Moments in nature offered in peace in the midst of cancer

Recently I took a trip to the west coast of Michigan, where we stayed on a lake. Every morning I woke up and took the kayak out. It was just me, gliding through the water that was often like glass, looking out at the beautiful surrounding trees and bright blue sky.

As I looked up to the sky, I had a revelation. I have suffered from chronic cancer for almost 15 years now. I began to realize how these moments in nature not only soothed my insides, but also comforted me in a way nothing else does.

I also walk outside most days in places where beautiful trees surround me, weather permitting.

I started thinking back to when my father-in-law had cancer. He was never a gardener or spent time in nature, but something triggered him the summer he was undergoing chemotherapy, and he decided to plant tomato plants in pots on his back porch. When I told him I was surprised he did that, he told me he felt good doing it. He couldn’t explain why. My husband also enjoys planting and finds great satisfaction in his vegetable garden.

When I was diagnosed, my husband decided to build a small fish pond to help calm me down. We call it the Healing Pond. He even went so far as to put up a sign on a tree near the pond that read, “Linda’s Healing Pond.” I was very touched and set up a chair near the pond, where I often sat and looked at the beautiful fish and plants in the water. I found it extremely calming and peaceful. Thanks to my watch, I can physically see that my heart rate drops at these times.

So, as my mind works, I was curious if there was any research on the benefits of nature. I found so much scientific evidence to support this that it’s hard to narrow it down here, but I can tell you that it reduces blood pressure, heart rate and stress, and also improves mental health, immune function and sleep. I read this in several articles, so I felt confident in passing on these results. Even if only some of these benefits are true, it’s certainly food for thought, especially if you’re still indoors. It never hurts to give healing through nature a chance. Perhaps it will encourage you to let the beautiful comforts of nature soothe your inner soul, along with other health benefits.

For more information on cancer, research and education updates, be sure to subscribe to CURE® newsletters here.