So on my journey of healing, to help me bear the weight of the wait until my cancer surgery,I wentto a big city (read more here:https://isayabelle.com/london-baby-the-wholeness-of-healing). The plan was going to my happy place (London, Baby!!) with a bestie and focus on seeing musicals and having fun exploring.
And musicals we saw. Loads.
And fun we had. Loads.
But London is a big city, as stated previously.
And I might have been underestimating how big, how noisy, how agitated, how energetic…
London is a sprawling metropolis, teeming with life at every corner, but its charm is often overshadowed by the constant din of traffic, sirens, and the relentless hum of construction. The streets are choked with people, tourists and commuters alike, shuffling through crowded side-walks, talking all and every language under the sun, often very loudly to cover the rest of the noise, while the air is thick with food smells, cannabis smoke and the scent of refuse lingering from overflowing bins.
The city felt cramped, as if every square inch is fighting for space amidst the ever-growing population. Beneath its vibrant energy, there's an undeniable sense of strain as London groans under the weight of its own expansion.
My happy place did not feel 100% good this time around.
It felt… too much.
Like I couldn’t really breathe, or relax at any given time.
Let alone the summer heat that added a layer of oppressive suffocation.
It took me a while to come to terms with that and really understand why.
You see, this time around, I am in healing mode.
I have been ever since my cancer diagnosis last March.
Now if you’ve not been following up, you can find more about that on my recent blog posts.
What healing mode has mostly meant for me, is focusing on self-awareness and self-care.
Focusing on listening what my body craves, what my heart desires, what my mind calls for and what my soul needs.
Well. I’m quite shocked to say that it wasn’t London, despite what I expected.
Ever since coming back to my rural middle of nowhere, I realized that what I long for, what I yearn for on every aspect… is nature.
It seems that nature, that the green, the peace, the silence is what I need most.
Now research has shown that spending time outdoors can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, enhance mood, and even improve cognitive function. Natural environments offer more than just a visual escape; they engage all the senses, encouraging mindfulness and presence. Breathing in the fresh air, feeling the sun's warmth, or the cool breeze against your skin can restore a sense of calm and well-being. Whether it's a hike through the forest, a stroll in the park, or simply sitting by a river, nature has an inherent power to heal both body and mind, offering us the clarity and peace that are so often lost in the chaos of urban life. I have felt that first hand during that stay in London.
I violently missed the simplicity of trees swaying in the wind, the sound of birdsong, and the feeling of soft earth beneath my feet that all have a grounding effect that brings me back to a quieter, more natural rhythm.
Surrounded by greenery or the vastness of the ocean, my mind becomes still, and anxieties seem to dissolve as I reconnect with the world around me, with the Earth Goddess Gaia.
Being in nature offers a profound sense of peace and rejuvenation that is often hard to find in our fast-paced, modern lives. It did feel hard to find for me in London, despite the parks, the river, the sunshine.
And yet, as of recent estimates, approximately 56-57% of the global population lives in cities and urban areas, a figure that rises to 75% in Europe and peaks at 83% in the United States. No wonder we often feel disconnected or lost, anxious or agitated.
Nature has an almost magical ability to melt away stress, providing a sanctuary from the constant demands and noise of daily life. Let’s investigate that idea a little further and discuss the profound calming and restorative effects that natural environments have on the human mind and body.
Here are a few reasons why nature is such an effective de-stressor:
- Humans have evolved in nature, and there is a deep, inherent connection to the natural world. This connection fosters a sense of belonging and comfort, reducing stress and anxiety.
- Urban environments often bombard the brain with excessive stimuli like noise, artificial lights, and crowds, which can lead to mental fatigue. Nature, by contrast, offers a soft fascination—simple but engaging stimuli like the rustle of leaves, the sound of water, or birdsong. This promotes mental rest and recovery.
- Studies have shown that being in nature helps lower cortisol, the hormone associated with stress. Even short periods in green spaces, such as a walk in the park or sitting by a tree, can lead to measurable decreases in cortisol levels, promoting relaxation.
- Nature naturally encourages mindfulness. When surrounded by trees, water, mountains, or the sounds of nature, people often find themselves more present in the moment. This mindful awareness helps reduce worry about the past or future, which are key drivers of stress.
- Nature has a powerful effect on mood regulation. Exposure to natural environments has been linked to improvements in mood, feelings of happiness, and an increased sense of calm. The tranquility of nature helps ease emotional burdens, making people feel more balanced and centered.
- Many people engage in physical activities like walking, hiking, or cycling in nature. Physical activity itself is a natural stress reliever, and combining it with nature amplifies the effects. The physical exertion helps release endorphins—natural mood lifters—and the peaceful surroundings enhance the sense of well-being.
- Nature offers an opportunity to disconnect from the constant influx of information and demands of modern life. Taking time away from screens, notifications, and digital stressors allows the mind to reset, leading to a deeper sense of relaxation and clarity.
- Nature fosters a sense of restoration. There’s a reason people go on nature retreats or seek the outdoors when they feel overwhelmed. Natural settings help people feel rejuvenated and re-energized, contributing to both mental and physical healing.
- Spending time outdoors encourages balance between mind and body. The fresh air, open spaces, and natural sounds help synchronize physiological processes such as heart rate, breathing, and even digestion, which can be disrupted by stress.
- And then there is the Biophilia Hypothesis…This is the idea that humans have an innate affinity for nature because of our evolutionary roots. This hypothesis suggests that our attraction to nature is deeply embedded in our biology, which is why exposure to natural elements can be inherently comforting and de-stressing.
Nature is the best remedy for stress and the easiest way to heal one’s self because it engages our senses, reconnects us to a simpler, more harmonious existence, and offers a break from the chaos of modern life. Whether it’s a walk in the woods, time spent by the ocean, or even just tending to a garden, nature provides a potent form of relaxation that calms the mind, restores the spirit, and rebalances the body. And let’s not forget all the green… which is both the healing colour of Archangel Raphael and the one of our heart chakra...
And yes it is that simple. (you can read more about the idea that things do NOT have to be complicated to be efficient here: https://isayabelle.com/it-cant-be-that-simple)
So let’s do it. Let’s get out!! (Artemis approves, I’m sure!)
I'll be happy to hear from you on these subjects. Thank you in advance for your comment.
So much for today …
See you soon, for my next online adventures!
Until then I send you love, light and gratitude.
Isaya
PS: The sea, with its vastness and rhythmic ebb and flow, has a particularly unique healing effect. The gentle crashing of waves against the shore creates a natural, calming soundtrack that helps to soothe frayed nerves and promote deep relaxation. The salty air, rich with negative ions, is known to improve breathing, enhance mood, and even boost energy levels. Gazing out at the seemingly endless horizon instills a sense of awe and perspective, allowing you to let go of the small worries that often consume daily life. The sea's cool, refreshing waters can invigorate the body, while the natural beauty of the coastline fosters a feeling of tranquility and renewal. Whether you're swimming, walking along the shore, or simply sitting and listening to the waves, the sea offers a profound connection to nature that refreshes both the mind and spirit.
And that is why I’m leaving next week for a week of vitamin sea in Greece, just before my cancer surgery. I’ll see you on the other side!