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Writer's pictureBield at Blackruthven

Nature as Prescription

The title of this blog is the name of a project being rolled out by WWF (Worldwide Fund for Nature) in their ITV television campaign. This new initiative shines a light on mental health and how nature can be ‘prescribed’ as a healing agent.


I was privileged to be asked to lead a well-being session with one of the WWF staff teams in London last month. In my preparation and reading the latest research on the links between mental health and nature, I was reminded again of the gifts that The Bield can offer to the world. It is often humbling to hear when guests experience God’s healing during their time here, through a deep connection with our natural environment.


The Season of Creation draws to a close this week but our commitment to the health and well-being of our planet should not end. Knowing that the natural world can be a medicine for body, mind and spirit, should (I pray) mean we continue to commit to caring for it. Maybe the notion of reciprocity comes into play here- where giving and receiving become part of our daily lives. Gratefulness for the gifts we have received from trees, plants, flowers, air, wind, water, earth etc. transforms into a love and care for them in action. But how can we act? By using our power of choice as consumers and using our voices and bodies to protect and protest against unjust systems that degrade and destroy God’s good creation.


A few weeks ago, I joined Christians for Climate Action in a peaceful pilgrimage around Edinburgh, with the theme ‘Restore Nature Now!’ Ewan and I were given a banner to carry as we traversed the capital, pausing to hear speakers at key locations and landmarks. On the way we encountered hundreds of people, most signalled their support and some cheered us and the message we were promoting. It was a gentle reminder of the power and necessity of nature for our lives and well-being.

 

“Because all creatures are connected, each must be cherished with love and respect.” Laudato si’


You might like to reflect on your own relationship with the natural world. Have you ever experienced a sense of healing in God’s good creation?


When we love something, we will care for it. Maybe your prescription this Autumn is to spend time with nature in order to deepen your love and care for it.


A Psalm of Praise

Bless, O bless, my soul

The source of all creation

Bless the One whose

goodness abounds

 

Trees whisper their praise

in the movement of

leaf and branch

 

Birds call

feasting on seed and berry

song on the breath of wind

 

River, pond, burn and sea

in movement and stillness

set for good

bringing forth life

 

Sun, moon and stars

waxing and waning

light and shadow

 

Praise for the One

who is all in all

mystery and friend

known yet unknowable

 

Bless, O God, my soul

whose creation

sings its Creator

                                                           

Kirrilee



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