EARTHING

RECONNECTING

—no need to force it

To appreciate the natural world in a sense of wonder, awe, curiosity, joy or affinity is to recognise an intrinsic value, not an instrumental one. 

A self-directed enjoyment of nature seems forced.

There’s no point in putting beauty, wonder, inspiration, understanding and the other positive experiences we rightly associate with nature on some sort of ‘to do’ list. They are what philosophers call ‘supervenient’ on the experiences themselves. 

Try too hard and you’ll fail. It’s a subtle distinction but a fundamental one.

EARTHING

The sole of the foot has the highest concentration of nerve endings (which are conductive) than any other area on the human body; it has the most sweat glands too. These physiological features were purposely included in the makeup of human anatomy to promote the flow of electrons from the ground into the body. This month, try to spend as much time outdoors without shoes or socks on. Depending on your situation this could be as you do the gardening or going to the park to read a book, socks off. Come up with some plans that work for you and feel the earth beneath your toes. It’s not dirty, it’s beautiful.

FOREST BATHING

If you can, once a week this month, spend 2 hours at a time amongst trees. Do this with a friend, solo, with a podcast or however but try to stay out for at least 2 hours. 

Find the wildest place that is close to you.