biophilia

 Friday, October 17, 2025 (6:34 a.m.)

Incredibly Awesome God,

THANK YOU! Deeply. Genuinely. Completely. Thank You.

The phrase “forest bathing” is relatively new to me. The practice? I’ve been doing it for years. Without even knowing it!

Thank You God. Thank You God. Thank You God!

 One description of forest bathing is “an invitation to pause, breathe, and engage with the world around you.” Father, I’ve been instinctively experiencing this since childhood. 

Going out by the swimming pool. Sitting on the diving board. Breathing deeply. Taking in my surroundings. All instinct.

In later years? Knowing I feel my best either in or near bodies of water. From oceans to puddles.

Thank You for this opportunity to come outside with You. Arrange a sitting area that’s easy and provides comfort amid nature.

You are awesome Dear God. And I am grateful. Truly.

Complete with a brand new to me word. Biophilia - an innate and genetically determined affinity of human beings with the natural world.

Oh but wait! There’s more!!

It translates as “love of life.” From the Greek words bio (life) and philia (love). What? Are you joking me?! This just keeps getting better and better!

Coined back when I first unwittingly began practicing it in 1964. Erich Fromm described it as “the passionate love of life and all that is alive.”

Reading more about what it is and why we need it I am truly agog (excited and eager to tell) for the first time in quite awhile. Experts believe that it’s ingrained in our DNA.

Connecting ourselves with nature reduces anxiety, anger and fear while improving creativity and boosting mood. Biologist Edward O. Wilson wrote that frequent contact with nature is essential for brain development.

Father thank You for finding this way to explain why I am so readily drawn to the outdoors. The sights. The sounds. The smells. The feel of the brisk, chilled air on my skin.

According to cigna healthcare, it “can boost our immune systems, support mental and emotional health, create social connections and aid physical recovery.” It “can also help reduce anxiety, improve cognitive performance and make for a better night’s sleep.” One study even showed biophilic environments to improve short-term memory.

It’s been decades since I first positioned a desk in front of an east facing window. Sitting here with You in the early mornings inspires such awe and wonder. Innate biophilia! Even the blues and greens we chose for our walls are known to create a sense of calm.

Father God. I love You. I am grateful to You. Thank You for the sense of awe and wonder that I get from being with You in Your creation. 

Thank You for reminding me that I do truly have a love of life! Teach me to use it well.

Thank You for showing me again that YOU are my main interest in every single day.

♪Looking for a reason

Roaming through the night to find

My Place In This World…

Not a lot to lean on

I need Your light to help me find

My place in this world♪

Do all You must Blessed God. Empower and embolden me in trusting and acting on Your Word.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my [Jesus] name, He will teach you all things and will remind you of everything that I have said to you” (John 14:26).

I love You. I need, trust and want You. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(584 words ~ 8:40 a.m.)