Canada Day is the perfect time to reflect on the incredible natural beauty that we are gifted with on this land we call home. After spending time in nature I always feel relaxed and reconnected to myself and others. Being in nature has many physiological effects on our bodies - from the sights (the sight of natural environments activate the areas in our brains associated with love) to the smells (phytochemicals released by trees and plant species interact with our own endocrine system), nature works to reduce stress and increase feelings of well-being. Our genus has spent over 2 million years evolving along side the natural environment - it's no surprise that we are so intricately and intimately connected. Search "shinrin yoku" on embodywellness.ca to learn more about this beautiful relationship. (at Toronto, Ontario)