Color has a transformative effect on human behaviour. Research shows that our visual connection with the wild reduces stress, causes more positive emotional functioning, and leads to improved concentration and recovery rates.
Taking a walk, making a quarterly trip to the heartland, or even looking at our feed invokes a shift in feelings and emotions. And part of that has to do with the greens, blues, warm tones, and pinkish pigments that make up some of nature's remarkable landscapes.
Have you ever felt stuck processing a thought or feeling?
Nature isn’t a cure, but it’s a teacher. By getting outside for a walk, you’ll likely notice a sense of calm within 20 minutes. Your serotonin levels will increase, and in turn, your cortisol levels (stress) and heart rate will decrease.
ASMR —Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response — is not just an internet phenomenon, but an actual stimulus that can trigger physical sensations. Really - someone whispering into a mic isn’t the only ASMR we can experience. What if we told you nature produces ASMR?
There are ASMR triggers in the natural world that can diminish the body’s fight-or-flight instincts, replacing it with improved mood, decreased stress, and better cognitive performance. These include sounds of animal calls, crunching of autumn leaves, trees dancing in the breeze, and *especially* rainfall.
Sound on to experience the utmost relaxation in the wild and save this post for the next time you find yourself YouTubing ASMR (don’t lie - we’ve all been there).
Making Sense: T A S T E
Isn’t nature’s bounty plentiful? From its vast vegetation to its supernatural effects on our mind, body, and soul.
When we’re stressed, it can be hard to focus on what matters most. So when we’re out in the wild, you may notice your stress begins to decrease, your heart rate lowers, and you are completely present in that moment.
The same happens when you dine outside. You start to destress, your concentration increases, and your sensory experience enhances. Instead of rushing through your food, maybe you notice the different textures, the flavours intertwining, how the sun hits your plate, or the breeze in your hair.
Your overall mindset shifts, creating a naturally unforgettable meal.
Is 2022 the year you return to the wild?
A study led by Dr. Mathew White, a senior scientist and social psychologist researching the relationships between natural environments, physical and psychological health, showed that those who spent two hours a week in green spaces — were substantially more likely to report good health and psychological wellbeing.
When looking to set this intention, build habits in nature that you enjoy. Ultimately laying the foundation for what you'd like to have, feel, and experience vs. just going through the motions.
So if you’re looking for a green space, we think we know just the place.
Source: White, M.P., Alcock, I., Grellier, J. et al. Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing. Sci Rep 9, 7730 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-44097-3
The purpose of meditation is not to achieve benefits instantaneously but to simply be present.
Starting the year on a high note.
Taking time to slow down, engaging in physical activity, being more present - these are all things that spark joy and make us excited to invest in ourselves. Hope your start to 2022 has been wondrous, warm, and wild (in a good way).
Burning incense has been a sacred ritual in many cultures across the globe for centuries. Providing you with an abundance of emotional, spiritual, and physical benefits all while encouraging relaxation for a cleansed meditation. Here’s how you can do the same:
- Set up your space
- Set the right intention
- Select your fragrance
- Burn your chosen incense
As the flame blows out and the smoke curls upwards, witness the release, focus on the fragrance and allow yourself to become fully immersed in the present moment.
When we watch that sunset, gaze at the rippling water, or watch leaves fall from the trees, our attention is drawn to something remarkably beautiful & our response may be one of awe. Studies show that when we feel a sense of awe, we ultimately feel a greater sense of connectedness to nature.
When you settle in, the wildlife call of a bullfrog, the far-away cricket chirps that sound close by, and the melodic three-syllable, sing-song of whistling birds are the sounds that keep you company.
There’s something about the night that makes distant sounds come closer — near sounds grow louder. The unknown, the unseen, and the mysterious create a sense of uncertain wonder and pause.
This is arcana.
Perceiving things through the eyes, or sight, is a complex process. Learn how it can naturally restore focus fatigue.
Seeing is being.
What’s one of your favourite moments at arcana?
📷: @navinsandhu
Windy whistling, snow crunching, someone inhaling the cold air.
The forest is ready to embrace you, without judging, to give power and support. It caresses you with its beauty, sounds, and smells, and it makes you feel alive. Stepping into a forest is like walking through a gate. You leave one life behind to be greeted with peace and fragrant nature. No need to perform or to always try to be perfect. You can just be.
Looks like this year’s prediction of the first snowfall came earlier than expected but, definitely not mad at it.
Winter, we welcome you.
📷 :@kaylaroccaphoto
