Body, Mind, Spirit, and Dirt

I took a leisurely nap out in my grassy backyard earlier this week, and when I woke, I realized that several types of tiny creatures were sharing my sleeping mat with me in the dappled sunshine. A few of these were leafhoppers of brown and green, and had funny up-turned rears that made them relatively adorable, even for insects. I had a small Daddy Longlegs hanging out near the edge of my mat and the grass, and my favorite visitor was a neon green inchworm who was making his way up the back of my leg. I marveled at how I could have turned over thoughtlessly and crushed him, never even knowing he existed, and was so glad I hadn't. Getting up close and personal with these little creatures helps me to feel more connected to the natural world, and nurtures my body and spirit alike.

So many people live such antiseptic, sterile lives. Look at what's available in our grocery aisles: a myriad of cleaners, de-greasers, sterilizers, germ-killers, deodorizers, and physical barriers to place between the natural world and us. We obsess over cleanliness and over-sanitize ourselves and our kids. Dirt and the outdoors has become the enemy, so we shut ourselves into climate-controlled buildings and air-conditioning. Does anyone go barefoot anymore? Does anyone let their laundry air-dry with the breeze and sun? Does anyone spend 10 minutes at the kitchen sink trying to scrub off the garden dirt so they can eat dinner with friends? And by the way, what's so bad about a little garden dirt, anyway?

Living in a world that is literally full of dirt and germs of a million different types can sound scary, but it isn't really. Getting outside and getting dirty, working your hands into the Earth, taking off those shoes and letting your toes breath- these are all things that our bodies need to remain healthy. Using hand sanitizer is counter-productive to helping build a strong immune system with its foundation in wholesome food, fresh air and sunshine, and honest hard work. It can be easier to immerse ourselves in the natural world when we understand it better, and although Lansing has some great opportunities for kids and adults to learn about and appreciate the natural world, all any of us really need to do is go outside for a while. If you use sprays on your grass or flowers at home, these applications are highly toxic and you should instead head to one of Lansing's free parks across the area, listed on the Parks and Rec page. Find a comfy spot and simply sit a while in the grass- not on a blanket, in the actual grass and dirt. Take your shoes off. Lie back and take in the summer sky. Turn over on one side and gaze into the jungle of grass from a new perspective. Maybe, if you're lucky, some interesting little creatures will feel welcome to visit you, as you  connect your physical body to the Earth, and give your spirit some much-needed Outdoorsy TLC.