The Healing Embrace of Nature: Discovering Mental Restoration in Hawaii's Landscapes
Holei Sea Arches, Volcano National Park, Hawaii (image by author in Canva)
In the heart of Hawaii, surrounded by the verdant vibrancy and remarkable tranquility of nature, one can't help but feel the pulse of life more profoundly. From the trill of tropical birds blending with the crowing of roosters to the infectious laughter from friendly neighbors, life here is exuberant in its embrace. Engaging with such an environment offers more than just aesthetic pleasure; it's a vital practice for mental health and cognitive well-being, deeply rooted in neuroscience.
Recently, during a hike in Volcano National Park, the stark beauty of the Holei Sea Arches, the historic Pu'uloa Petroglyphs, and the eerie Nahuku Lava Tube served as a vivid reminder of how intrinsically connected we are to the natural world. This twisted, black landscape, though desolate in appearance, was teeming with signs of life and resonated with a profound sense of "mana" — a supernatural or divine power from nature, believed by scholars to be absorbed into a person.
Entrance and interior of the Nahuku Lava Tube (Image created by author in Canva).
Hawaiian tradition, particularly the ritual of placing a child's umbilical cord in a chiseled hole at Pu'uloa to ensure a long life, exemplifies the enduring bond between the islanders and their land. This practice, which continued well into the late 1800s, showcases the deep-seated belief in the healing and sustaining powers of the earth.
A dot was a hole for a child, a dot in a circle was the hole for the first born, a dot with two circles was for a child of an ali'i (ruling chief). The umbilical cord was placed inside to ensure long life for the child. (Image by author in Canva -noted anthropologist Martha Beckwith is credited with the interpretation)
Neuroscience Behind Nature's Benefits
Neuroscientific research has consistently highlighted the benefits of spending time in nature. Natural environments can significantly reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, and enhance mood by lowering cortisol levels and increasing endorphin production. Furthermore, the diverse sensory stimulation provided by natural settings helps to enhance cognitive functions, promoting greater attentional capacity and memory retention.
The auditory landscape of nature, including the soothing sounds of rain and wildlife, has been shown to reduce the brain's cognitive load. This allows for enhanced recovery and rejuvenation of the mind. Visual stimuli from natural environments activate the brain’s default mode network, involved in self-reflection and effective problem-solving.
Practical Applications for Everyday Life
To tap into these beneficial effects, we can integrate nature into our daily routines. This could be as simple as regular walks in local parks or as immersive as weekend hikes in nature reserves. For those with limited access to natural landscapes, even listening to recorded natural sounds or adopting biophilic design elements in home or workspace can replicate some benefits of direct nature exposure.
For mental health, practicing mindfulness in natural settings can amplify the therapeutic effects. Engaging actively with the environment through all senses—not just sight, but also hearing, touch, and smell—can deepen the mental health benefits, fostering a greater sense of peace and groundedness.
As I felt the cool salt air from the waves crashing at Holei Sea Arches and listened to the soothing sound of rain after my hike, it became clear that these experiences are not just passive encounters. They are vital interactions that nourish the brain, soothe the soul, and remind us of the fundamental human need to connect with the world beyond our screens.
Taking care of our brain health does not have to be overwhelming or impossible to find time for. Incorporating the top eight brain health arenas into a lifestyle supported by habits in an evolving approach is made easy by the FITBRAIN framework. Time is your best brain asset when you use it well. Assessing where you are and designing a path to peak brain performance will lead to richer mental health both now and in the future.
To learn more, schedule a free chat with Neeli to get started.