Connecting with the Earth
“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Being outdoors with the warm sun on my back, getting my hands dirty in the garden together with my son always puts a smile on my face. Ever since I can remember I’ve loved connecting with nature and feel an undeniable sense of happiness and calm after I’ve spent an afternoon or morning gardening.
It turns out these feelings I’ve repeatedly experienced are something that science also confirms. There are many powerful benefits that affect us both mentally and physically when we interact with dirt.
To begin with, dirt itself contains a bacteria that is proven to increase our serotonin levels. By increasing our serotonin levels we are actively helping ourselves to feel more happy and relaxed. Mycobacterium vaccae, is the bacteria found in dirt. Known as the bacteria to activate the delivery of serotonin (a neurotransmitter) to our brains. Another suggestion is that dirt can also help to alleviate the symptoms of depression.
What’s more, getting our hands and feet dirty can help us to feel grounded. Sometimes there are days or weeks when we can feel disconnected to the world around us with too many thoughts going around in our heads. When this happens, simply kick off your shoes and walk barefoot in the dirt. Grab some pots and seeds and get into the garden. Connecting directly with the earth helps to bring us back down into ourselves and resets any wayward emotions that we might be feeling.
With this reset, we can also experience profound feelings of calmness which in turn helps to reduce any stress that we might be holding onto. A special benefit that can be enjoyed by anyone whether you’re an adult or child is that it can almost be meditative.
Being out in the sunshine and fresh air is also another wonderful general health benefit that comes with being outdoors and enjoying nature. And, there’s also the well-known fact that dirt is a great way to naturally boost your immune system.
Dirt is not something to be afraid of. It is an element that is sadly lacking in many of our children’s lives. It is fundamental to their growth and well-being. Have you ever stopped to consider why babies put things into their mouths? Frustrating as it is, there’s actually a very good healthy reason for it.
Being able to allow our children to experience the power of Mother Nature was a motivation behind the Grow with Gratitude kit. More specifically, the creation of the kit is to provide the tools for children to get their hands dirty. To really connect with the earth. To enjoy all of the wonderful physical and mental benefits the earth has to offer.
Each kit includes Basil, Chive and Parsley seeds which can be planted into biodegradable pots. Affirmation cards, a gratitude crystal and journal. Everything needed to help boost immunity, reduce stress and instill peace and happiness into our children’s lives.
Lisa x