Energy in the Woods: When Science, Stillness, and Nature Collide

Energy in the Woods: When Science, Stillness, and Nature Collide

Last Friday, during my 4th block class, I wasn’t in the mood to be outside. It had been an emotional week, with the one-year anniversary of the school shooting at Apalachee weighing heavily on everyone. When a coworker burst into my room and said she was taking her students out to the nature trail and invited us along, I was hesitant. My class, of course, got all riled up about it, and eventually, I gave in. She did it on purpose of course.

I didn’t want to go. But I’m glad I did.

Even though it was warm, the moment I stepped under the shade of the trees, I felt a shift. A literal sigh from my nervous system. We've written about forest bathing before, and I know the science behind why nature is good for the brain and body. But this moment wasn’t just academic. It was personal.

Science Meets Stillness: Why Nature Heals

• The Science:
  Multiple studies have shown that time spent in green spaces can significantly lower cortisol levels (stress hormone), reduce inflammation, improve mood, and even boost immunity. Research from the Journal of Environmental Psychology shows that as little as 20 minutes in nature can lead to measurable mental health improvements.
• Electromagnetic Grounding:
  While less mainstream, there’s growing exploration into how electrical charges from the Earth might influence human health. Walking barefoot in soil (earthing) and immersing yourself in natural spaces is believed by some to neutralize free radicals and rebalance the nervous system.
• Heart Rate Variability (HRV) & Coherence:
  Nature has been shown to positively affect HRV, a key marker of mental and physical resilience. HeartMath studies show increased HRV coherence in people who experience awe in natural settings.

The Energy Angle: Inspired by My Family

My aunt and uncle own and operate Inner Quest Church, a space focused on energy healing, spiritual growth, and connection. While I’m not affiliated with the church, their work has influenced how I’ve thought about energy over the years, not in a religious sense, but in a human sense. We are emotional, physical, and energetic beings, and we often forget that environments can impact how we feel and function.

Whether you call it grounding, God’s presence, vibration, or vagus nerve activation, the effect is real.

Practical Microadventures to Reset Your Energy

If you’re navigating a stressful season (or just a stressful week), here are some EverTrail™-style practices to tap into the restorative power of nature, no special gear, experience, or belief system required:

🟢 Find a Tree and Stay a While:
Pick one. Sit under it. Lean on it. Breathe. Give it 5–10 minutes without scrolling or rushing.

🟢 Practice “Wide-Angle Awareness”:
Instead of focusing on your to-do list, let your eyes soften and take in the whole scene around you. This helps the nervous system shift from fight-or-flight to rest-and-digest.

🟢 Walk Barefoot in the Grass (or Dirt):
Even a few minutes walking on natural ground is believed to reduce inflammation and increase calm.

🟢 Do It With Others:
Nature connection is even more powerful when shared. Invite your kids, a co-worker, or a friend. You don’t need a plan. Just step outside together.

Why This Matters

Healing, especially after trauma, isn’t linear, and it doesn’t always happen in therapy offices or support groups. Sometimes it happens in the woods behind your school. Sometimes it happens after someone interrupts your routine and asks you to come along. Sometimes it just happens when you’re ready.

EverTrail Co.™ was built on the idea that adventure can be a path to healing. Whether it’s walking through a state park, fishing at a creek, or sitting in your backyard with your shoes off, it all matters.

No Affiliations, Just Inspiration

As mentioned, I have family involved in Inner Quest Church, and their work around energy and healing has always been fascinating to me. While I’m not connected to them through EverTrail Co.™, and this isn’t a spiritual endorsement, I respect how their mission centers around making healing accessible to all. It aligns with what we believe: the outdoors can be medicine. Connection is powerful. And you don’t have to be perfect to seek peace.

Call to Action

🌿 Need a reminder to step outside today?
Let this be it. Your body, mind, and soul are wired for connection, and sometimes, the best way to reconnect is through the trees.

 

🛒 Explore gear that inspires that mission at EverTrail Co.™

Not just apparel. A lifestyle. A movement. - https://evertrailco.com/

 

➕ Learn More About Inner Quest Church

Want to explore more about their holistic energy work?
🔗 - https://www.innerquestchurch.org/