk lore remedies passed down from European ancestors. With the rapid growth of industrialisation, there has been a corresponding growth in pharmaceuticals to meet the rising demand for treating mental illness and somewhere along the way, we lost touch with our traditional plant knowledge.

This blog is the first in a series introducing herbs that have been used in traditional, Eastern or folk medicine to treat various ailments including mental health issues. Some of these have since been studied in the science lab to try and understand their effects, and some haven’t. The willingness of doctors to include them in your treatment plan will therefore be limited, unless they have been thoroughly tested and are recommended in the global clinical guidelines. At the very least, your doctor should be able to guide you on whether a particular herb will react with any medication you might already be taking. And if you are not taking pharmaceuticals then there is probably nothing to lose.

St Johns Wort (hypericum perforatum)

In centuries past, the Greeks and Romans used St Johns wort to drive out evil spirits said to possess humans and protect them against witches’ spells. Those afflicted were encouraged to drink the tea or hang bunches of the herb around their neck or over doorways in the home. St Johns Wort has a large variety of traditional therapeutic uses on the human body including conditions of the nervous system such as depression, restlessness, anxiety, tension, irritability and nightmares. The herb has been well-researched scientifically in Europe to have an effect on lightening moods in people affected by bipolar depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), melancholy and low self-worth, through increasing feelings of euphoria and well-being. St Johns Wort is believed to work by optimising the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain such as ‘the feel good’ chemical, serotonin. Depleted serotonin levels are associated with depression, anxiety and mania. St Johns Wort demonstrates similar results to pharmaceutical drugs such as fluoxetine with fewer side effects. For mild to moderate depression, it is now one of Australia’s top selling herbal medicines but may take as long as 2 or months to start having maximum benefit.

Native to Europe, but now naturalised in Australia, some states have declared it a noxious weed for its invasion of farmland. It is best grown from a cutting or division of the roots, as seeds take a long time to germinate. It prefers well drained soil and performs well in temperate climates. Contain the herb in a pot to prevent spreading, however it generally only lives for a few years. It cannot be grown in Victoria as it is declared a noxious weed.

Infuse a tea of ½ to 1 teaspoon of herb in a cup of boiling water and drink with meals. It is also available in a tincture, taken three times a day.

Some people can react to taking St Johns Wort in combination with certain pharmaceutical drugs and foods or drink. Please consult with your medical practitioner to make sure it is safe for you and your circumstances.

German Chamomile (matricaria recutita)

There is some evidence to suggest that chamomile might be helpful for people who experience anxiety. Studies as recent as 2020 have also shown clinically meaningful antidepressant effects in patients with co-morbid depression and anxiety. However, more research is needed. It is believed that chamomile works to boost mood regulators in the brain including serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline, however this has not been clinically proven.

Monks in the Middle Ages would lay sick people down in a lawn of chamomile, believing that the pleasing aroma of the leaves lifted them from depression and illness. An oil of chamomile made from chamomile flowers and olive oil macerated for two weeks is used in aromatherapy to lift the spirits of emotional, anxious or over-sensitive people.

Chamomile is best propagated by seed. Plant directly in the garden or in pots in well drained soil, in a sunny position. In hot and tropical climates, choose a position in the garden which gets afternoon shade. In cold, frosty climates, wait until spring to plant seeds.

For tea, pick the flower heads as they start to bloom and dry in the shade. When fully dried, store in a sealed container. Picking flower heads regularly will stimulate more production and extend the life of the plant. Seed can be saved from flower heads that have started to droop, before they dry out and fall to the ground.

Chamomile can have negative interactions with prescribed medications or other supplements so consult your doctor.

Passionflower (Passiflora)

As far back as the 1560s, the Incas were using passionflower to brew a tonic tea. But it was the Christians who shortly after gave the passionflower its name, taken in by the large blossoms that appeared to evoke the Passion of the Crucifixion. Passionflower contains tranquilizing chemicals, maltol, flavonoids and passiflorine, which is similar to morphine. It also contains stimulants although researchers believe the overall effect is mildly sedative, and therefore you cannot get addicted to it. Passionflower is believed to assist with feelings of nervousness, restlessness, anxiety, depression, tension and stress. It is a favoured herbal alternative to pharmaceutical drugs like Valium. Passionflower is also used to assist in managing hyperactivity and sleeplessness.

The passionfruit plant is easy to grow in tropical and subtropical climates, from seed, cutting or root runners. In cooler areas, some species such as the Banana Passionfruit are cold tolerant. The trailing vine with is colourful flowers is a wonderful addition to the garden, igniting all the senses.

