The Brain and Nature
I have made one interesting connection, and it has to do with brainwaves and our brain’s automatic tendency to “entrain” with it’s environment. Daniel Goldman in his book Social Intelligence mentions something called “zeitgebers, those forces in nature that entrain our biological rhythms to their own pace.” An example of this would be (for most of us) our sleep/wake cycles being connected to night and day.
When looking a bit further, I came across an even more compelling example of a zeitgeber. We know that our brains produce brainwaves at different frequencies, and that these frequencies correlate with various mental states. Here they are in fast to slow frequencies (of course there is a lot more involved with each frequency than what is described below):
- Gamma is associated with high focus and concentration
- Beta is associated with day to day concentration, focus, and alertness
- Alpha is associated with rest, relaxation, restoration, and meditation. (Every time you shut your eyes you produce alpha).
- Theta is associated with early sleep and dreaming
- Delta is associated with deep sleep
These frequencies are not associated with any particular regions of the brain, however, if there is an imbalance, for example too much or not enough theta in certain regions, ones mental state is effected.
In the 50’s a German science professor, W.O Schumman discovered that the earth produces a frequency that is the same as our slow alpha waves. These waves are called Schumann Waves or the Gaia Frequency. This frequency is only found in natural places, and we are insulated from it in our homes, cars, and buildings.
That slow alpha frequency is therapeutic for our bodies and minds. If you’ve ever meditated or listened to brainwave entrainment music, you know how calm and regulated your nervous system feels afterwards. Being in nature does the same thing! Since we entrain with our environments, our brains quickly match the frequency of the natural world. This, I believe, is part of why the longer you spend in nature, the more clear, grounded and alive you feel. I also believe the more often you go to a quiet place outdoors, even for short periods of time, the better you’ll feel. Now, combine the natural phenomenon of entrainment with nature with a meditation practice such as a sensory awareness mediation and you've got a powerful antidote for stress, depression, and overwhelm. Stay tuned for more!
Please let me know your thoughts, and I’d love to know about any research that is out there on the effects of nature on the brain.
Comments (18)
This is a really interesting article! I have never heard of the different types of frequencies and what they are responsible for. Interesting!
Thanks Kim!
I've been gathering a lot of information about the way our brain works, and there is still so much to learn! Even our thoughts are physical and vibrate so attracting similar thoughts to us, it is so fascinating...I'm using meditation and also sounds I can listen to, to increase my abilities to focus and improve my awareness. Thanks for sharing! :)
HI Solvita, are you aware of holosync or iAwake?
This is fascinating! It's always nice to hear science back up something that you know from experience to be true. It's been a while since I read Richard Louv's book Last Child in the Woods, but it's really scary to think of how we grew up playing outside until dark, and today's kids spend more time in front of a screen. They need to be in nature to appreciate it!
Thanks so much for doing the research and brining this to light!
Amity, Louve has a new book out called "The Nature Principal" that's quite informative. I'm searching for some good solid research on the brain and nature. Haven't found much...know of any?
This was one of the most interesting articles I have read in a long time. I am fascinated by how you are connecting the dots. I'll be back to read again.
This is most interesting. I have studied a brain science in relation to addictions but I am no expert. I love this stuff though!! And when I have the opportunity I will research more.
This is very fascinating!
Great article. Have not come across anything this interesting in a long tome, will be back for more.
I love this article Michael, I have listened to Holosync for years and love the feeling associated it with it. I think it's so cool that the alpha frequency can be found in nature...it's probably why I love trail running so much :)
Intresting the brain does so much for us!
I just saw a video on YouTube about Schumann waves, and it talked about how people should get outdoors because being indoors blocks the Schumann waves that are good for them. I am glad you wrote this very detailed article about the subject because I am sure there are many people out there that have no idea that these waves exist.
You should read the book, Who Switched Off Your Brain by Dr Caroline Leaf... you will be amazed!
Norma Doiron @ the LEARNED Preneur ╰☆╮
Wow. You've done all this research and know all of these scientific explanations for things...I can only tell you from my personal experience how beneficial being out in nature is - me, my honey and our daughter - even our dog - are all avid hikers. I can tell you when you are out there in nature - at least 50 miles from any cell phone reception - you can literally feel the stress rolling off your body. You start to have creative thoughts again. You don't even realize how much "noise" is in your daily life until you "unplug"!
Interesting! Very interesting. I definitely need to unplug for a bit!
I love this article, Michael. I too have listened to Holosync for quite a few years and love it. I look forward to more of your Amazing posts, thanks!
I love your premise Michael. Nature certainly has a profound effect on the soul, so I have to think that there is also some measurable effect on the brain. I'm looking forward to hearing more from you. I'm also a Holosync fan.