Wild nature has profound effects on people. It's quiet - not absent of sound - absent of the noise of modern life in places where people have lost harmony with the rest of nature. 

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Where this harmony still exists, there’s a sense of peace, but you are more aware. You can breathe in the rich scents of the earth; hear the wind dance through trees and the sound of river over rock. Like plants, you are rooted in the earth. When you slow down and lean in, that patch of grass becomes a jungle. You find remarkable patterns and colors. You notice that some plants have hair and what it feels like to run your fingers along the bark of ancient trees. You drink pure mountain water. Respectful encounters with wild creatures bring spontaneous joy.

 

You are connected to all these living beings since life began, billions of years ago. Sometimes all you can do is sit and stare - if you've ever watched the sunset fade away to reveal a sky full of stars, you'll know what I mean - it stirs something far beyond words. Other times the sheer wonder of what you see makes you laugh out loud.
 

This heightened awareness in nature can make you more aware of yourself; what’s locked inside comes out as the outside comes in. It becomes easier to reflect on the complexities of life. There's more space, literally and figuratively, to unwind and reset. You're inspired. New ideas bubble to the surface. Nature increases creativity and happiness while reducing stress, the incidence of diseases, recovery time and violent behaviour (Why we need wild; National Geographic, January 2016).

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As you go deeper into wild nature, you learn how to engage respectfully. You let go of the idea that you need to be comfortable all the time. You learn to leave what is unnecessary and become more grateful for what is. Wisdom is woven in the wild.