The leaves and flowers of the passionfruit plant are used in herbal preparations. One teaspoon of dried herb is steeped for 10-15 minutes in one cup of boiling water. Drink the tea up to three cups a day including one before bed to help you sleep soundly.

Passionflower should not be taken with antidepressant drugs, while pregnant or if you have liver disease. Do not take any more than the recommended dose.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Catnip has been used medicinally for a wide range of afflictions from Europe to China over the last 2000 plus years. Most noted for its intoxicating effect on cats which brush up against or eat the leaves, not all cats have the gene that contributes to their experience of euphoria. It is the same chemical in catnip that attracts cats called nepetalactone isomers, which produces the relaxing effect in humans, similar to the natural sedative in Valerian (valepotriates).

Catnip has the effect of uplifting your mood, easing emotional tension, relaxing the whole body and boosting well-being. It is also used as a mild sedative for insomnia.

Catnip is a useful aromatic addition to the garden attracting bees and repelling mosquitos. It is easy to grow from seed, cutting or root division, in a wide variety of soil types and climates. Harvest the leaves and flowers in late summer while in full bloom, dry them and store in an air-tight container in order to preserve the volatile oil.

Use 2 teaspoons of the dried herb in a cup of boiling water and steep for 10 to 20 minutes. If it is going to work for you, you should start to notice the effects in 2 weeks. Even tucking a bag of dried catnip leaves under your pillow help to induce a restful sleep.

Catnip is non-toxic but if you experience an upset stomach or allergic reactions, either decrease the dosage or stop using it.

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)

Motherwort has a strong folklore history. The ancient Greeks and Romans used it for depression, physical and “emotional problems of the heart” experienced as palpitations. The Chinese have revered the herb for longevity. An English herbalist called Culpepper in the 17^th century once wrote, “There is no better herb to take melancholy from the heart and make a merry, cheerful soul”. It got the name motherwort from its use as a uterine stimulant to bring on labour. Despite limited research into its effects, some European countries have approved its use to treat a rapid or irregular heart rate caused by stress, anxiety and other nervous conditions. One study in 2011, demonstrated after 28 days of treatment with motherwort, 32 percent of participants with significant improvement in symptoms of anxiety and depression, and a further 48 percent of participants showing moderate improvement.

Motherwort can be quite difficult to grow from seed, enjoys a sunny or partly shaded position in the garden, and adapts to any soil and climatic conditions. It is sometimes affectionately known as Lion’s Tail due to the tall distinct tail-like stems from which soft, hairy leaves grow.

Use motherwort dried leaves in a tea steeped for 10 minutes, with a little honey or lemon juice to hide the bitter taste or combine with another herb such as spearmint. Sip 1-2 cups throughout the day or alternatively take ½-1 teaspoon of tincture three times a day.

Motherwort should not be used in pregnancy. It should be used only under doctor supervision, if cardiac drugs are being prescribed and used.

Whilst introducing herbs might be something to try, it is also important to consider what else is passing your lips. Some nutritional deficiencies, such as vitamin B and zinc, are associated with depression. It is well known that a diet of processed foods, as opposed to a balanced wholefood diet of lean meats, fish, whole grains, fruit and vegetables, puts you at higher risk of developing depressive and anxiety symptoms. For more on the impact of diet on mental health, check out my other blog.

Whilst all these plants can be bought as either a tincture or dried herb, I highly recommend trying to grow your own. Getting out in the garden and breathing in the soil microbes are also a great mental health initiative. Old traditional herbs are a wonderful addition to the garden and allow you to play a role in preserving our wonderful history of herbal medicine. Just check if there are any growing restrictions in your state.

Please remember, that medicinal herbs should only be used in consultation with your treating medical practitioner, as there may be contraindications with your current medications, possible side effects or higher risks of allergic reactions. Some herbs are also not suitable to take during pregnancy or to give children to children.

A good GP should be willing to consult with you, if you are wanting to introduce herbal medicines into your treatment plan. All the available research on what is effective and what isn’t is published in these global clinical guidelines, accessible to clinicians, who are often unsure of the most recent available evidence.

Happy healing herb growing.

For part two in this series, click here.

References:

‘How Can I use Herbs in my Daily Life?’, Isabel Shipard
‘The New Healing Herbs’, Michael Castleman
New clinical guidelines for the use of medicinal plants, Deakin University

Where Eco-Social Work and Indigenous World Views Intersect

April 12, 2022

by metaphor with No Comment Bush therapy Climate Change Culturally Fit Social Workers Dadirri Eco-social work Ecotherapy Forest bathing Healing with nature Health and wellbeing Mother Earth My personal journey Nature and Forest Therapy Social Work with Indigenous communities

Eco-social work is an area of practice that is still trying to find its identity. I have only very recently ‘come out’ as an eco‑social worker and recognise there are many different approaches to incorporating eco‑therapies into practice.

