HEALTHY LIVING
Finding healing through nature By Ray A. Nypaver, Wanderlust Counseling For the Trail-Gazette
As I sit down to write this article, stuck on where to start, I look out my window and stare at the aspen and pines across the street. The trees stay steady at the base, a slight wavering in their branches. The aspen holds on to a few dark yellow leaves. My mind takes a brief break from worry about words and the stresses of the day. The trees tell me just to start slow, one word at a time. My assumption, for most Estes Park residents, is that the idea of nature therapy isn’t anything new. For many it’s probably why they moved to Estes park, though without the clinical interpretation of the term. But oh, how easy we forget! Forget to look up at the mountains, forget to notice the elk in our backyard, or forget to let the falling leaves help us to let go of our worries. I don’t believe any Estes Park resident actually takes these things for granted. Simply, as the world continues to madly spin, we retreat back inside to our own spinning minds and separate ourselves from the wonder and joy of nature. To back up for just a moment, I should explain that I am a nature-based therapist, having graduated with my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Naropa University’s Wilderness Therapy Program. By my own definition, nature-therapy is the intentional collaboration with Mother Nature to guide the healing and growth process of individuals. While most of 4 • LIVE WELL ESTES | FALL EDITION
Ray Nypaver says find a Nature Sit spot.
my sessions with clients are indoors, my wilderness background always plays a role in sessions. In part, this is because of the insight and lessons I’ve gained from my own adventures, and partially because my daily morning outings with my dog allow me to show up grounded and present for my clients. Personally, I tend to learn toward my intuitive side when it comes to nature, but I also appreciate the evidence of scientific research. In recent years, more and more studies have been done to examine just how nature can be of benefit to our mental health. For example, studies have shown that simply gazing at nature, whether looking up at the mountains or kneeling down to examine the beauty of a wildflower, puts a pause on the part of our brain that likes to ruminate. When we stop ruminating, we open ourselves up to wonder and awe. It’s like
when the sun comes out from behind the clouds and suddenly the world looks a little more beautiful. Additionally, some researchers have found a bacteria in the soil that acts like serotonin, a chemical in the brain helps improve mood. Not only that, but going for a walk outside, say around Lake Estes, can serve as a way to both be physically active and reduce stress by reducing cortisol levels. This is NOT to say anyone should go off antidepressant medication, especially without talking to their doctor first. This IS saying you should consider making gardening or playing outside a daily or weekly activity. At this point, my guess is that those reading this article are either asking “How do I actually do nature therapy?” or “I already go outside a few times a week. What more is there to do?” Great questions. I’ll reiterate that I define
Wanderlust Counseling / Courtesy photo
nature therapy as an intentional practice. That’s not saying my weekly trail runs and dog walks are not extremely important for my mental, physical, and spiritual health. They absolutely are and do include many of the aforementioned benefits. However, some of the practices I’ll mention below often cause me to slow down and soak in more than I might during a normal run or walk. If doubtful, all I can say is give it a try. Truly, my main guideline in both nature therapy and my counseling sessions is to remain curious. Curiosity is at the root of exploration, both when exploring our outer and inner worlds.
A few nature therapy practice to try out
Find a Nature Sit spot During COVID, even as a therapist who knows many coping tools, I still had trouSee NATURE, pg. 17
