This article reminded me about how powerful it is to take time and pay attention to all your senses in nature. Sometimes it is a personal choice or you are guided to rely on senses you don't usually use by activities such as a blindfold walk, however parks and outdoor spaces can entice you with plantings that smell wonderful or textures that make you want to touch near the trail.
This article shows that certain elements of nature can make a big difference- especially when in high trafficked areas such as playgrounds.
http://www.parksandrecreation.org/2016/January/Parks-That-Connect-You-to-Nature-Through-All-Your-Senses/
As I was rereading the book Your Brain on Nature: The Science of Natures Influence on your Health, Happiness and Vitality by Eva M. Selhub MD and Alan Logan, Nd. I came upon a quote by John Muir that starts off a chapter...although I can't find the authors say the Muir source referenced I am going to write it so I can find where it comes from...and because it reminds me to use my nose.
" The fragrance with which one is feasted in the woods is, like music, derived from a thousand untraceable sources..the whole air vibrates with myriad voices blended that we cannot analyze. So also we breathe the fragrant violet, the rosiny pine and spicy fir, the rich, invigorating aroma of plushy bogs in which a thousand herbs are soaked. "
Thank you John Muir!
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