My eco-social work practice has been largely influenced by my Indigenous mentors and co-workers in the Northern Territory. Spending time on country with Tiwi Elders gave me insight into their culture, spiritual connection to the land and harmonious lifestyles. For those experiencing intergenerational trauma, mental health, drug and alcohol and domestic violence issues, the women often told me “going bush is the best medicine for our people”. Essentially what the Elders were telling me is that land and connection to country is critical for social and emotional wellbeing, and must be part of a therapeutic plan for recovery. This is consistent with a 2009 Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATIS) paper, which says:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health is viewed in a holistic context, that encompasses mental health and physical, cultural and spiritual health. Land is central to wellbeing. Crucially, it must be understood that when the harmony of these interrelations is disrupted, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ill health will persist.

Lucy with Tiwi Elders, Alberta and Elaine

Part of my therapeutic work involved taking families out on camping trips away from the stresses of their community. The strong women always took a lead in traditional healing ceremonies for their children and families on these camps.

Eco-social work practice requires us to expand our thinking beyond the ‘person-in-environment’ perspective to consider the earth as an ecological whole in which humans have always belonged. Eco-psychologists might argue that people and the planet are so inextricably linked that when one becomes unwell so does the other, likewise when one is healthy so is the other. According to the biophilia hypothesis, people have an innate affiliation with nature and if we separate from nature we will suffer psychologically.

This need for nature goes beyond exploiting natural resources for human gain, but is vital for human emotional, spiritual, aesthetic and cognitive growth and development. It could be that our evolution away from forests into the busy, stressful conditions of modern civilisation is contributing to the rapidly rising rates of mental health issues we are seeing globally. Richard Louv, who uses the term ‘nature deficit disorder’ to describe the impact of our separation, says children are spending so much less time outdoors than previous generations, that it is having a detrimental impact on their development. Rather than seeing ourselves as separate from nature, we must remember, we are nature.

To assist in the process of getting people to reconnect with nature for health and wellbeing, I did training in an eco-therapy called Nature and Forest Therapy (NFT). NFT is inspired by the traditional Japanese practice of shinrin yoku (forest bathing). The objective of a nature therapy walk is to give participants an opportunity to take a break from the stresses of daily life, to slow down and appreciate things that can only be noticed when moving slowly.

The key is not to cover a lot of miles, but to walk through nature with intention and just ‘be’. This mindful approach to nature connection can be likened to the Indigenous contemplative practice of Dadirri, traditionally practised while sitting on country. Miriam Rose Ungunmerr says ‘Dadirri is inner, deep listening and quiet, still awareness. Dadirri recognises the deep spring that is inside us’.

Nature and Forest Therapy Walk, Nambucca Heads, NSW

On a guided group Nature Therapy walk, particular attention is paid to the practice of reciprocity. In supporting the development of human-nature relationships we foster the role of humans as givers, as well as receivers. I firmly believe that if we are more closely connected to Mother Nature, we are more likely to want to care for and protect her. People who engage regularly in forest bathing practices tend to spontaneously want to give back to nature or introduce lifestyle changes to tread more lightly on the earth. This is consistent with the Indigenous worldview that recognises the interconnectedness of all things.

In a counselling context, eco-social work can be as simple as conducting sessions outdoors or doing a ‘walk and talk’ session in nature. The relaxation effects of being in nature are immediate for our clients, regardless of what happens in the therapeutic conversation. If it is not possible to meet outside, nature can be brought indoors to enhance the healing effects. Introducing pot plants, nature landscape artwork and natural forest scents to your office all have health and wellbeing benefits.

Eco-therapists are implementing nature-based enquiries into their assessment processes using instruments such as the Sensory Awareness Inventory. Investigations into the sensory activities that give people pleasure often feature nature-based themes and provide insight into ways clients can move towards their therapeutic goals. Interventions such as sensate focusing allow clients to draw on the full range of sensory experiences to help them achieve a life of comfort, safety and joy. Using nature as a teaching or learning tool, nature-based assignments can be client or therapist-directed to help them draw on available resources and move towards change.

I believe eco-therapies will be the evidence-based focused psychological strategies of the future, as we begin to understand the interconnectedness between people and a planet under stress. Even putting aside for a moment what Indigenous people have demonstrated through their relationship with the land for thousands of years, there is evidence showing the benefits of nature and green space, to mental, physical, emotional, cultural, and spiritual health.

