To close out Mental Health Awareness Month, I thought I would share some important intel from Sara Schulting Kranz, my guest editor for May! Sara is a multiple trauma survivor, certified wilderness guide, and thought leader on the healing powers of nature. Her mission is to guide others on their healing journeys and inspire people to live their lives boldly. I think her interactive workshops, retreats/programs, new book, TEDX talk, and podcast are great resources for anyone on the path to forgiveness, healing, and growth.
Read on to find out how Sara reinvented her life at 40 and how you too can harness the healing power of nature in order to become the person you aspire to be. As a huge nature-lover myself, I find this topic to be very helpful, and hope you enjoy reading about it too!
XxMelissa
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Read the guest article below by Sara Schulting Kranz (featured in photos).
Nature has always been my go-to therapy. At 48 years old, I’ve experienced a tremendous amount of trauma in my life, just like I know so many of you reading this may have as well. When I need to slow my brain, find clarity, and reset my world, I go outside. I paddle with dolphins and whales. I hit a trail in the mountains. Or I walk to the beach and put my feet in the sand. Grounding our body, mind, heart, and soul to the earth recalibrates our internal world.
Nature has saved my life, and it’s become my calling to share what I have learned with others. Today, I guide men and women through their life-changing healing journeys using water healing in Alaska, and land healing in the Grand Canyon.
One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that the solace of nature is available to us all, regardless of where we live. Start each day by walking outside and looking at the clouds. Take notice of the birds and how they glide in the wind. When in meetings during the day, or if you begin feeling stressed, hold onto a stone and use it as a reminder of that special day you had in nature. Our spirits are amazing and can take us back to the peaceful memories you hold in your heart. If you are in the car and feeling anxious, just listening to nature sounds from an app on your phone invites calm to the moment.
Here are five ways that nature is good for you.
NATURE CLEARS YOUR MIND: No doubt, we have become a society that is addicted to technology. According to eMarketer.com, adults spend over 12 hours and 7 minutes each day consuming media. Our frontal lobe is inundated with information. In nature, we are disconnected with technology and connected with the outside world. Thus, our frontal lobe slows and is given much-needed time to rest. At the same time, our cerebellum steps up, inviting creativity and peace.
NATURE SHIFTS YOUR PERSPECTIVE: There is nothing greater than seeing an adult who notices something for the first time. If it’s a cloud that looks like an animal, colorful butterflies, singing birds or a Sundog in the sky. We are given the opportunity, in nature, to view what we otherwise don’t see behind four walls. Emotionally, in the moment, we are allowing ourselves to feel awe. And according to a recent study by UC Berkeley, awe—as opposed to joy, pride, amusement, contentment and other positive emotions—is the singular sensation that goes the furthest in boosting one’s overall sense of well-being.
NATURE INVITES YOU TO BE PRESENT: Without the constant struggle of time and schedules, we are given the opportunity to simply be present in the moment. There are no meetings, kids to tend to, permission slips to sign, or emails to return. Instead, we are provided the opportunity to simply be with who we are in the moment.
NATURE HELPS US PROCESS EMOTIONS: For our own mental, physical, and emotional well-being, we must be able to feel our emotions in order to heal. Yet, this can be scary to do. We fear judgment or shame if we suddenly begin crying or releasing anger. The beautiful thing about being in nature is that she doesn’t judge. Allowing ourselves to process emotions while hiking in the forest is so freeing and natural! The forest and wilderness becomes our sacred container to release our emotions, while also providing the beauty of avast world that we live in.
BEING IN NATURE LESSENS OUR PTSD AND ANXIETY: Allowing our minds to slow down and our bodies to live in the present moment is key to our overall health. According to UC Berkeley research, a week after river-rafting, study cohorts reported, onaverage, a 29 percent reduction in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, a 21 percent decrease in general stress, a 10 percent improvement in social relationships, a 9 percent improvement in life satisfaction and an 8 percent increase in happiness.
Studies published in Environmental Science and Technology found that getting outside for as little as five minutes per day improves both mood and self-esteem. My hope is that you get outside today and experience the benefits yourself. Whatever you choose to do today, get outside and take care of your whole human wellness. You are worth it. I believe in you / us ... always.
xo Sara
Interested in learning more and being guided on a healing retreat in the Grand Canyon or Alaska? You don’t need to be an athlete or experienced hiker. You only need to be willing to have a life-changing experience. Both programs include three months of coaching and a 5 or 6-day retreat filledwith adventure, energy healing, coaching, and deepening your love of self with a community of like-minded men and women. If you feel called to reach your goal and become a part of this journey, click here to learn more: Grand Canyon and Alaska Healing Retreats
Subscribe to Sara’s newsletter here: saraschultingkranz.com.
Watch Sara’s TEDx talk on Forgiveness here: TEDx Talk on Forgiveness
To become a part of Sara’s “lovers of nature” community, follow along on social media for your daily inspiration.
IG: @saraschultingkranz FB: Sara Schulting-Kranz
If you like this article, check out my recent blog post, “Top 10 Tips For Managing Stress.”
