I found this amazing piece of art called "IT WILL BE OURS".
It was created by Ransom & Mitchell and was inspired by Jonas Salk's quote, "If all the insects were to disappear from the earth, within 50 years all life on earth would end. If all human beings disappeared from the earth, within 50 years all forms of life would flourish."
Why, oh why, does Nature need to reclaim us?
Spending time in nature can make us mentally, emotionally and physically healthier. During times of high stress, being outside can greatly relieve feelings of overwhelm and anxiety. When combined, sun, rain, soil and provide us with a kind of happiness bubble.
In fact, the 2013 World Happiness Report stated that one in ten people suffer from mental disorders, such as depression or anxiety. It is believed the practice of shinrin-yoku, a Japanese term that means forest bathing, has the power to counter depression, anxiety and stress as well as illnesses including cancer, strokes and gastric ulcers. It is also believed that over time, it boosts the immune system, lowers blood pressure and aids sleep.
RMIT University also investigated direct mental health benefits of plants, such as improved mood and concentration, and indirect benefits, such as productivity and positive social behaviour!
They found that with indoor plants there is very little wellbeing benefit in just one plant, but once you start to create a "look" in your space, wellbeing begins to increase significantly.
What's more, complexity matters. The greater the mix of sizes and varietals, the greater the benefits.... see there is a reason we need to create an indoor jungle, one is not enough!
In outdoor spaces such as yards and courtyards, plants have limited ability to improve air quality. However, a good array of plants will still improve wellbeing significantly. Hospitals are now adopting and designing ‘healing gardens’ as a way to offer a space of solitude for their patients to find refuge, putting into practice the research that shows being around nature can help speed up a healing process, with less pain experienced and shorter hospital stays.
We can all harness the magic of plants by creating our own green space, which is why it is so important to take the time to sit with and be in nature.
Are you creating a happiness bubble for yourself and your children?
Are you letting nature reclaim you?