In bringing eco-therapy into my social work practice, I aspire to connect people back to their true nature, promote wellness and recovery from physical and mental ill health, and bring healing to those who have experienced trauma. By strengthening the human-nature connection, I am also indebted to the traditional, ancient wisdom of Indigenous cultures about the healing power of nature and our obligations to care for our planet.

Feed Your Brain and Feel Better

August 21, 2021

by metaphor with No Comment Anxiety Depression Diet Healing with nature Health and wellbeing Mental health Nutrition Self Care Wellbeing

Did you know that up to 40% of the nutrients you eat goes into feeding your brain?

The food you eat not only fuels your physical health but new research shows it affects our mental health too!

Is your brain foggy and lethargic, ruminating and making you feel depressed, or overactive and anxious? So what is it you are putting into your body? If we’re really going to make a difference in how we feel and think, then we have to look at what we are feeding our brain.

We need to start taking a different approach to treating mental health, because medication alone is not the answer. If it were, then we wouldn’t be having a global mental health crisis right now. Globally, the number of people taking antidepressants, anti-anxiety and anxti-psychotic medication has doubled over the last five years to 17 percent of the adult population.

So I want to shine the light on nutrition to improve your mental health.

You’re not going to like what you read because this requires a move away from ultra-processed foods which are usually cheap and convenient. The Western diet is typically high in calories, refined grains and sugar, heavily processed, high in chemicals and low in fresh produce. These foods are packed out with ingredients like starch, vegetable oil and sugars along with additives like colours, flavours and emulsifiers so they are cheap to buy but offer no nutritional goodness.

So what is it your brain actually needs so that it can function at its best and having you thinking and feeling great? Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that are key to good brain function. But the real jewels for a mentally healthy diet I want to introduce you to are micronutrients. Unlike their much bigger cousins’ macronutrients – carbs, proteins and fats – micronutrients are vitamins and minerals.

Minerals are the stable chemical compounds like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium and the trace minerals like zinc, copper, iodine and selenium. Vitamins are organic compounds which are generally not made in the body, we have to consume them through plants. There are about 15 essential vitamins with a variety of letters and numbers which you are probably familiar with.

Most of us are not getting all the necessary micronutrients from real foods that is needed for a mentally healthy brain! In a recent US study, 94 % of the US population did not even meet the daily requirement for Vitamin D, 89% for Vitamin E, 52% for magnesium, 44% for calcium, 43% for Vitamin A and 39% for Vitamin C. Could this be the reason why so many of us are struggling with depression and anxiety?

So what is it about these micronutrient little gems that is so key to our mental health? Well, this is where it gets a little complex because it is about understanding a bit of brain chemistry.

Micronutrients are key to our brain being able to make neurotransmitters such as serotonin, you probably know as the ‘happy hormone’. It’s the chemical that contributes to our feelings of wellbeing, stabilizes our mood and plays a role in regulating our sleep, learning, memory and appetite. Without it, we feel depressed.

Micronutrients are also vital in assisting the mitochondria, or energy organelles of your cells to make adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle, produces ATP and is completely dependent on micronutrients to function.

Take a close look at how many micronutrients are involved in this cycle? Mind blowing.

But wait there’s more.

“In every organ of our body, including our brain, compounds or chemicals go through multiple conversions. So from chemical A to chemical B. It’s that simple. And to make that conversion work, you need enzymes and cofactors. Consider enzymes as the tools needed to assemble a car. The enzymes are the tools used to build the car, but they are dependent upon having plenty of factory workers. Without the workers, the assembly just won’t happen, but with more of them, assembly will go faster. Minerals and vitamins are your factory workers. So in other words, you need to feed your brain a steady supply of micronutrients to provide the co-factors needed for brain metabolism to happen.” (Rucklidge)

So let’s use our happy hormone as an example. We need to consume the chemical tryptophan in order for it to convert into the neurotransmitter, serotonin. And in order to make the conversation, we also need iron, phosphorus, calcium and vitamin B6. For serotonin to breakdown we need niacin and riboflavin, as well as molybdenum. Other steps required for the breakdown of tryptophan, requires calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, copper, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin. So all up there are 11 micronutrients required for three steps in the chemical pathway of converting tryptophan to serotonin. Complex isn’t it? Makes you wonder what happens when one or more of these crucial ingredients is missing from our diet? Is it no wonder so many of us are depressed when our diets are so poor?

These same types of complex metabolism processes are required to make all neurotransmitters. Dopamine, the pleasure hormone, which requires the amino acid tyrosine may have a role to play in the diagnosis of schizophrenia, ADHD and Parkinsons Disease. GABA, the relaxing chemical, is responsible for slowing down the brain and central nervous system, creating a sense of calm, lowering anxiety and reducing mental and physical stress. So the key message here is, we need a broad range of micronutrients in order to optimize brain metabolism and function, to operate at our physical and mental best.

