It is deeply been on my own heart for a while to address the epidemic of poor mental health in our society. Depression, anxiety, and loneliness are deeply real. There are a lot of different reasons why someone might be suffering from mental health issues or depression, and no matter how long they have been depressed or how severe the depression is, it is extremely important that we are there for each other during that time. Check in with each other. Invite your friend outside, out for coffee, bring them some flowers or send them a bird song to lift their spirits. There is scientific evidence showing how nature heals. Even a glimpse of green, a fresh breeze, or a short stroll can make a difference.
Recently, I heard a message from the Bible about the prophet Elijah that struck me. Elijah is considered to be admired for his obedience to God, producing miracles everywhere he went and following the word. There is a time in 1 Kings, where even Elijah experiences a “dark night of the soul”. He runs from God and hides in a cave up on a mountain. God sends earthquakes, storms, and fire, yet reveals Himself not through force, but in a gentle whisper that called Elijah out. To me, it seems as though he uses those powerful forms of nature to catch the attention of Elijah, to show God’s miraculous power, and the beauty that nature offers. It ends up drawing Elijah to the entrance of the cave, where God says, and is still small voice, a quiet whisper, what are you doing here? God speaks to Elijah with gentleness and reflection. He’s just there in Elijah‘s darkness.
What I learned from this is that it is totally normal for any human to go through dark times. And our role, as friends and fellow humans, is to be gentle companions—guiding each other back toward light, toward life, often through the simple healing gift of nature. I have found gentleness and nature to be an underlying healing aid both in my own times of depression and in those of my loved ones.
While it may not be the primary mission of Nature’s Playbook, that is my personal “why.” Creating opportunities for people to connect—with nature and with each other—is what drives me to grow this platform. At its core, it’s a circular and sustainable movement, fostering relationships between friends and strangers, small businesses and larger sustainable companies, those who rely on the land and those who seek to protect it, and anyone searching for solace and meaning in the embrace of the outdoors.
Thank you for reading!
Until next time,
PJ