Posts tagged 'Native American Indians'

From an early age, I have been captivated by the rich range of cultures that populate our planet. This fascination led me to pursue a three-year study in cultural anthropology as I grew older. There is one culture that resonates with me on a profoundly personal level: that of Native American Indians. My fascination with their history, traditions, and ways of living has shaped not only my understanding of our shared humanity but also my approach to health and wellness.

The fundamental idea embedded in Native American life is that "We are the Land." The Earth is not a separate entity from ourselves, but rather, it is a significant, dynamic, and real part of our being. This knowledge is not associated with romanticized sentiments towards nature, but rather, it is a matter of fact that is known from infancy and remembered at levels of awareness beyond consciousness. Forest Bathing practices in North America, Australia, and New Zealand promote the recognition of ancestral lands, acknowledgement of historical wrongdoings, and the recognition of indigenous people's symbiotic relationship with nature. Despite a decrease in perceptions of connection with nature in modern Western society, studies have shown that a high level of nature-connectedness is beneficial for mental, emotional, and physical health, as well as environmental behaviour.