So now you know why and how micronutrients are like gold for our mental health, you probably just want to know what specific foods you should be eating. Well, here is one list. It is considered to be the most micronutrient-rich anti-depressant foods, according to psychiatrists Laura LaChance and Drew Ramsey beginning with the most beneficial.

Animals Foods
Oyster
Liver and organ meats
Poultry giblets
Clam and muscles
Octopus
Crab
Goat
Tuna
Lobster
Rainbow Trout
Salmon
Herring
Emu
Snapper

Plant Foods
Watercress
Spinach
Mustard, turnip or beet greens
Lettuces
Swiss chard
Fresh herbs
Chicory greens
Pummelo
Peppers
Kale or collards
Pumpkin
Dandelion greens
Cauliflower
Kohlrabi
Red cabbage
Broccoli
Brussel sprouts
Paw Paw
Lemon
Strawberry

Other research has shown increasing foods high in tryptophan like milk, turkey, chicken and oats reduces depression risk, and maintains appropriate melatonin levels, which aids a good night’s sleep.

Research shows that the Mediterranean diet stacks up well against the criteria for better brain health, rich in vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. How would your diet stack up? Are there some small changes you could make to improve your mental health, decrease the impact of stress on your body or reduce depression and anxiety?

I look forward to sharing more resources with you as we explore the role of nutrition in mental health. If a holistic approach to mental health appeals to you, then you may like to check out my services.

References:

Antidepressant foods: An Evidence-Based nutrient profiling system for depression, Laura LaChance & Drew Ramsey, 2018

The role of Vitamins and Minerals in Energy Metabolism and Well-Being, S. Huskisson, S. Maggini & M. Ruf, 2007

The Better Brain: The New Science of Treating, Anxiety, Depression, ADHD and Other Mental Health Disorders With Nutrition, Bonnie J Kaplan & Julia J Rucklidge, 2021

Mental Health and Nutrition, edx course, University of Canterbury, J. Rucklidge

7 Reasons for Choosing Me as Your Therapist

December 27, 2019

by metaphor with No Comment Bush therapy Counselling Culturally Fit Social Workers Eco-social work Ecotherapy Expressive therapies Group work Healing from Trauma Healing with nature Health and wellbeing Mental health Narrative therapy Social Work with passion

So it is just about to clock over into a new year and a new decade. Are you filled with excitement or dread?

Perhaps it’s time to finally do something about that Anxiety that has stopped you from getting a job or going outside. Or maybe you want to shine the spotlight on the plans Depression has had for your life, because it doesn’t fit for you anymore. Or perhaps your life experiences or the state of planet have you believing that life will never be safe again?

If the idea of therapy, freaks you out (yeah, Anxiety can stop you from getting help too!), then here are 7 reasons why you might like to consider reaching out to me. Unlike other counsellors, I do have a few unique features that you won’t find elsewhere, as an alternative from traditional talk therapies.

I come to you.
If transport is an issue or the idea of meeting a stranger in an office doesn’t float your boat, no problem. I can meet you at your home, your workplace (if there is a suitable private space), or school (so you don’t have to run around delivering kids to their appointment).
You are not the problem here. Your problem is the problem.
Your problem is not inside of you, but perhaps it has been coming and going for so long now, it has you convinced there must be something wrong with you. Maybe other people also think that you need fixing. Together we will expose the problem for what it really is – something external to you. Something you can have control over. Something you can change.
I will meet you outside (if you like).
From a Western viewpoint, it’s called eco-therapy. If you’re from First Nations mob, yarning on country is what you have always done. And it’s a much better option for people who don’t feel comfortable eyeballing their therapist between four enclosed walls. I meet people on beaches, riverbanks and in parks, while taking the utmost care to maintain your privacy as much as possible. Being in nature provides a whole host of health and well-being benefits. I learned all about the healing aspects of being connected to the land from my time working in remote communities of the Northern Territory.
You may not have to pay.
I am committed to offering therapeutic experiences to people who can least afford it. If you have a mild to moderate mental health issue and are experiencing financial hardship, you may be eligible for bulk billing through Medicare. You will need a Mental Health Care Plan and referral from your GP.
I am here to stay.
There is nothing worse than building a relationship with a therapist, then learning that they are leaving their job or moving away. Seaspray is my home and my work space. I am really passionate about my community and making it a great place for everyone to live, work and play. This is where I grew up and this is where I will die.
I will ‘Walk and Talk’.
Sitting still doesn’t suit everyone especially if you feel fidgety or restless. Sometimes moving your body is part of what’s needed to help you relax, express yourself or allow trauma stuck in the body to move through. Whether it is along the Ninety Mile beach or around Lake Gutheridge, in a private session or in a group with our Narrative Walks program!
I am the only Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide in the Wellingto region.
If the stress of daily life has taken its toll, let me guide you into the forest or along the beach to help you slow down and reconnect mindfully with yourself and nature. You can book a private walk with a group of friends, colleagues or just yourself.

