2 minute read
Article - Mathilde Barbier - Dare to be the Change
When was the last time you had your hands in the dirt? Look at little children. When they explore, they touch everything. Grab the soil in the plant pot. Push it through their little fingers. They might even taste it!! But exploration is not just for little ones. We all need a little bit of
dirt in our life!
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Soil makes us happy. It contains mycobacterium vaccae a natural antidepressant which stimulates the production of our mood stabiliser hormone, the serotonin. It is also believed to improve our cognitive functions (memory, problem solving, concentration). In addition to that, gardening engages our senses and if you are playing in the dirt, you will most likely be outside (if not, it is an opportunity to do so). Exposure to natural light has many wonderful benefits like boosting Vitamin D and improving sleep. If you don’t have a garden, ‘borrow’ a little bit of dirt from one of your plant pots. If you don’t have any plants at home, you can buy a small bag of compost. Roll up your sleeves … dive in … push your hands in the soil, immerse them … wiggle your fingers … how does that feel? If you are not sure (or don’t want to mess up your manicure) take some soil with a spoon first and put it in the palm of your hand, then...
*My dare to you this month * Get your hands in the dirt.
Put your phone away. Find a patch of soil*.
Touch, Kneed, Rub, Roll, Squeeze, Dig, and Play and Close your eyes. Smell the earthy scent of the soil and acknowledge the richness of the earth, the nutrition it provides … Take a deep breath. Draw in the energy of the soil in your hands. Imagine it travelling up your arms throughout your body and flowing softly out in the ground through the sole of your feet.
To experiment with different ways to disconnect from technology and reconnect to your body and nature, get in touch with me. Let’s arrange a free conversation and explore possibilities, I guarantee it will be 15 minutes of your time invested mindfully. www.daretobethechange.today
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