The Idea of the Week
Green space refers to spaces that contain vegetation, which may include trees, flowers, shrubs, and plants.
Green space isn’t confined to just nature and rural areas; we can find green spaces in cities (although, they may be harder to find and not as abundant). Communal green spaces include recreational parks, community gardens or greenhouses, nature reserves, and even urban greenery, such as flowers and plants in the median of highways, trees and shrubbery alongside sidewalks, and flowers decorating the exterior of buildings. Green spaces can also exist in our backyards and inside our homes.
Exposure to green spaces offers an array of benefits. A nationwide study in Denmark showed how prolonged exposure to green spaces is important for people’s health and mental well-being. Green spaces can:
- reduce the risk of developing depression, anxiety, and substance abuse;
- encourage play and exercise;
- provide a space for socializing;
- decrease noise and air pollution;
- help improve immune functioning;
- help with psychological restoration, which means green spaces can provide respite for over-stimulated minds;
- protect against stress-related issues;
- improve the circulatory system;
- boost energy and mood;
- help improve sleep;
- increase concentration;
- and much more!
Practice of the Week
Finding or taking the time to visit a green space can be difficult (for many reasons). So, if finding a green space isn’t the best option, here is an article showing how you can incorporate green spaces into your backyard and inside your home.
Tip: if you prefer plants that are easier to maintain, you may want to check out succulents and terrariums to decorate your home.
Whether you’ve chosen to take a walk in the park, visit a garden, or sit by your indoor plants, the next time you visit your green space, consider forest bathing.
Forest bathing, based on a Japanese practice called shinrin-yoku, is an immersive experience and a mindful process in the presence of nature. As you are surrounded by the greens of nature, cultivate mindfulness by suspending judgment, being fully present, and experiencing with your senses.
News of the Week
Full-Impact Self-Defense Course for Women
“Turn Fear into Power”
As my daughters become young women, I want to give them the best possible tools to navigate this world. I took this course myself in my early 20’s and it was one of the most empowering things I have ever done. 30 years later, my body still remembers what to do. This investment will have a lifelong return. This course teaches women and girls how to defend themselves in the event of an attack. It teaches your body how to remember what to do, in case your brain is offline with fear. Model Mugging is the original, full-force, self-defense program based on martial science and as close to realism as safely possible, Adrenaline Stress Training. Students learn how to harness the power of fear, and find their courage to become their own heroines, not only in class but apply the lessons learned in everyday life.
The tuition price is $595 per person.
July 19th and 20th, 8 am – 6:30 pm on both days.
Click here to register.
The Thought of the Week
Wishing you a peaceful week!
