“It is a wholesome and necessary thing for us to turn again to the Earth and in the contemplation of her beauties to know the sense of wonder and humility.” -Rachel Carson, The Sense of Wonder
So what is this crazy new treatment called ‘Dirt Therapy’? Well it’s nothing new, in fact. It’s simply my way of referring to gardening. Why is this ‘therapy’? Getting your hands in the dirt and connecting with the Earth (literally) can instantly change your mood, relieve stress, give you a break from your thoughts and leave you feeling relaxed and energized. Whether you’re planting a flower bed, harvesting veggies or digging in the soil, get in some dirt therapy a few days a week during the summer.
Don’t have a backyard? Plant food indoors, on balconies, in a friend’s yard, join a local gardening program, volunteer at a community garden, help an elderly neighbour plant their flower bed – there are many ways to get your hands dirty.
What are the health benefits?
1. Healthier Eating – if you are planting vegetables or herbs, you will be enjoying the bounties of fresh food all summer long. Garden-fresh foods have high levels of antioxidants and enzymes necessary to combat stresses on the cells, decrease inflammation and reduce the effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on your body.
2. Avoiding EMFs – chances are there are very few sources of EMFs outside compared to inside your home. Giving your body a break from EMFs while getting fresh air allows your body to recover and rejuvenate.
3. Moving Your Body – digging in the dirt is hard work – just ask any child who plays for hours using a spoon as a shovel. Squatting, bending, stretching and scooping – all of these physical movements help to maintain flexibility and joint health. When you are moving around, you have better blood and lymph circulation, which increases energy production in the cells.
4. Resetting Your Inner Magnetism – Reconnecting with the ground helps to rest our body’s own natural electromagnetic frequency by resonating with that of the Earth’s. As a being with an electrical system, we can get out of sync with our natural rhythm because of the influence of so many electrical devices. Here is a really cool recent study if you are interested in finding out more about ‘Earthing’.
Inner Inquiry
- Set yourself up for success with honest answers to these simple questions:
- How often am I physically connecting with the Earth in my current life?
- What opportunities can I create for dirt therapy several times a week in my life?
- How does being outside with my hands in the soil make me feel – physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually?
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