Nature’s Way

By Barry Farber

Leonardo da Vinci once said, “Nature is the source of all true knowledge.” Have you ever got burnt out from your work or couldn’t get back into the groove where you are operating on all cylinders? Over the years, we all go through changes in our environment, sometimes leaving us feeling unmotivated or struggling to find the creative juices to take action and move the needle. Anytime I need energy or a fresh way to look at things, I turn my focus back to nature and have never been disappointed. I want to share three ideas that help me get rejuvenated and back on track:

1. BREATHING AND MEDITATION.

There is a saying that “still waters run deep.” When the water is still, all the silt settles to the bottom, and you can see clearly. This is like how the mind works. When one sits still to rest or meditate, one’s mind becomes clear, and new visions and direction can settle. It helps you clarify what is important and the best actions for moving forward. ‘Still waters run deep’ represents the tremendous power one can gain from quieting the mind and sitting still in a mild meditation. Try this, even if it’s just a 10 min break from work once during the day. First, find a quiet place to rest—a quiet room or outside where you’re away from noise. Then sit or stand with a comfortable posture. Someone once told me to sit like a general on horseback, maintaining the best posture. This will allow you to breathe naturally and get centered. Breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds and exhale through your mouth for 5 seconds or more. Do this and concentrate on breathing in and out; eventually, there will be no thought. Your goal will be to attain what the Japanese call “Mushin,” which means no mind. After a while, fresh ideas and new understandings flood your brain. My most valuable ideas and insights on what I should be doing with my business were generated during these mini-meditations during the day. These breaks will bring you back fresh with a renewed spirit and new approaches to your work and life.

2. GETTING CLOSE TO THE EARTH.

Many times, I will go out in the yard and walk around or stand in one place barefoot. I never knew why it made me relax and feel more energy until I started researching the subject. I found out it was called “Grounding.” “When walking barefoot, our body absorbs free ions from the Earth’s surface, which act as antioxidants. These antioxidants enhance our health and lead to positive feelings in the body. Grounding offers many health benefits, including improved sleep, reduced inflammation, improved tissue and cell repair, enhanced blood flow, increased heart rate variability, and improved electrical activity in the brain. In addition, walking barefoot on the ground releases endorphins. This can improve our mood and counteract mental illnesses like depression and anxiety. Walking barefoot also reconnects us with nature, which boosts our mental and physical states in other ways. As such, Earth’s natural healing energy should never be overlooked!” (Global Viewpoint, Feb. 16, 2023)

3. WALK IN THE WOODS.

Since I was nine months old, I spent my summers at a camp in the Pocono Mountains. My mom and dad worked at the camp, and I was lucky enough to be surrounded by so much natural beauty. Back then, I would hike for hours deep in the woods. Today I still love that walk in the woods. When you’re on a path in the forest where it’s quiet you start to forget about the daily pressures, and you begin to clear your mind and feel whole. If you want to learn about the vast benefits of this exercise, google “benefits of walking in the woods.” While we breathe in the fresh air, we breathe in phytoncides, airborne chemicals that plants give off to protect themselves from insects. Phytoncides have antibacterial and antifungal qualities, which help plants fight disease. When people breathe in these chemicals, our bodies respond by increasing the number and activity of a type of white blood cell called natural killer cells or NK. These cells kill tumor- and virus-infected cells in our bodies. One study showed increased NK activity from a 3-day, 2-night forest bathing trip that lasted more than 30 days. Japanese researchers are exploring whether forest exposure can help prevent certain kinds of cancer. (Immerse yourself in a forest for better health/Department of Environmental Conservation)

Barry Farber

Barry Farber is a best-selling author, an award winning radio and television host as well as an agent and marketing consultant for corporations, professional athletes, and entertainers. He’s also the creator and marketer of the FoldzFlat® Pens. His latest release is an inspirational children’s book “In search of the magic tree” available at www.barryfarber.com. Follow him @barryfarberofficial.

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Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

N. DiVincenzo,

Executive