Big Feels: Nature as Medicine
In this week’s episode of Big Feels, we’re taking you outside—literally and emotionally.
I’ll never forget the first time James and I went on a hike together.
He told me later that he was feeling anxious before we even started—he had this image of me in his head, wasn’t sure what to expect, and we hadn’t really connected deeply yet. But then we hopped in my golf cart (as one does 😄), rode over to the trail, and within just a few hundred meters, everything shifted. The nerves melted away. We were just walking, talking, sharing stories… and healing.
That’s what nature does. It grounds you. It softens the edges of your stress and creates space for presence, connection, and calm.
In this week’s episode of Big Feels, James and I dive into the healing power of nature and how it’s become one of my biggest mental health tools. And the best part? It’s free. It’s always around us. Whether you're surrounded by trees or stuck in the middle of a busy city, nature finds a way in.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or just in need of a deep breath—this one’s for you.
🎥 Watch the full video here:
Key Takeaways:
🌿 How even a short walk can shift your mental state
💧 The healing power of water—lakes, oceans, or even cold showers
🌆 How to connect with nature in an urban environment
🧠 Why nature is a non-negotiable tool for mental health and grounding
👣 Simple, free practices like barefoot walking or mindful listening
Who It’s For:
Anyone feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected—and looking for a gentle, accessible way to return to themselves through the healing force of nature.
Why Nature Is Non-Negotiable for Me
Every single day, I need to step outside—even if it’s just for a moment. I’ve chosen to live in places where I’m surrounded by nature because it’s been so healing for me. The sound of birds, the wind through the trees, the feeling of the earth beneath my bare feet… it’s all part of how I care for my mental health.
And if I can’t get into a forest or jump into the ocean (which is my favorite!), I’ll take a cold shower or plunge, or simply let fresh air in through the window. Nature doesn’t have to be grand or dramatic—it can be subtle, simple, and still incredibly powerful.
For those of you in big cities or colder climates, I see you. Even there, you can create moments of connection:
🌬 Open the window and feel the air
👂 Tune into the sounds around you—yes, even the honking horns
🪟 Let the light in and be mindful of what you notice outside
Our Brain is the Biggest Healer
When I spoke with Kelly Gores, writer, director, and the producer of the award-winning Documentary, HEAL, we discussed the amazing healing powers of the brain to ignite the body's natural healing capabilities, through the mind-body connection. Even in the science of placebos people have found healing because of the brain's powerful connection to the body.
Spending time in nature supports the mind-body connection in a deeply integrative way—it’s one of the most accessible, powerful tools we have to promote whole-person healing. Here's how they all tie together:
🌿 1. Calms the Nervous System (Body → Mind)
Nature activates the parasympathetic nervous system—the “rest and digest” state. This helps lower cortisol (the stress hormone), reduce heart rate and blood pressure, and ease physical symptoms of anxiety. When the body relaxes, the mind follows.
Think: your muscles unclench, your breathing slows, and suddenly your thoughts feel less chaotic.
🧠 2. Regulates Emotions and Improves Mood (Mind → Body)
Being in natural environments increases serotonin and dopamine—neurotransmitters that support mood and mental well-being. This mental shift can then influence physical well-being: better sleep, improved digestion, even pain reduction.
A positive mindset doesn’t just feel better—it actually helps your body function better.
Getting natural light has the added benefit of improving chances for better sleep. In my conversation with Dr. Anna Cabeca (The Girlfriend Doctor) she shared about how we become much more sensitive to cortisol and cortisol spikes as we get older. Getting out in nature and experiencing natural light helps to balance out that effect by improving our circadian rhythm.
🌬️ 3. Encourages Presence and Grounding (Mind ↔ Body)
Walking barefoot, feeling the breeze, hearing birdsong—all these sensory experiences root you in the present. This grounds the nervous system, reducing dissociation and looping thoughts (common in anxiety or trauma). Your body anchors your mind in the now.
When you ground through your senses, you're rewiring your brain for presence and safety.
Do you know how to listen and connect with your body?
Alexis Artin shares how to live embodied:
"We're spiritual beings having a human experience, and we're having that experience in a body..."
💧 4. Facilitates Somatic Healing
Somatic healing (healing through the body) often uses tools like breath, movement, and environmental awareness. Nature invites gentle movement (walking, stretching), deep breaths (fresh air!), and a sense of spaciousness—all of which help release stored tension or trauma in the body.
Nature invites you to move and breathe differently—key parts of trauma recovery and emotional regulation.
Concentrating on breathing can help us to connect with and stay in the present moment. I love this mini-body scan somatic practice Erin Treloar shared with me to help tune into emotions in the body:
✨ 5. Reminds Us We’re Part of Something Bigger
On a soul level, being in nature reconnects us to the cycles of life, stillness, and awe. This kind of connection can be deeply healing for mental health—reducing feelings of isolation, shame, or disconnection that often come with depression, anxiety, or grief.
Healing happens when we feel safe, connected, and part of something greater than ourselves—and nature gives us all of that.
I have to share this conversation I had with Sahara Rose about finding wholeness in the places where we feel fragmented, and about living your dharma and being true to yourself:
"You have a unique place on the planet; you are part of a greater jigsaw puzzle."
🧘 Final Thought:
The mind and body are not separate—they’re in constant conversation. Nature speaks fluently to both. That’s why even a few minutes outdoors can shift everything: your breath, your posture, your thoughts, your mood. It’s a reminder that healing doesn’t always have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s as simple as stepping outside.
Do You Have a Moment? Let's Take a Few Deep Breaths Together 💚
Let’s keep the conversation going.
What’s your favorite way to connect with nature? Drop a comment below or tag us on Instagram @TheBigSilence with your favorite outdoor ritual.
#BigFeels #TheBigSilence #NatureHeals #MentalHealthMatters #MindfulLiving
BIG FEELS FEEDBACK
How are you really feeling? We'd love to hear about your week, or share your favorite tools for the week in the comments!
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