Showing posts with label nature. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nature. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Positive effects of Nature in humans

Nature holds a captivating power that makes us feel good and contributes to our well-being. From breathtaking landscapes to the smallest intricacies of life, our connection to the natural world has a profound impact on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. There are many positive effects of nature in humans. Here are some.


Physical Health:

The natural world offers numerous avenues for physical activity and recreation, promoting a healthy lifestyle. Engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, or cycling stimulates our bodies and enhances cardiovascular fitness. Also, remember that regular exposure to sunlight also aids in vitamin D synthesis, strengthening our bones and immune system.  

Mental Well-being:

Nature acts as a powerful antidote to the stresses and anxieties of modern life. Being in natural surroundings fosters a sense of tranquility and peace, reducing levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. From a biological perspective, spending time in green spaces can lower cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress, while simultaneously increasing endorphin release, promoting feelings of happiness and contentment.


Cognitive Benefits:

Nature has a remarkable impact on our cognitive abilities and mental acuity. Spending time in natural environments improves attention span, memory, and problem-solving skills. The restorative effect of nature helps replenish our mental resources, allowing us to concentrate better and enhance our overall cognitive performance.


Emotional Resilience:

Nature has the power to evoke profound emotions within us. Whether it's the awe-inspiring sight of a mountain range, the gentle sway of trees in the breeze, or the melodic chirping of birds, these experiences foster a sense of connection, wonder, and awe. Such positive emotions have been linked to increased resilience, empathy, and a broader perspective on life's challenges. Ever watched an ant closely and for a while? 


Healing and Restoration:

The healing properties of nature have been recognized for centuries. Exposure to natural environments has been associated with accelerated recovery rates from physical ailments, reduced pain perception, and shorter hospital stays. The serenity and beauty of nature provide solace and comfort, aiding in emotional healing and providing a sense of hope.


Connection and Social Bonding:

Nature acts as a common thread that connects people. Sharing outdoor experiences with others strengthens social bonds and fosters a sense of community. Whether it'sengaging in group activities like gardening, picnics, or nature walks, or simply enjoying the company of loved ones amidst nature's splendor, these shared moments forge deep connections and enhance our social well-being.


The positive effects of nature on humans are undeniable. From the physical benefits of an active lifestyle to the profound impact on mental, emotional, and social well-being, our connection to the natural world is essential for a balanced and fulfilling life. As we navigate the demands of the modern world, let us not forget to immerse ourselves in the wonders of nature and reap the countless rewards it bestows upon us.



Monday, May 14, 2012

Fall for you





















"fresh air, a garden, kisses, books to read, sheltering arms, a cozy bed..."

Fall colors, Buenos Aires, 2012.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

The Tao






























We recently found a copy of the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tsu. Have you read it? if you haven't, we recommend it. The book was a gift from Michelle's father. In the dedication, he noted that, as a boy, he had the chance to be in a lecture by a famous physicist at the university. He was 16 then. Her father asked the physicist what book would he recommend if he could only choose one. To which the physicist replied: the Tao.

It is, in our opinion a difficult book to understand, at first. Perhaps, a good idea is to read it a couple of times. We value the teachings of the Tao because of how different they are to Western values. We were taught, for example, that when we feel that change is necessary, it can be achieved through effort and perseverance. Contrary to this thought and more aligned with the theory of Acceptance, the Tao, says that we should accept what is in front of us without wanting the situation to be other than it is.

We should study the natural order of things and work with it rather than against it, for to try and change what is, only sets up resistance. It teaches us that nature provides everything without requiring payment or thanks. The idea behind the Tao is to let yourself flow as freely as possible.

Whatever you're trying to accomplish, it will happen more naturally if you stop looking for results and value the "trip", walk that path.

If your mind is calm you will come to "understand" which means "to stand under". Te - which may be translated as "virtue" or "strength" lies always in Tao, or "natural law" in other words: Simply be.

To Westerners who may disagree, or are not willing to accept a different perspective, this may just be a "Chineese tale*"!

But, a good one to think about.



*Chineese tale is the translation for "Cuento Chino" an Argentinian Film with Buenos Aires- born actor, Ricardo Darín




Saturday, February 4, 2012

"dusa"

















It's always good to ask ourselves questions, no? here are some good ones.


Do you live well?
Do you love deeply?
Are you helpful?

and Three more:

Who are you?
What would you like to do with the rest of your life?
How will you do it?

Knowing ourselves is key in order to define what we want and how to accomplish it.

Saturday, January 14, 2012

space and closeness



































"...most humans have two contradictory impulses: we love and need one another, yet we crave privacy and autonomy." - Susan Cain


Photos: Punta del Este, Uruguay. The beautiful countryside, just minutes away from the beach. And the crowds.



Thursday, December 8, 2011

2011



















“A cloud does not know why it moves in just such a direction and at such a speed...

It feels an impulse...this is the place to go now.

But the sky knows the reasons and the patterns behind all clouds, and you will know, too, when you lift yourself high enough to see beyond horizons.”

- Richard Bach

Monday, October 17, 2011

October





















The course of true love never did run smooth.
- William Shakespeare

Friday, August 5, 2011

Happy Weekend!




