So what are your plans for your life in the decade to come? Let’s work together to make it happen. Get in touch.

Coping with Uncomfortable Feelings: Embodied Mindfulness Made Simple

September 26, 2019

by metaphor with No Comment Feelings and Emotions Health and wellbeing Mindfulness Self Care Stress Therapy on the Go Wellbeing

I invite you to imagine putting on a pair of sunglasses, metaphorically of course. These glasses have blue lenses that reflect judgement and criticism. While wearing these glasses you only notice how bad you feel, think how hopeless you are, and leave you wanting to push away uncomfortable feelings. It is really hard to notice anything good at all. These are the glasses our human brain wants to reach for first without too much thought about it.

Now I invite you to put on a different pair of sunglasses that help you look through yellow lenses of compassion and kindness. While wearing these glasses you still notice the ‘bad’ feelings, but they help you see its okay and it’s normal, and allow you sit in uncomfortable feelings with acceptance until they pass. You also notice feelings like joy and pleasure, and relish them. These are the glasses we can wire our human brain to reach for first, through the practice of mindfulness.

There are some problems in life that are hard to shift and might be out of our control. Mindfulness won’t make these problems go away, but it will change the way you look at things. From time to time, we are also going to have uncomfortable feelings arise like anger, sadness, jealousy, shame, guilt, pain and hurt. I don’t necessarily consider these negative or bad feelings. They are part of the human condition and serve a purpose. When they arise, we can choose to allow our brains to put on the glasses of judgement and criticism, or the glasses of compassion and kindness.

Mindfulness does not have to become a burdensome new thing you have to schedule into your already busy day. You can still keep doing those things but just wear a different pair of sunglasses doing them! But it does take practice because our human brain wants to default to the negative. You will have to consciously keep swapping glasses until your brain gets the message that you want to wear the yellow glasses right now not the blue ones.

So you notice an uncomfortable feeling arise. You start making judgements or criticise yourself for feeling this way. You realise you have the blue glasses on. Now what? How do we do this mindfulness stuff? Okay, time to put the yellow glasses on.

Tune Out. At the first sign of an uncomfortable feeling or sensation in the body, it helps to become grounded. Notice what is happening externally in the environment around you. Using all your senses, explore what you can see, touch, hear, smell and even taste.
Tune In. Now take your mindful presence inside by noticing your breath. Observe how the breathe moves in and out of your body. Notice what you feel in your body. What feelings or sensations are arising? Where in your body are they sitting?
Stay With. Bring you awareness one at a time to each of these body sensations. How strong and how big is it? Does it have a colour, shape, texture? What temperature is it? Does it move? What else are you noticing? This is all about observation without judgement. Get to know this feeling or sensation as if you are a detective having to write a factual report on what you find.
Breathe. Take a deep breath and send this air into this part of the body you are focusing on. Allow the air to create some space around this sensation. Keep breathing just observing what this does to your body.
Notice. Keep focusing your awareness on this sensation as you mindfully breathe and simply observe what changes. Stay with the experience and see where it takes you. Do you notice a shift of some kind? How does it feel now? How is the whole of your body responding?
Reflect. When you are ready, bring yourself back slowly from your internal focus of attention to the external environment. Use your sense of touch, sight, sound, smell and taste to bring yourself back. What are you noticing about this experience? What is different now or new? What have you learnt?

Warning: Please don’t despair, if you notice unhelpful or uncomfortable thoughts arising during this exercise. The brain will try many times to distract you. That’s perfectly OK. Just don’t get caught up in the thoughts or let judgement or criticism take over. Simply acknowledge the thought, allow it to float away and bring your awareness back to whatever is the current focus of your attention – be it your sensory experience, the breath moving in and out, or the sensation in your body. The more we do this, the more we develop our mind muscle so it eventually learns your preference for wearing yellow sunglasses.

In short…

My favourite place to practice mindfulness is in nature. The sound of birds, the smell of the salty sea or the touch of the grass on your feet can be beautiful focus points to ground us before stepping into the journey inside.

So next time you feel emotion rising inside, step outside.

