I think a lot about health. It’s arguably my single biggest life value because without it, we have nothing.
Health is the foundation of our existence, and when we are in better states of health, it makes the overall quality of our lives better in more ways than one.
What Health Really Means
I shared a post on my social media about how health is deeply personal, holistic, dynamic, a journey and a lifestyle.
And how health requires consciousness, curiosity, self-awareness, responsibility, dedication, and consistency.
I also asked for suggestions on what else people would add.
This is when a good friend reminded me of something powerful:
Health is also our natural state.
This aligns deeply with my belief that health is life, and life is health. There is no separation between the two.
Why We’ve Lost Touch With Our Natural State
The challenge is that we live in such an unnatural world nowadays that we become disassociated from our natural state, and therefore from what true health really means and actually is.
Just take a look around.
There is less greenery and natural landscape, and more concrete and man-made buildings. It’s becoming increasingly challenging to touch and feel connected to our natural world, as our ancestors once did.
Our food isn’t really food anymore.
It’s a bunch of artificial and synthetic chemicals bonded together with gums, binders, and God knows what else.
We’re sleeping less.
We’re more stressed.
We’re moving far less than what our bodies were designed for.
And that doesn’t even begin to touch on the fact that there are more chemicals and pollutants in our air than ever before, which we breathe in every second of every day.
We’re not only disconnected from the natural world…
We’re also disconnected from each other.
This paints a bit of a gloomy picture, to say the least…
However, I like to think of myself as an optimist.
I believe there’s always something we can do to offset the damage to our health and well-being.
And while we may not be removing all the pollutants overnight or completely eradicating microplastics (don’t get me started on microplastics; that’s a whole different topic), there are still steps we can take to return to what it means to be human and our natural state, which is health.
One of the main ways we can do this, as I may have alluded to, is by reconnecting with our natural environment, just as our ancestors did.
What Is Earthing (Grounding)?
This is where practices like Earthing (also known as Grounding) come in.
It’s the simple act of touching the Earth’s natural surfaces, like grass, sand, or mud, with bare skin. There’s science-backed evidence showing that even 20–30 minutes a day of Earthing can bring remarkable benefits to our health and well-being.
That said, in our increasingly concrete world, this can be challenging, especially for those living in cities where green space is rapidly disappearing.
Earthing mats are a good alternative, but getting outside and physically touching the Earth is always best.
My Own Experience With Earthing
At the time of writing this, I recently went away for a few days to the beach.
After my morning run, I walked barefoot through the sand and into the sea.
It reminded me how important and powerful this practice truly is.
I felt so good.
So connected. So calm. So clear.
Nature Walks as a Daily Practice
Another great way to connect to our natural world is through nature walks or simply going outside more often.
Now, this is something I do daily.
I walk a lot. And while walking, I’ve made it a conscious practice to engage all of my senses in the natural world around me.
I notice how green the trees are.
I hear birds chirping and different bird songs.
I feel the breeze on my skin.
I see how blue the sky is.
This is mindfulness. It requires conscious effort at first, but over time, it becomes effortless.
It feels like coming home.
You begin to appreciate everything around you, and life itself, a little more.
There’s nothing more blue than the blue sky, but we so often fail to even look up…
We become too busy being busy.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m far from perfect at this mindfulness game.
And I’ve realised that I could combine Earthing with more of my walks.
Whenever I have done this, I’ve felt so much better.
My recent trip to the beach reinforced that truth.
Remember: More often than not, we have to be reminded more than we need to be taught.
So often, we have to be reminded of the things that are good for us until they become a way of life, and this is definitely one of those habits for me.
Getting a pair of VIVO barefoot trainers has helped me feel more of the natural ground.
But… that’s still not Earthing.
There’s more progress to be made here on my part.
Bringing It Back to Our Natural State
Here’s my point:
Health is not only deeply personal, holistic, dynamic, a journey and a lifestyle.
And it requires consciousness, curiosity, self-awareness, responsibility, dedication, and consistency.
But also…
Health is our natural state.
And in an increasingly unnatural world, what I’ve shared here are a couple of good ways to get back to our natural state by reconnecting with our natural environment, especially in an unnatural world.
Earthing and going barefoot a few times a week is optimal; including more nature walks, ideally tech-free, is a great step, and both are a powerful combination.
Because the more we connect with nature and our natural world, the healthier we are likely to be.
Key Takeaways on Reconnecting with Nature
- Health is Your Natural State: Your body is inherently designed for health, but the modern, unnatural world, filled with processed foods, stress, and concrete landscapes, can disconnect you from this fundamental state of being.
- The value of Earthing: You can actively reconnect with nature through a practice called Earthing, or Grounding. Simply touching your bare skin to natural surfaces like grass, sand, or soil for 20-30 minutes daily can yield remarkable benefits for your well-being.
- Mindful Nature Walks: Another effective method is to take mindful walks in nature. This involves consciously engaging all your senses, from noticing the colour of the sky and trees to hearing birdsong and feeling the breeze on your skin.
- Consistency is Key: Integrating these practices into your life is a process. It requires conscious effort to make them a habit, but the more you connect with the natural world, the more you support your return to a state of health.
FAQs for How Reconnecting with Nature Restores Our Natural State
What does it mean that health is our natural state?
It means your body is fundamentally designed to be healthy. The challenges of modern life, such as processed foods, high stress levels, and a lack of connection to the outdoors, can pull you away from this inherent state of well-being.
What is Earthing and how can it help me?
Earthing, also known as Grounding, is the simple practice of making direct skin contact with the Earth’s surface, like walking barefoot on grass or sand. It’s a powerful way to reconnect with the natural world, and studies suggest even 20-30 minutes a day can bring significant health benefits.
I live in a city with little green space. How can I practise Earthing?
It can certainly be a challenge in urban environments. Try to find local parks or green patches where you can safely go barefoot. If that’s not practical, Earthing mats are a useful alternative, although direct contact with the earth is considered most effective.
Besides Earthing, what are other simple ways to connect with nature?
Mindful nature walks are a fantastic and accessible option. Instead of just walking, actively engage your senses. Pay attention to the sights, sounds, and feelings of the natural environment around you. This practice helps ground you in the present moment and deepens your connection to the world.
How can I make connecting with nature a regular habit?
Start small and be consistent. Schedule short, tech-free walks into your daily routine. It’s often about being reminded of what’s good for us until it becomes second nature. The goal is progress, not perfection.
