BY NORAZILAWATI MD DAHLAL Institute of Halal Management, Islamic Business School, Universiti Utara Malaysia( UUM)

NOOR YUSLIDA HAZAHARI

MUHAMAD IRFAN MD ISA

International Institute for Halal Research and Training( INHART), International Islamic University Malaysia( IIUM)

But how long does this calm truly last? Despite the beauty of nature, many of us return from outdoor escapes, still feeling anxious and unsettled.

In today’ s fast-paced world, chronic stress has become a common occurrence. According to the 2023 Gallup Global Emotions Report, 41 per cent of people worldwide felt high stress the day before being surveyed.

Unsurprisingly, wellness retreats and nature escapes are on the rise, but their effects can be short-lived. Naturebased practices, such as forest bathing, mindful walking, and eco-therapy, are gaining popularity, and science supports their numerous benefits. A study in Science Advances found that just two hours a week in nature can significantly improve mental health. But is there more to nature’ s healing than just a temporary break?

Across cultures, nature has long been seen as more than a beautiful backdrop. It is a space for reflection and awakening. The landscapes and rhythms of the natural world often echo our inner lives, reminding us of values, purpose, and balance. This article examines how nature, when approached mindfully, can foster emotional resilience, clarity, and meaningful growth.

BEYOND SCENERY

Nature has a unique power to calm and inspire. The vastness of the night sky, the steady rhythm of waves, or the silence of a mountain can stir deep reflection. These encounters often prompt questions about who we are and what truly matters. When we approach nature with mindfulness, it transforms into a space for personal growth.

Walking through a forest can spark thoughts about patience and change. Watching the seasons shift may mirror

our own experiences of loss and renewal. Science backs this up. Studies show that nature lowers stress, lifts mood, and improves overall mental well-being( Bratman et al., 2019). Many people also report feeling more grounded and connected after spending time outdoors.

Nature teaches resilience. Adapting to weather, navigating trails, or sitting in solitude can push us out of our comfort zones and reveal inner strength. These experiences often lead to greater clarity, gratitude, and a deeper sense of peace. In this profound sense, nature transcends scenic beauty, functioning instead as a reflective mirror that offers clarity, guidance, and the insights we need to heal, refocus, and grow.

COMMON CHALLENGES

Despite its potential, modern nature therapy is not without pitfalls. Many approaches fail to foster lasting change or deep reflection. Here are five key challenges:

Surface-Level Engagement: Many people limit their engagement with nature to visual enjoyment- photos for social media or casual strolls. Without mindful attention, the more profound benefits are lost.

Commercialisation: Nature is often marketed as a lifestyle product, focusing on luxury and aesthetics instead of genuine connection or healing.

Cultural Misalignment: Some practices borrow from spiritual traditions without proper context, leaving participants unsure about how to integrate them with their values.

Relaxed Boundaries: Certain wellness spaces may overlook important ethical or behavioural norms, making some individuals feel excluded or uncomfortable.

Digital Distraction: Phones and technology can interrupt the very stillness nature offers. True immersion is hard when attention is split.

These issues highlight the need for a more intentional, values-driven approach to engaging with nature that fosters emotional, mental, and even spiritual well-being.

VALUE-ORIENTED

True healing goes beyond a temporary escape from life’ s pressures. It reflects a journey of realignment- of the mind, body, and inner values. When nature is experienced with intentionality, it becomes more than just a peaceful setting; it becomes a powerful space for rest, self-reflection, and meaningful growth. Whether one comes from a secular, cultural, or spiritual perspective, the following three-step framework can help deepen one’ s connection to the natural world:

1. Knowledge and understanding Healing begins with awareness and curiosity. This involves observing nature and reflecting on its rhythms and lessons. The changing seasons, the delicate balance of ecosystems, and the quiet persistence of growth all hold metaphorical insights relevant to our lives. This phase can be enriched through reading, journaling, or engaging in conversations exploring nature’ s symbolic meanings and our responsibilities toward the environment.

2. Mindful experience The second stage calls for mindful presence. Being in nature is not merely a physical act but also an emotional and mental experience. Walking becomes more powerful when we slow down and pay attention to the textures of bark, the scent of fresh earth, or the dance of sunlight through leaves. Reflecting on nature’ s resilience in the face of storms, its beauty in seasonal change, and its constant renewal brings inspiration. Activities such as deep breathing, silent observation, or expressing gratitude further deepen this experience, allowing nature to speak to us meaningfully.

3. Deeper realisation and alignment At this stage, nature’ s influence begins to inspire lasting internal change. The calm and clarity cultivated outdoors translate into everyday habits of patience, mindfulness, and compassion. Healing becomes less about momentary comfort and more about developing a grounded, intentional, and values-driven way of life. For some,