Rediscovering Our Bond with Nature: Reconnecting with Our Evolutionary Roots

Begin With the Sun


In our modern cities, it’s easy to overlook the profound impact of our disconnection from our evolutionary past. As a 38-year-old living in the heart of a concrete jungle, I’ve become acutely aware of the ways in which we’ve lost touch with the rhythms of the natural world that once shaped our existence. In this article, I’ll explore just three vital aspects of our evolutionary nature that we’ve become disconnected from: the ancient rhythms of the sun, the electrical connection with the Earth, and the experience of temperature extremes. Through a blend of scientific understanding and personal reflection, we’ll delve into the significance of reconnecting with these primal aspects of our being.

The Lost Rhythms of the Sun:

There is an undeniable allure to the rising sun, a celestial event that has captivated humanity since time immemorial. We find ourselves naturally drawn to its warm embrace, basking in the golden rays that bring life to our planet. In this fast-paced modern world, however, we have gradually drifted away from our innate connection with the sun. It’s time to rekindle this profound bond and reap the countless psychological and physical benefits that come with it.

When we wake up with the sun, our bodies align with the natural rhythms of the Earth. Just like the flowers that eagerly open their petals to greet the morning, we too can embrace this gentle awakening. This simple act holds the key to unlocking a cascade of positive effects on our well-being.

Psychologically, reconnecting with the sun allows us to tap into a sense of harmony and balance. The rising sun signals a fresh start, a new opportunity to embrace the day with vigor and enthusiasm. As sunlight filters through our eyelids, it triggers the release of serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for promoting feelings of happiness and well-being. Studies have shown that exposure to sunlight in the morning can help alleviate symptoms of depression and boost overall mood levels (1).

Physically, feeling the sun on our skin is a rejuvenating experience. Sunlight is our primary source of vitamin D, a crucial nutrient that contributes to bone health, immune function, and even cardiovascular health. By engaging with the sun’s rhythms, we give our bodies the opportunity to synthesize this vital vitamin, leading to enhanced overall health and vitality.

Our connection with the sun is deeply rooted in evolutionary story. Throughout our species’ history, we have relied on the sun for numerous purposes. From guiding our migratory patterns to influencing our sleep-wake cycles, the sun has played a fundamental role in shaping our biology. Our ancestors thrived in synchrony with nature, rising with the sun and winding down as it descended beyond the horizon.

In our contemporary lives, it’s essential to find ways to engage positively with the rhythms of the sun. Begin by awakening early, allowing yourself to witness the sun’s first gentle rays as they paint the sky in hues of orange and pink. Take a moment to step outside and feel the warmth on your skin, as if absorbing the energy and vitality it provides. Embrace the simple pleasure of a morning walk, immersing yourself in the nature awakening around you.

As the day progresses, strive to incorporate sunlight into your daily routine. Take breaks outside during lunchtime, soaking up the sun’s nourishing rays. Seek out opportunities for outdoor activities, whether it’s gardening, hiking, or simply finding a cozy spot to read amidst nature.

By embracing the rhythms of the sun, you will discover a newfound sense of connection with the world around you. Your body and mind will synchronize with the ebb and flow of nature, allowing you to tap into a wellspring of vitality and inspiration. The sun, our most ancient of ancestors, holds within it the power to ignite the spark of life within each of us. It’s time to bask in its radiance once more.

References:

Golden, R. N., et al. (2005). The efficacy of light therapy in the treatment of mood disorders: a review and meta-analysis of the evidence. American Journal of Psychiatry, 162(4), 656-662.

THE EARTH AND

Our Electric Bodies

Envision the raw power that courses through your body. You are a walking, talking symphony of electricity. From the delicate flicker of neurons firing in your brain to the steady rhythm of your heartbeat, your entire being thrives on electric currents. Yet, in this modern age, we have become increasingly disconnected from the Earth’s electric touch. It’s time to rekindle this extraordinary bond and experience the profound psychological and physical benefits that come with it.

