It's raining, it's pouring
Water means life. It is probably the most important substance in the world. Before the 1700s, it was considered one of the elements.
Around 60% of our body is water. Water covers 75% of the surface of our blue planet.
For Finns, water is part of our national identity: we get to live in a land of thousands of lakes.
All life goes where the water is. Studies have shown that plant roots are oriented towards flowing water. The same is not true if sound is played from a tape. So, in effect, plants "hear" or sense acoustic vibrations.
Humans are also drawn to the sound of flowing water. It is musical in nature and one of the most popular sounds of nature, which many people like to listen to through headphones before falling asleep. Perhaps dreaming of falling asleep to the sound of the rain on the roof of a tent or cabin.
Why this preference?
The roaring sound of water, whether it comes from a rapids, a stream, a waterfall, rain or waves crashing on the shore, contains all the frequencies in our auditory range, in much the same way that white light contains all the wavelengths. White noise can enhance communication between different parts of the brain and produce a mild hypnotic state of mind that effectively relieves stress. Our brains interpret a steady, continuous sound as non-threatening and therefore relaxing. The sound of water brings joy and pleasure. There is also something of the same about the creative space and the murmur of the stream: flexibility, strength, freedom and clarity.
If you find a babbling brook or a babbling brook on your forest hike, it's worth pause listening to the concert for 5-8 minutes. You can close your eyes and let the sound sink deep into your soul. When you are still and focused, the sound of the murmur washes over you, relaxes and refreshes you. All tensions and worries are washed away from your tissues.
You can also try your hand at participating in a concert by making a sound yourself by joining in the game. Splash, bang stones together, or sing so that your voice resonates with the sound of the water.
Looking at the sea or lake has been described by someone as a basic human need. For the blind, preferably gazing out to the horizon is a sought-after luxury that drives up land prices and is regularly longed for by the landlubber, who often looks back with longing after the summer holidays. Space, freedom, clarity, space, adventure, peace.
Water is also highly sensual. The most complete sensory experience is achieved by immersing yourself physically in water. Nature literally comes to your skin. Who wouldn't enjoy swimming in suitably warm, gently rippling or flowing natural water? You can also wade in a stream or river in sandals, even casually. Wading in natural waters brings back fond childhood memories and maintains not only a connection with nature, but also a healthy microbial balance in the body and thus the immune system.
Water has been recognised as a therapeutic element since ancient times, and the popularity of spas, whirlpools, jets, massaging showers or cold pools is certainly not waning. Winter swimming or cold-dipping continues to grow in popularity and, according to many dedicated practitioners, is particularly beneficial. And there is evidence to support this: cold relieves stress, triggers endorphin production and improves immunity and mood, and boosts the production of brown fat, among other things. However, this pleasure is not for everyone, as cold shock is hard on the body.
It seems that the traditional Finnish tradition of spinning on a snowy slope while taking a sauna is now a less common folklore.
Even if you take off your shoes on a hiking trail and take a moment to dip your toes in a pond or a stream, it's a great physical experience of water. Or even wash your face in it first.
Kneel down, scoop the water onto your face and feel its coolness. Feel the refreshment and cleansing take over your entire being. How does the breeze feel on damp skin?
The experience can be thought of as an initiation into nature and the place in question, like a baptism that conveys a blessing. At the same time, you strengthen your microbiome. This is what it feels like to be alive!
In addition to washing, one of the most powerful experiences of connecting with nature is drinking clean natural water. A well or spring water, a clean lake, quenching your thirst in a mountain stream on a sweaty hike. Aah! There's hardly a more refreshing drink.
Water also has more unpleasant forms. A thunderstorm or autumn drizzle, not to mention the November sleetstorm, is often not considered very invigorating. As autumn arrives, even for me as a summer person, it's easy to find that my outdoor activities start to dwindle and I'm more tempted by a sofa and a teacup than a walk in the grey rain. However, occasionally the desire for comfort and downright laziness can be very rewarding to overcome. A walk in the forest in the rain is extremely refreshing and atmospheric when you're well equipped with waterproofs. For once, you're likely to be completely at peace even on a busy trail. The moist, rain-scented, oxygen-rich air is good and easy to breathe. Rainy nature has a peace, soundscape and scent all its own.
Maybe next time we should try the idea of "Wonderful, it's raining!" a spinal reaction of "Ugh, it's raining again!" when your outdoor plans are threatening to dry up?
Although most forest baths are not actually bathing, the word bath (literally translated from Japanese as "forest shower") is also used to describe a beneficial and holistic immersion in nature. In one form or another, aquatic therapy is part of every guided forest bathing, for good reason.
Water, the oldest of the butterflies. Pee, pee, pom!