Fazenda São Francisco do Corumbau


Need a break? This remote boutique resort surrounded by untouched nature and white sand beaches is an ideal place to enjoy nature, peace and sunshine.

Aside from ocean views, hammocks, and access to the lagoon-style pool, Fazenda São Francisco provides organic produce and fresh fish daily.

How do I get there?

Fly from Buenos Aires to any major Brazilian city and from there into Porto Seguro. Then, drive, fly, or helicopter into Ponta do Corumbau. By car, this trip will take just under three hours.

Enjoy! xx

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

The great Outdoors





































































































Arelauquen Golf and Country Club.

If you are looking for a mix of relaxation, romance and action for your coming vacation, Arelauquen Golf and Country Club is the place to go, specially if you have kids.

Arelauquen is conveniently located 15 minutes away from Bariloche's airport. The property is surrounded by the Andes mountains and the Nahuel Huapi National Park; it's close to Cerro Catedral, Bariloche's major skiing center and in front of Lago Gutierrez. No matter where you stand, there are magnificent views and the most breathtaking sunsets over Lake Gutierrez.

Arelauquen has an office that takes care of all your requests. You can either choose to rent a villa or stay at the lodge. Someone will always be waiting for you on the date of your arrival regardless of the time (I've tested this many times!). You can arrange to hire housekeeping service so you can go out and enjoy your activities, perhaps a romantic dinner with your soulmate? and have everything taken care of when you get back to the house.

There are so many activities in Arelauquen, we recommend you to plan ahead! If you like horses, you can go horseback riding up in the mountains, get ready for the views! they are something hard to describe or even picture. You can take riding lessons, polo lessons or watch polo matches. You can take gym classes or lift weights, choose the kind of massage or treatment you would like to receive at the spa, relax in any of their gorgeous common spaces, swim, rest and/or have a drink in their indoor-outdoor heated swimming pool, practice kayaking, windsurfing or fly fishing, go sailing, go mountain hiking, play tennis or golf and you can also arrange to send your children to the Kid's Club where a similar array of activities are organized for them by very experienced staff, including camping!

Arelauquen's Club House has a living room section, a quiet library "for adults only" (very important!), a TV Room, besides the spa, fitness area, pool and coffee-bar. There is a recreation area for children and teenagers that has ping pong tables, pool tables, "metegol" games (soccer), wii and wii games, and toys and games for little children and toddlers.

Keep in mind that you will need a car to move around Arelauquen and to explore Bariloche and its surrounding areas, such as Villa la Angostura. The villas offered for rent look good in the photos but are always better than that in reality.

Taking all this information into account, you can enjoy a two week vacation and go back home knowing that you'd love to come back for more Patagonia magic.

We've experienced Arelauquen and we highly recommend it.
Co-post: Vale and Mich

Photos 2 and 4: Vale's kids with their grandfather.

Monday, February 7, 2011

JIG, Uruguay




















































































































































VIK - Curiocity's newest addition to their private villas collection, is a one-of-a kind beach paradise with the best location in José Ignacio. Everything about the property is thought-enhancing. From the outside, one cannot help to look at it and then look at it a little more. It just does that to you.

But it's not only the "bizzare" architecture - with the Japaneese -looking grass roofs that has locals raising an eyebrow, it's the interior design, the art, the breathtaking views, the details. The courage to do something that has nothing to do with the rest of José Ignacio. Planet VIK.

There are six villas with two and three en suite bedrooms each.
Three of the villas house two master suites with their own private gardens or terraces, a third bedroom en suite with a living room, two have two master suites with private gardens and living room and one villa has two master suites each with its own private garden. Every villa features a fireplace, art-filled interiors and has a unique design scheme, including Ebony Macassar ceilings, hand painted floors and a remarkable mud adobe fireplace.

Most spaces, a 40-foot long wine cellar or Cava, game room, gym, spa and BBQ dining room feature large glass windows overlooking the beach, the garden, BBQ terrace and fire pit. With its traditional barbeque, the Parrillero terrace also looks out to the beach. The epitome of Uruguayan casual dining on the generous 14-foot cinnamon-wood table, the barbeque area can accommodate from two to sixty guests.

A Brasero, a traditional fire pit, offers comfortable seating of four sides for casual time relaxing in the evenings under the indescribable stars of the Sauthern Hemisphere.

This place is different from every other property in José Ignacio, it's like a spaceship that landed here, unique, daring, and that's a good reason for me to love it, and welcome it and recommend it. You can book VIK through Curiocity Villas for your next luxury villa vacation in Punta del Este. Sit back and enjoy the most beautiful sunsets you have ever seen. If I'm wrong, I'll buy you dinner. Seriously. 

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

weekend escape



















Last weekend was the last long weekend of the year here in Argentina, so Henry and I went to La Pascuala - this little place in one of the Delta islands. It was glorious. If you've ever been to Vietnam, this is kind of similar. Romantic and great for relaxing, nearby the city.

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Iguazú Falls, Argentina












































































We recently came back from another short trip to the jungle and waterfalls. Our trip was spectacular! I already want to go back. My favorites? the zodiacs, the Bird Park in the Brazilian side, and our amazing hotel views!! This last photo is right before we got soaked! these people have no mercy.