To truly appreciate the marvel of our electric existence, let’s dive into a few details. Every single cell in your body communicates through electric signals. These microscopic messengers zip through your nervous system, ensuring seamless coordination and functioning. Even beyond our cells, our heart generates an electric field that can be detected several feet away from our bodies. We are a living tapestry of electric currents, intricately woven together in perfect harmony and Earth is a major player in that harmony.

When we connect our bodies with the surface of the Earth, a phenomenon known as grounding, “magic” happens. Our bodies find solace in the Earth’s electric energy, aligning with its gentle rhythm. This connection holds transformative benefits for our well-being, both psychologically and physically.

Psychologically, grounding allows us to recalibrate our internal compass, fostering a sense of calm and balance. In the modern whirlwind of technology and constant stimuli, our minds can become tangled, burdened by stress and anxiety. Grounding provides a vital anchor, a way to literally ground ourselves amidst the chaos. Studies have shown that grounding techniques can reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and enhance overall mood and well-being (1).

Physically, connecting with the Earth’s electric charge brings forth a host of benefits. Our bodies, much like electrical systems, can accumulate excess positive charge. This imbalance can disrupt the delicate equilibrium of our cells, leading to inflammation and various health issues. When we ground ourselves, the Earth’s abundant negative charge flows into our bodies, neutralizing the excess positive charge and restoring balance. This process, known as electron transfer, has been linked to reduced pain, improved immune function, and accelerated wound healing (2).

Our connection with the Earth’s electric energy is once again a product of our evolutionary path. Our ancestors lived in close contact with the Earth, their bodies in constant communion with the vibrant energy that pulsed through the land. They slept on the ground, walked barefoot, and embraced the Earth’s electric currents effortlessly. This intimate connection shaped our biology, guiding our evolution over millions of years.

Luther Standing Bear, a Sicangu and Oglala Lakota author, educator, philosopher, and actor, writing in the 1930s, wrote:

“The old people came literally to love the soil and they sat or reclined on the ground with a feeling of being close to a mothering power. It was good for the skin to touch the earth and the old people liked to remove their moccasins and walk with bare feet on the sacred earth…. The soil was soothing, strengthening, cleansing, and healing…. Wherever the Lakota went, he was with Mother Earth. No matter where he roamed by day or slept by night he was safe with her.”

Native American Religion | Native American Spirituality | The Great Spirit (amacad.org)

In our modern world, however, we find ourselves shielded from the Earth’s electric embrace. Our shoes, buildings, and insulating technologies create an invisible barrier that separates us from this vital energy. We can go days, even weeks, without our skin ever touching the Earth’s surface. The consequences of this disconnection are profound, as we yearn for the grounding touch that our ancestors knew so intimately.

To reclaim our electric balance, we must find ways to engage with the electricity of the Earth. Begin by removing your shoes and standing barefoot on the ground, allowing your skin to make direct contact with the Earth’s surface. Take walks in nature, exploring forests, beaches, and mountains and simply remove your shoes.

In our technology-driven world, it’s essential to find balance. Limit the effects of the modern electrical charges by taking breaks from electronic devices, creating spaces in your home that are free from excessive electromagnetic radiation. Engage in activities that ground you, such as gardening, yard yoga, or simply sitting under a tree in stillness and connecting with the Earth beneath you.

By daily connecting with the Earth’s electric energy, you will begin to realign your electrical charges with human’s natural state. Your body will synchronize with the Earth’s electric rhythm. You may experience a profound sense of grounding and inner peace, or you may not right away. This is not a quick fix to anything in particular, but it is a very simple way to improve your mental and physical well-being over the course of your lifetime.

References:

Chevalier, G., Sinatra, S. T., Oschman, J. L., Sokal, K., & Sokal, P. (2012). Earthing: Health implications of reconnecting the human body to the Earth’s surface electrons. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2012, 291541.

Oschman, J. L., Chevalier, G., & Brown, R. (2015). The effects of grounding (earthing) on inflammation, the immune response, wound healing, and prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Journal of Inflammation Research, 8, 83-96.

