We live in an odd time. On one hand, humanity has conquered so many of the worst parts of our ancestors lives. Humanity used to struggle with issues which are nearly unthinkable today. Imagine seeing your first terminal illness as a first memory. Or watching people fall prey to various forms of illness and accident every few years. Not to mention constant struggles for food and safety.

And yet we still have an odd amount of problems. And most of all, as a culture, we just don't seem very happy. Our ancestors would be shocked and horribly confused by this situation. But the real issue is that some of the most important things aren't easily seen. And in fact, some benefits can seem like a problem when viewed in the wrong light. The real way forward is to rediscover some of the treasures of the past. And to then integrate them with the advancements made in the modern age. Or even to use those modern advancements to discover those same ancient secrets.

Consider an earthing routine

The first and most important discovery is simply that nature and humanity are linked in ways which we're still not entirely sure of. But we don't have to fully understand the why of things to see the benefits. Just walking in the woods offers up a huge number of mental and physical benefits.

But this is also where modern science comes in. Some researchers have been looking into just how much work one needs to put into it. Do people need to burn a huge amount of calories in nature to gain a benefit? Do they need to run trails, walk a long time, or become one of those people who jog in the woods rain or shine? The answer is rather surprising. All of the above will certainly help one's health. But a practice called earthing seems to offer a suggestion of something far easier.

The benefits of earthing are immense. And there's few aspects of one's mental or physical health which aren't improved by it. But all that's really required is taking off your shoes and letting yourself physically reconnect with the earth. The beneficial ions simply balance themselves out as you're in contact with our planet.

Even a small park can offer benefits

One of the great things about earthing is that you don't need many resources. Ideally you should try it in a fully natural environment. But even the smallest park in the world is technically large enough to practice earthing in.

However, Mills End does offer up another lesson about nature. It brought joy to people simply looking out their office window. And we can all do the same. One can often improve their mood simply by looking at nature from a window.

Learn to listen to your body when you're out in nature

Some people have put forward a theory relating to the effect of nature on our mood. They posit an ecological unconscious. It's an awareness that one has of the natural environment. And it's quite distinct to people as they live in an area. We learn to love the greenery and the nature around us. And when we're removed from it our hearts cry out.

And this might well make sense as you gaze out the window at nature. But when you're actually surrounded by it you should pay attention to your body. You'll almost certainly notice some positive changes. Your pulse might slow. Or you could find that your muscles finally start to relax. But no matter what happens, it's almost certain that you'll feel some big and positive changes.

Finding a new balance and a way forward

All of this taken together shows why our culture is in such a rough spot right now. We've become separated from nature and focused too much on technology. But science and technology are themselves pointing out just what we've left behind. The task for all of us going forward is to find a true balance between science and nature.