Being active in nature has been proven to be very beneficial for your general health and “dipping in the wild” not only improves one´s physical performance; it´s mental and social aspects have been found to be very significant. People without distinction of age, social background or condition of health feel the relaxing effects of natural surroundings, the stress is efficiently released and mood improved. Being in touch with the land is particularly beneficial for children because as their imagination is fed and enriched, their tolerance against different allergies is increased tremendously.
I´ve had the privilege to take my niece into the wild and screams of joy have been heard often as we´ve catched fish and picked berries and mushrooms together. The childish interest and enthusiasm gets a great response from nature as there´s always something new to learn, admire and wonder. Collecting plants, swimming in the lakes, going for an adventure in the forest and building shelters still deserves to be a part of the carefree childhood time!
Living simply for a while and appreciating doing daily chores like carrying the water, chopping firewood, feeding the animals, heating up the sauna and going fishing to supplement the daily menu provide an even more comprehensive escape from everyday life and this will be the case even more in the future. Because it´s something genuine and real – things that are needed for a truly thought-provoking and fundamental experiences.
Besides the huge positive im
pact that nature activities have on public health already, natural worlds role in setting and creating the worldview and values for the younger generations is very important. Simplicity and getting back to basics can be very enriching in many ways and that´s where the essence of the Finnish culture and the mental landscape of its people can also be found.
Stay in touch with the land!