Have you ever wondered why Nature has such a profound healing effect on our mind, body and soul?
Of course, there is not just one answer to this question, it depends on so many factors, right down to our personal history, needs and preferences. There are some rudimental basics though that are true for all of us and one of those is how we are influenced by the healing effect of Nature’s patterns, rhythms and cycles on our mind, body and soul.
Nature’s Patterns, Rhythms and Cycles
Have you ever walked along an undisturbed beach after the tide has gone out, admired the intricacies of a passion flower or looked closely at a wild bees nest? Nature is the greatest artist and there are so many synchronicities and similarities in the patterns, rhythms and geometry. The rings of a tree are their individual ‘thumbprint”, both unique and similar to the human fingerprint. The structure of root systems and human cardiovascular and pulmonary systems don’t just look alike but also carry out similar functions.
We are affected by patterns, rhythms and cycles every moment of every day, Nature is an incredibly complex system of geometrical structures, vibrations, beats, frequencies, chemical compositions and the cyclical interactions between all of them. Of course, this is a very simplistic representation, but the more we direct our awareness to the intricacies, the little details, some even microscopic, the more we see that in all the chaos, there is order and structure, both around us and within us.
Here are some macro and micro examples of the natural rhythms, cycles and patterns all around us:
- Seasons
- Moon cycle
- Day and night cycle
- Circadian rhythm
- Lifecycles: Birth, Life, Death
- Fertility cycles
- Heart rhythm
- Energy vibrations: sound and light frequencies, electric currents, magnetic fields
- Colour sequences ie. rainbow
- Birdsong
- Patterns in animal fur, feathers, scales, skin
- Shapes, patterns, textures and colours in flowers, trees, plants in general
- The human desire for song, dance, rhythm, and music apparent in traditions thousands of years old.
- Structural patterns: landscapes, animal housing/habitats, plants, crystals, shells, bones etc.
- Chemical, biological, and mineralogical composition/formulas
These are just a few examples to illustrate that there is order, balance and structure in every aspect of life and that we are intrinsically connected to the healing effects of Nature’s patterns.
Concerning human health and well-being, patterns and rhythms play a big part in more than one way. From a purely medical perspective, this can be as obvious as our heartbeat, breathing pattern or blood pressure. There is so much more to our dependence and desire for these structural occurrences though:
Rhythms and patterns are a framework of stability, predictability and familiarity which we need for our mental and physical health. To know what comes next, to consciously choose certain routines which support us in our well-being. We crave repetitive and predictable patterns that help us navigate and orientate in life and have a healing effect on body, mind and soul.
Natural patterns and rhythms are also expressions and source of creativity. We connect back to our roots, pardon the pun, when we engage in structured, patterned or rhythmic activities, something bigger than ourselves takes over and we are able to let go, as contradictory as this may sound.
One example of this is getting lost in music, giving ourselves to the beat while dancing, singing or playing an instrument. We subconsciously become part of the rhythm or melody, while at the same time letting go of our internal and external distractions. We are all very different in our desire for structure and rhythm with wide variations, some of us naturally getting in sync and able to express ourselves freely in creative ways, others needing more guidance and finding it easier to relax and connect within a tighter framework.
When we mindfully connect to Nature and tune into the patterns and rhythms that surround us, we might find that certain occurrences soothe and balance us. Oftentimes the rhythmic sound of waves by the ocean or birdsong in the forest can have a calming effect. Visually we can find repetitive patterns reassuring and once we start paying attention the sacred geometry all around us is absolutely awe-inspiring.
In Ecotherapy we utilise our human affinity with Nature’s patterns, rhythms and cycles as an opportunity to reconnect to these basic human needs. Depending on personal preferences, needs and interests there are so many possibilities such as eco-art therapy, embodied practices such as dance, movement, drumming etc, sound experiences, multi-sensory approaches, foraging walks, ceremony and so much more.
If you would like to learn more about Ecotherapy and how to integrate it into your personal and professional life, find out more about our upcoming (starting 09.09.2024) fully certified practitioner training: Mindfulness Rooted Ecotherapy
It’s a 12-week online practitoner training for health, wellness and education professionals accredited through IMMA, IICT and CPD.
You can get a sneak peek into what it’s all about in my FREE Masterclass.
Hope to see you there,
xx Alex
