Sacred Sunday: Reveling in Nature's Remedy

Walk with me as we explore the magic of Mother Nature’s healing powers.

There’s nothing quite as peaceful to me as being enveloped in the warmth of the sun and surrounded by nature.

California 2022

My first choice? Always water. Whether it’s the rhythmic crashing of ocean waves or the gentle ripple of a quiet lake, something about being near water has always felt like home. But when the sea isn’t an option, a hike through the woods or a long walk beneath towering trees offers me the same sense of tranquility.

I’ve been fortunate to always live near water. In Florida, I could visit the beach every single day if I wanted. In the Carolinas, backyard ponds provided a constant connection to wildlife and serenity. Even now, my stepfather lives on a houseboat in the middle of a lake—a dream for the younger me who was convinced she was either a mermaid or a developing waterbender like Katara from Avatar: The Last Airbender.

My connection to water runs deep. I took swimming lessons as a baby, breezed through lifeguarding classes as a teen, and to this day, I cherish my long showers, imagining the water rinsing away anything heavy weighing on me—like a daily cleansing ritual.

But what is it about nature—especially water—that feels so healing? Why does the great outdoors have such a profound ability to bring us peace?

I think we forget that, before civilizations and cities, nature was all we had. It was home, shelter, and nourishment. We had to learn to live with it, to be one with it. Maybe that’s why we still feel a deep pull toward the earth—why being near colossal trees or flowing water stirs something ancient within us. When I feel disconnected—from myself, my purpose, or even my emotions—I turn to nature.

The Restorative Power of Nature

Just the other day, I took myself on an hour-and-a-half walk through the natural spaces in my neighborhood. I paused on a bridge over a small creek, closed my eyes, and grounded myself with the simple questions I’ve trained my anxious mind to ask:

• What do I smell? The earth, the water, the clean air.

• What do I see? The rippling creek, the birds soaring above, and even a dead animal surrounded by vultures. Deep within my mind, all I heard was, it’s the circle of life.

• What do I hear? Birds singing, water flowing, the rustling leaves, and wind dancing through the trees.

• What do I feel? My goosebumps rising as the wind skims my skin, a gentle reminder that I am alive, present, here.

Going through these motions, my breath deepens. My thoughts slow. My focus returns to center.

This is something I practice regularly, and it’s a simple yet powerful way to use nature as a daily reset.

Water as an Emotional Cleanser

Water is one of the most powerful healing elements on Earth, not just in the way it nourishes and sustains life but in how it responds to energy. Scientists like Dr. Masaru Emoto have explored the idea that water molecules change structure based on the energy and intentions directed toward them.

His experiments showed that water exposed to positive words, music, and emotions formed beautiful, symmetrical crystalline structures, while water exposed to negativity became disordered and chaotic. If our bodies are made up of about 60% water, imagine the impact of our thoughts, emotions, and surroundings on our well-being.

Water also vibrates at frequencies that influence us on a subconscious level. The sound of flowing water—waves crashing, a river rushing, or even a babbling brook—has been shown to reduce cortisol levels and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps the body relax. This is why so many of us feel instantly soothed by the sound of rain or drawn to the rhythmic lull of the ocean. It quite literally washes over us, resetting our nervous system and bringing us back to a state of calm.

Beyond its vibrational properties, water holds symbolic and spiritual significance across cultures. It represents purification, renewal, and transformation. Many spiritual traditions use water for cleansing rituals, from baptisms to sacred baths, reinforcing its role as a medium for emotional and energetic release. Perhaps this is why I’ve always felt a deep connection to it—whether through swimming or simply taking long showers, water has always been my sanctuary.

When I immerse myself in water, I feel its ability to absorb and transmute energy. Whether I’m standing at the shore, letting the waves pull at my feet, or sitting beside a quiet creek, watching the current move effortlessly forward, water reminds me to do the same—to flow, to release, to trust the natural rhythm of life.

The Science Behind Nature’s Healing Power

Nature, in all its forms, has an undeniable ability to heal us. But what is it about green spaces, birdsong, and fresh air that makes us feel so at peace?

For one, nature regulates our nervous system. The human body responds instinctively to natural stimuli. The sound of rustling leaves and flowing water operates on a frequency that calms the brain, guiding us into a parasympathetic state—the mode in which we rest, digest, and heal.

Birdsong, in particular, has been found to reduce stress and alleviate symptoms of anxiety. Birds naturally sing when they feel safe, so on a subconscious level, hearing birds chirp signals to our brains that we are in a secure environment. It’s a primal reassurance that allows us to relax.

The Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku—forest bathing—has been studied for decades, showing that immersion in a forest environment reduces cortisol, enhances focus, and boosts immune function. This isn’t just about the stillness of the trees; it’s about the phytoncides—natural oils released by trees—that we inhale as we walk through the woods. These compounds increase the activity of natural killer cells in our immune system, enhancing our ability to fight off illness while simultaneously calming our minds.

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A post shared by @itskatieemmitt

Nature, in essence, is a sanctuary. It is the original healer. And that’s why we call her Mother. She provides, heals, and nurtures—always calling us back home.

This is why children and animals are such great judges of character. They don’t analyze energy; they feel it. They live in their natural essence, completely unfiltered. And when we allow ourselves to be immersed in nature, we remember how to do the same.

Closest to God when you’re like a child? I’d argue the same applies to when you’re in nature.

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There’s something about being in the presence of the Earth’s raw beauty that has always made me feel whole. Whenever I feel anxious, overwhelmed, or disconnected from myself, I make it a point to step outside. To breathe in the fresh air. To walk, to listen, to feel.

Today was no different. Alongside this post, I’ve shared photos and videos from my nature walk—glimpses of what I saw, felt, and experienced in the hopes that they inspire you to do the same.

Let this be your reminder: Nature is always here. Always calling you home. Always offering you the chance to reconnect, to cleanse, to heal. You just have to be willing to step outside and listen.

hiking in the smoky mountains 2023

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