Mindfulness in Nature: Meditation for those who can’t meditate

May 1, 2019

by metaphor with No Comment Eco-social work Ecotherapy Healing with nature Health and wellbeing Mental health Mindfulness Nature and Forest Therapy Relaxation Self Care Stress Therapy on the Go Wellbeing

I am writing this on the banks of the Macleay River in Kempsey. I feel a few gentle raindrops hitting the back of my neck. I smell the manure of the resident ducks wafting in the air. I hear the sound of the breeze whistling through pine needles. I see ripples of sunlight and reflection dancing over the water. I pick up a lonesome goose feather, run it across my cheek, and wince with the tickle. The cut grass feels prickly on the backs of my legs. This is mindfulness; what it feels like to be in the present moment, just noticing what is around me and the effect it has on my body.

I notice that which brings the most pleasure and choose to linger in those sensations a bit longer. Some would say we have lost the art of how to feel pleasure deeply, that somehow it is indulgent and we should move onto the next thing quickly for instant gratification.

A sensory experience on the banks of the Macleay River, Kempsey

In my mental health counselling practice, I come across a lot of people who struggle with meditation. They have been told to do it by well- meaning health professionals to cope with the stresses of daily life, anxiety or depression. But they often feel they can’t do it or at least sustain it. Some of us are just not born to sit still with our legs crossed on the floor humming a mantra. And the simple fact is, you don’t need to. The same kinds of relaxation and mind stilling effects can be gained by spending time in nature, mindfully and with intention. Nature helps us to turn our brains off and just be.

Often what brings people unstuck is the constant invasion of thoughts or feelings that arise during meditation. The voice of anxiety or depression definitely doesn’t want you to enjoy yourself. I know I struggled with this for many years, wondering if I was somehow doing it wrong or failing. I gave up and came back to it later in life when stress was impacting seriously on my health. Know that it is OK to have invading thoughts and feelings. Rather than push them away, welcome them. Then gently bring yourself back to the focus of your attention.

The focus of our attention does not have to be breathing, counting to ten, or repeating a mantra. It can simply be bringing your awareness to the natural environment using all your senses. Give yourself permission to enjoy that bird song, watch that butterfly, breathe that ocean air.

Let’s try it now. (You may like to record the following script on your phone, with gentle pauses or have someone guide you.)

I invite you to find a spot in nature where you can sit, stand or lie down without being interrupted. Allow yourself to just take in your surroundings and notice what is around you.
If you feel comfortable doing so, close your eyes. If not, you can lower your eyes to the ground and gently soften your gaze.
Take a moment to tune into your body. Notice if there is a part of you that is a bit tight or tense. Without making judgement, just give your body what it needs to feel relaxed. This could be a stretch, a deep breath, a wriggle or shake.
When you’re ready, bring your attention to the part of your body that is connected to the ground. Notice how it feels just to be supported by the earth. Notice the feeling of gravity and what it is like to be pulled gently towards the earth.
You may find that you are distracted by thoughts or feelings. This is okay. When you notice them, acknowledge them and let them float gently away again, like a leaf in the wind.
Now bring your attention to your sense of touch. Hold your hands out in front of you and notice the sensation of the air on your skin. You may like to explore the variety of textures on the ground around you. If there is a particular sensation of touch that feels pleasurable to you, invite it in for a minute.
Turning your attention to your hearing, notice what sounds are around you. Notice the variety of sounds, what is furtherest away, what is closest to you and what is filling the gap in between. You may notice the sounds are interacting with each other, like a chorus or symphony. Exaggerate the sound of your own breathing to see if you can blend it in with this rhythm. Perhaps there is a sound which is giving you the most pleasure. Allow it to penetrate your being.
Breathing in through your mouth, see if there is a taste to air. Notice the texture or quality of the air. If you’re feeling a bit cheeky, poke out your tongue and turn your head in different directions to see what changes. Breathing in through your nose, notice what smells are being offered. Move your head in different directions to notice what changes. Give yourself permission to linger longer in the smell that is giving you pleasure.
Before opening your eyes, imagine your eyes are like the sun popping over the horizon on a brand new day. When you are ready, open your eyes slowly, low at first and gently moving skyward. Notice what comes into your awareness.

Journalist and author, Christine Jackman practises mindfulness in nature on the Coffs Coast.

You may like to reflect on what you are noticing about this kind of mindfulness meditation? What are you noticing in your body, in your mind, in your mood? What are you noticing in your surroundings that you have not observed before?

To me, a mindfulness practice in nature feels like ‘coming home’ to my true nature. It’s a way of being that has been practiced by our ancestors since time immemorial.

