Nature as a healer

More of us spent time outdoors during the pandemic — at state parks, walking around the city lakes or digging in our yards and patio pots. It turns out that was probably good for our mental and physical health. 

A growing body of research shows what many of us long knew — interactions with the natural world can lower our stress and promote well-being. Walking in natural environments can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and improve sleep. Even just listening to running water or looking at pictures of a forest can provide some health benefits. 

Host Angela Davis talks to the founder of a nature-based therapeutics program and a holistic health practitioner about how nature is central to their healing work. 

Guests:

• Jean Larson is an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota, where she runs Nature-Based Therapeutic Services, a partnership between the Bakken Center for Spirituality and Healing and the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum that brings programming to groups homes, schools and medical settings. She’s also a certified recreational therapist and registered horticultural therapist.

• Rebeka Ndosi is a holistic health practitioner, licensed acupuncturist and herbalist and yoga and meditation teacher. She is fundraising for the Maji ya Chai Land Sanctuary, a Black-owned space in northern Minnesota where people will be able to draw on natural surroundings to recover from the stress and trauma in their lives.

• Kari Kleven is a licensed clinical social worker in Minneapolis who provides individual and family therapy for children, teens and adults outdoors in local parks.

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Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.