What is biophilia?

Biophilia- the Love of life and of living objects

is the Love and connection with all the liveliness.

Erich Fromm – a German social psychologist, first used the term in his book “The Heart of Man” (1964) to suggest the idea that human beings are psychologically attracted to Life and living systems.

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Edward O Wilson 1984 formulated the hypothesis that human is naturally/biologically designed to connect with the rest of the living energy in cosmos.

We as a human being have these ‘biophilic instincts’ which unconsciously appear in our thoughts, emotions, feelings, art and even in our values and believes. (Kahn, 1997).

Nature

Nature involves plants, animals, sun, earth, water, wind and other natural objects that contribute to life and living.

Nature refers to ‘Life’ in general as the word nature is derived from Latin word ‘’natura’’ means ‘essential qualities’ and also known as ‘Birth’.

Nature & Health Over 90% of recent survey results are in

favor of Nature’s positive effects on quality of life and wellbeing (Wild life trusts, n.d.)

Nature which indicates life and living, plays a vital role in human psychological health, physical health and overall wellbeing.

Nature is a cure for diseases , as it has healing properties.

It has positive effects on human overall wellbeing.

(Grinde & Patil, 2009).

Nature & health

Study (Grinde & Patil, 2009) further suggests that in this age of materialism, adding elements of nature for instance plants, to the place of living can improve the cognition and emotional process by reducing the effects of environmental stressors, such as distress, anxiety and other mental disturbances.

Plants

Plants are the source of oxygen and foods as well. Studies show that being around the plants overall improves the mental health of a person.

Plants induce positive effects on one’s mood. Being near plants refreshes one’s mind. Plants help human mind to be in the present moment.

Flowers generate happiness, having flowers in home or office improves the person’s mood and reduces stress-related depression.Window views

enriched with plants and flowers are so refreshing and stress reducing that ultimately relaxes the muscle tension.

Plant based foodsPlants are also the source of rich

organic foods which are excellent for our body and health. Plant based foods such as fruits and vegetables are important for healthy living and life.

For example, a coconut has lauric acid (Medium-Chain Triglycerides) also called fatty acid which gives the direct energy to the body and also helps in digestion and weight loss.

Similarly many other foods and vegetables we know like apples, banana, carrots, peaches, cabbage, cucumber etc are rich in nutrients and vital energy.

You probably have heard this saying “An apple a day keeps doctor away”. This is true because apples are rich in fiber and vitamin c. An Apple may also reduce the effects of asthma and Alzheimer's disease. (Sharp,2014).

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In plants deprived cities, installing parks and gardens are beneficial to one’s general health and wellbeing.

the most important component of life and of living

Water is the transparent fluid which forms the world’s streams, lakes, oceans, and is the major constituent of the fluid of the organism.

Recent study suggests that “60% of our body weight is of water”. Our body loses water by sweating, breathing and digesting, so to balance the fluid in our system it is required to increase the fluid intake. (Laskey, 2015)

All of us know that water keeps us fit and healthy in many ways;• it helps in digestion , improves stomach functioning.• water also protects our tissues, spinal cords and joints.•water helps our body get rid of waste materials. • it keeps us hydrated which is important for fresh and healthy skin. (Laskey, 2015)

Ways to Connect with Nature Study demonstrated two ways to

contact with nature; passive and active. Active is walking, running, gardening and passive is viewing nature. (Heerwagen , 2009)

Yoga, meditation, morning walk, breathing exercises and some sports (for e.g swimming) are particular practices to get involved in Nature.

….. (Meditation)

It is the method of consciousness and awareness. A study elaborated a concept ; if we are lacking in mental, emotional, and spiritual part of our life then we are more likely to develop diseases. And if this is true then this “corollary is true also that health can be created and maintained by right understanding and the use of our thoughts, feelings and spiritual insights”. (Meserve, 1980).

….(Breathing Exercises)

Another important way of living or being in nature is to breathe air deeply. Effective breathing is important in maintaining the body balance. Deep breathing improves the blood circulation. In ancient era some breathing exercises were known to be very effective in preventing diseases and boosting the immune system.

Danjeon Breathing exercise

Danjeon breathing technique is the practice of breathing from the Danjeon, in Korean danjeon was known as the region of the body above the pelvis, at the base of the spine. This method was developed by the ancient Korean elites for well being and to bolster the immune system.

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One Research suggests that giving children the opportunity to contact with Nature during school and to conduct school activities in Natural Environment can improve their concentration, learning, confidence and self esteem. (RSPB, n.d.)

Nature is the great and natural source of healthy life and of living. “If we want our future generation to have an environmental conscience we have to inspire in them a love of nature”. (RSPB, n.d, p 12). And Love for nature compels us to live in nature.