For more ways of being truly present in nature for good health and wellbeing, check out my Nature Therapy e-book. It’s free when you sign up to my newsletter.

Sharing Two World Views of Nature’s Healing Powers

April 7, 2019

by metaphor with No Comment Bush therapy Collaboration Cross Cultural practice Decolonising social work practice Eco-social work Ecotherapy Forest bathing Healing with nature Health and wellbeing Learning Workshops (aka "Training")Nature and Forest Therapy Projects Social and emotional wellbeing Traditional Healing Practices Two way learning

I recently had the pleasure of presenting alongside an Indigenous colleague of mine to a group of health professionals. We are a bit of an unlikely couple. Leonie Hunter is a salt water and desert First Nation’s woman with a history of removal in her family. I am a middle-class Australian with a heap of White privilege. We view the world through different lenses, but what we share is an interest in the healing power of nature for health and wellbeing.

Texture Gathering on our Nature and Forest Therapy walk.

In our recent workshop, we had the opportunity to talk about our own worldviews and knowledge systems, with each of us having an understanding and appreciation for the other.

Leonie presented the case for connection to country being a critical component to improving Indigenous wellbeing. The National Strategic Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Mental Health and Social and Emotional Wellbeing states that

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health is viewed in a holistic context, that encompasses mental health and physical, cultural and spiritual health. Land is central to wellbeing. Crucially, it must be understood that when the harmony of these interrelations is disrupted, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ill health will persist.”

This is something Leonie knows well through her own embodied connection and the people in her family who are feeling the ongoing health effects of being displaced from their traditional lands and customs. In our outdoor yarning circle she told many stories; what it is like to just feel the elements, gathering bush medicine to heal physical and emotional ailments, and receiving messages from the animals, birds and other beings. Leonie was lucky enough to grow up listening to the stories of Senior Kakadu Elder Bill Neidjie, now passed.

His words still resonate:

“Tree,
He watching you.
You look at tree,
He listen to you.
He got no finger,
He can’t speak,
But that leaf,
He pumping, growing.
Growing in the night,
While you sleeping,
You dream something.
Tree and grass same thing.
They grow with your body,
With your feeling.
If you feel sore,
Headache, sore body,
That means somebody killing tree or grass.
You feel because your body in that tree or earth.
Nobody can tell you,
You got to feel it yourself.”

I, on the other hand, presented the evidence for nature connection for health and wellbeing from a Western scientific worldview. There is a mountain of research supporting the benefits of green space and being in nature for physical, social, emotional and spiritual health. My particular focus and interest is on the practice of Shinrin Yoku (or forest bathing). The Japanese have discovered that phytonicides or the ‘aroma of the forest’ has positive physiological and psychological effects to reduce stress. They found that a slow, relaxed forest therapy walk, lowered blood pressure, reduced cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and improved heart rate variablilty. Phytonicides were shown to boost the level of Natural Killer cells in our body, which boost our immune system and fight disease including cancer. Doctors now offer ‘green prescriptions’ for their patients to go walking on a Certified Forest Therapy trail.

Science is only really just proving what Indigenous people have intuitively known since time began. The reciprocal relationship with nature is in their DNA. In my worldview, they call this the biophilia hypothesis. We evolved from nature, so we are nature.

In our afternoon session at Holmes Jungle Nature Park, I had the pleasure of co-guiding a Nature and Forest Therapy walk with Leonie. Nature and Forest Therapy (NFT) is inspired by the practice of Shinrin Yoku and developed in California by the ANFT. Despite its Western roots, NFT allows those living in the fast-paced world of modern society an embodied experience of the healing power of ‘being’ on country.

With the words of Bill Neidjie ringing in their ears, Leonie invited our participants to find a tree that is watching them and sit with the tree for a while to share stories. As is so often the case, the trees always reach out to the right person. There were two fallen trees for the person who had recently experienced a separation, a tree with two large branches growing upward showing the two possible directions in life for another, and a tree that was begging to be leant against with a message to slow down. When given the opportunity to just ‘be’ without ‘doing’, to contemplate with our hearts not our minds, the medicine of the forest reveals itself. Miriam Rose-Ungunmerr’s talks about this presence of sitting on country as the practice of ‘dadirri’.

I feel blessed and privileged to be working alongside people like Leonie, sharing and learning from each other, having healing conversations, developing new levels of understanding and respect. Ecopsychology allows both worldviews to exist alongside each other at the same time, for all of it is truth.

This is my idea of Reconciliation in action.

…metaphorically speaking

Posts in category: Health and wellbeing

Healing Herbs for Mental Health

Feed Your Brain and Feel Better

Coping with Uncomfortable Feelings: Embodied Mindfulness Made Simple