The Wild Hunt (https://wildhunt.org/tag/nature)
New research suggests the healing effects of forests may not come from tree scents alone. A study on essential oils found little measurable benefit, reinforcing growing evidence that immersion in living ecosystems, not bottled nature, may be what truly restores human well-being.
“If someone had ever asked me if I thought of myself as an animist, I’m sure I would have said yes,” writes Eric O. Scott. “But I don’t know if I really understood that commitment until I bonded with Friend Tree, and didn’t confront its implications until his time was at an end.”
New research argues that modern humans are biologically mismatched with industrial life. Scientists suggest our bodies evolved for forests and open skies, not cities and screens. Chronic stress, weakened immunity, and falling fertility may reflect this deep separation from nature.
A new study finds humanity’s connection to nature has fallen by 60% since 1800, driven largely by urbanization and weakened family transmission. Even more challenging is that reversing the decline may require a tenfold increase in green space. But changing language might help as well.
The horizon promised forever, with the land in between rich with life and beauty. The Divine Mother was present everywhere in those fertile fields, hills, and mountains. The endurance of the land and the creatures and spirits who dwell there filled me with awe.