The Biophilia Effect: The Healing Connection Between Humans and Nature

“I Have Hope in My Heart” is a nature goddess painting I created during a difficult time. She reminds me of the beauty and healing power of nature.    © 2017 Catherine Anne Held

I am currently reading the Biophilia Effect: A Scientific and Spiritual Exploration of the Healing Bond Between Humans and Nature by Clemens G. Arvay. Biophilia is a term coined by psychologist Erich Fromm and popularized by biologist Edward O. Wilson to name our intrinsic longing for nature. In Arvay’s book, the Austrian biologist presents research demonstrating that we are genetically wired to respond to nature and that our health not only benefits from our connection with nature but may also depend upon it.

Arvay describes studies of how trees give off biochemical substances that can strengthen our immune systems, the results of a 1984 study by Roger Ulrich showing that viewing a tree through a window can help hospital patients recover faster and even how to create an anti-cancer garden.

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