THE UNCOMFORTABLE NEED FOR EXPERIENCING

HOT & COLD

Close your eyes for a moment and transport yourself to a time long ago, when our ancestors roamed the earth, exposed to the untamed elements. Picture the scorching heat of the sun beating down on your skin, or the crisp bite of a winter’s chill seeping into your bones. These extreme temperature experiences were part of our evolution, shaping our bodies and minds in remarkable ways. In our modern, temperature-controlled world, we have become detached from these natural stimuli. It’s time to rekindle this missing connection and rediscover the profound psychological and physical benefits that lie within the hot and cold extremes.

Our bodies are extraordinary instruments finely attuned to temperature variations. When exposed to high heats, whether in a sauna or on a sweltering day, a cascade of fascinating reactions takes place. As your body temperature rises, blood vessels in your skin dilate, promoting increased circulation and a natural cooling mechanism through sweating. This process not only helps regulate your body temperature but also stimulates the release of endorphins, those delightful chemicals that generate feelings of euphoria and relaxation.

Similarly, when exposed to extreme cold, such as on a winter’s day or in freezing water, your body springs into action. Blood vessels constrict, redirecting blood flow to vital organs and core areas, protecting them from the cold. Your body responds by generating heat through shivering, a rhythmic contraction of muscles that produces warmth. In this frigid state, your body also releases adrenaline, heightening your senses and awakening a sense of alertness and resilience.

The benefits of subjecting ourselves to temperature extremes are backed by scientific research. Studies have shown that regular exposure to high heats, like in saunas, can improve cardiovascular health, increase endurance, and reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as hypertension (1). On the other hand, embracing the cold has been linked to enhanced immune function, improved mood, and even increased metabolic rate, which can aid in weight loss and energy expenditure (2).

This profound connection with temperature extremes is rooted in our evolutionary journey. Our ancestors faced the unpredictable whims of nature, enduring scorching deserts and bone-chilling winters. These experiences sculpted our bodies, conditioning us to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity. However, in our modern lives, we’ve erected a shield against the elements. Air conditioning, heaters, and hot water at our fingertips keep us in a perpetual state of comfort, shielding us from the very extremes that forged our resilience.

To rediscover this missing piece of our natural evolutionary story, we must deliberately engage with the hot and cold. Safely immerse yourself in a sauna, allowing the heat to envelop your body and release the stresses of modern life. Embrace the sizzling summer days. On the flip side, venture into winter’s icy realm. Challenge yourself to plunge into freezing water, feeling the rush of adrenaline and the exhilarating jolt that reconnects you to the primal core of your being.

As you expose yourself to the hot and cold, you can expect some transformative results. Psychologically, you will cultivate resilience and adaptability, drawing from the ancient wisdom encoded in your DNA and the shear mind over matter to subject yourself to uncomfortable temperatures. Your mind will become sharper, your spirit invigorated, and your sense of self expanded. Physically, you will boost your cardiovascular health, strengthen your immune system, and unlock hidden wells of vitality within you. By embracing these temperature extremes, you reclaim a crucial piece of your evolutionary heritage.

While engaging with the hot and cold, it’s important to listen to your body and practice safety. Gradual exposure and acclimatization are key. Start with short durations and gradually increase the time spent in extreme temperatures. Stay hydrated, protect your skin, and be mindful of any pre-existing health conditions.

In our modern world, it’s essential to strike a balance. Embrace the benefits of technology while still honoring the natural temperature variations that shaped us. Open your windows to let in the breeze, take a cold shower to invigorate your senses, or bundle up and venture outside during colder months. Find ways to incorporate temperature diversity into your life, embracing the full spectrum of sensations that our ancestors navigated with grace.

As you reconnect with the hot and cold, you will unlock a profound sense of vitality and resilience. You will awaken dormant aspects of your being, rekindling the flame of your evolutionary journey. Your body will rediscover its innate ability to adapt and thrive amidst the ever-changing elements.

References:

Laukkanen, T., et al. (2018). Sauna bathing is inversely associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in middle-aged Finnish men. Age and Ageing, 47(6), 759-763.

Bouzigon, R., et al. (2020). Health benefits of cold exposure: A systematic review. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 52, 102530.


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