The benefits of nature and green spaces are bountiful. Natural spaces are essential to the planet’s overall health as these places have rich biodiversity, wildlife, produce oxygen, absorb carbon, filter ground water, provide food and medicine, protect against natural disasters, and the list goes on. In addition to aiding in the health of the planet, natural and green spaces are also beneficial to our mental and emotional health.
When on vacation or enjoying downtime at home, consider balancing going on exciting adventures with conscious time dedicated to unwinding. Slowing down and immersing oneself in nature is an incredible way to relax, calm the mind, destress, and rejuvenate. There are many relaxing activities one can do in order to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with nature whether you are solo, with a partner or together as a family.
1) Nature Photography
A guest in 2021, David Greaves photographed some beautiful wildlife on property. He returned in 2022, to lead a Nature Photography workshop.
Recently, David Greaves, founder of Nature Under Your Nose, conducted a beginner’s nature photography class at Hamanasi Resort for guests, staff and Hopkins Village youths. He emphasized the importance of using the activity of capturing wildlife through the camera lens as a way to get into nature, slow down and notice all of the amazing nature right under our noses!
David guided the participants in the photography workshop on a nature hike on Hamanasi property, where the skills he taught were practiced.
After a brief workshop learning about equipment, camera settings and strategies for approaching wildlife, the class set off for a nature walk around the Hamanasi property. With the intention of slowing down and paying keen attention to what was around us, we noticed an abundance of wildlife that may have otherwise been overlooked. We spotted a variety of birds (like the Red Footed Honeycreeper at the top), lizards and bugs, as well as turtles, a crocodile and agoutis! After our nature walk, participants were all smiles as they talked about and appreciated the amount of wildlife they photographed.
Go slow, and discover the nature under your nose!
Nature photography is a hobby that can be accessible to all. While there are cameras and lenses that can cost quite a bit, one can practice with the smart phone in their pocket. The important part is that you get out there to experience and notice the nature under your nose.
2) Forest Bathing
Photo: Chris Raiford
Photo: Elena Ollick
Photo: Rosa Kumar
Photo: Molly Hogan
Forest bathing is growing in popularity and will have you leaving your phone and camera behind. The term ‘Forest Bathing’ comes from a Japanese practice called ‘shinrin-yoku’. Shinrin in Japanese means “forest,” and yoku means “bath”. The concept around forest bathing is to be aware of your five senses while immersing yourself in nature with minimal distractions. You could choose to walk in a forest, on the beach or in a park as long as you have the intention of walking aimlessly, slowly and with a mindfulness towards the sensations of being amidst nature. As you walk, begin to notice the sounds, smells, sights, tastes, and feeling of being in the natural space of your choosing. Listen to the wind rustle the leaves or waves crashing on the beach. Notice the smell of the plants or salty breeze. Taste the fresh air as you take deep breaths. Feel the bark of a tree at your fingertips or sand between your toes. Calm your mind as you think of nothing but happiness.
Nothing is better than a barefoot walk on the beach! Photo: Molly Hogan
Similar to forest bathing is Earthing, also known as Grounding, which is the practice of walking barefoot and connecting to the planet’s natural electric charge. A meandering walk along the beach can be a perfect way to connect. This practice can bring you a sense of calmness, peace, connection and, most importantly, an appreciation for natural spaces that are so essential to healthy people and the planet.
3) Outdoor Yoga
Yoga on the beach is the perfect way to relax while on vacation and stretch before an exciting adventure! Photo: Leah Flores
If you prefer a more active experience, then consider outdoor yoga. Many yoga poses are named after things from nature, for example, sun salutations, tree pose, rabbit or hare pose, pigeon pose, mountain pose, and many more. It makes sense to connect your yoga practice to the outdoors to enhance the benefits.
Nature provides the perfect soundtrack when you practice outdoors. Photo: Ben Kim
Yoga can be practiced anywhere, though you may want to choose a natural space with limited man-made sound pollution. This could be by a lake, in a forest, or on a beach. At Hamanasi we have a beach palapa, only feet from the Caribbean sea. It provides an ideal location to be present and mindful of your practice, as well as enjoy an incredible soundtrack of crashing waves, birds, and coconut palms rustling in the breeze.
4) Go for a Swim
It is hard to describe the amazing feeling you get when you go for a swim. Photo: @Welove
How do you describe that feeling you get when you plunge into a refreshing body of water? It might be the sea, a waterfall pool, a freshwater lake or even a swimming pool. Being in or near water has an inherent way of encouraging feelings of peace and relaxation. Nearly 40% of the human population lives within just over a half a mile (100 km) of a coastline, not including those that live by other bodies of water such as lakes and rivers. There may be more behind this proximity than our dependence on water to drink, food production or transportation.
Jumping in the refreshing Infinity pool certainly has a way of making you smile.
Dr. Wallace J. Nichols studies and describes the feeling associated with being around water and refers to it as Blue Mind. His work focuses on the neurological responses that humans experience when connecting with water, which can have a positive impact on our mental state. It offers a scientific explanation for our emotions in relation to water. When around or in water, one may experience Blue Mind, which is a mildly sedative state characterized by calm, peacefulness, unity and a sense of general happiness and satisfaction with life in the moment.
Swimming in a river produces joy! Photo: Melanie Hollie
Test this theory by sitting along a beach, watching the waves lap at the shore. Jump off a boat into the warm turquoise waters of the Caribbean sea. Plunge into a cool and refreshing natural pool after a vigorous hike. Or even, dip your toes into the water of a swimming pool as you enjoy the sun on your shoulders and breeze in your hair. Take note of how you feel – you may be experiencing Blue Mind.
# 5 Gardening
Guests get their hands dirty as they plant a fruit tree at Hamanasi. Photo: Leah Flores
Another way to connect to nature is to get your hands dirty in the soil while gardening, both vegetables and flowers. This is an amazing way to relax and appreciate nature and potentially produce nutritious and fresh produce for your dinner table! An organic vegetable garden also supports important species such as our pollinators. Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and even bats appreciate the flowering fruits and vegetables in your garden and will benefit you by pollinating your plants, yielding more fruits and vegetables.
Take a garden tour to learn more about our regenerative initiatives and pick up a few organic gardening tips to take home! Photo: Nathan Barrett
Hamanasi has a certified organic garden. During your stay with us take a tour of the garden and learn some useful gardening tips you could bring home with you.
6) Appreciate Natural Beauty
Take a moment to enjoy a sunset with a loved one. Photo: Charles Slessar
Mother nature is a great artist. Much like how you would dedicate time to go to a museum or gallery to look at and appreciate art, try the same approach to appreciating the aesthetics of the natural world. For example, set time aside to appreciate the ever changing light show as the sun rises or sets. Notice and pay attention to the colors and clouds changing and shifting, creating a one of a kind masterpiece. Pair tea, coffee or a refreshing cocktail with the practice to add to the experience.
By appreciating the benefits of our natural world, you’ll be more invested in protecting it. Photo: Tony Masso
We live in a beautiful world. Dedicating time to spend in nature and green spaces solo, with a loved one or your family is a great way to relax and disconnect from the loudness of our daily lives. Whether you prefer a meandering walk, refreshing swim, or productive gardening there are endless activities you can do to get out in nature and appreciate the wonders of our environment. We hope you will enjoy relaxing and reconnecting with Mother Nature, even when you are on vacation!
