Flourishing: The synergy of planet, health, and optimism
By Dave Nelson
We Canadians cherish and take pride in the breathtaking beauty of our nation—from the rugged coastlines and boreal forests, to the great plains and majestic Rockies. However, to truly appreciate the nature around us, we need to understand the deeper bond between us and the Earth that lies beneath these mesmerizing green spaces—a connection that directly affects our health and well-being.
The idea isn’t merely romantic; it’s science. It is becoming increasingly clear that our well-being mirrors that of our planet. And it will be important for us to keep these things top of mind and top of heart in the years to come. This can only be done by understanding these connections and cultivating natural resources with a relationship-first approach so that we can create a future that’s not only positive but also one that helps us all flourish.
Everything around us, from the air we breathe to the water we drink, stems from the health of our planet. When we exploit our resources and each other, it not only affects the quality of these essential elements but also leads to events that have a direct impact on our long-term mental and physical health. Just as we feel frayed and off-centre when we are unwell, the Earth too sends out signals of distress. We have to tune in to what these signals are and by acknowledging them, we can take the first step in healing both ourselves and our planet. Health is not the mere absence of disease, but the presence and expression of vitality—and any vitality framework moving forward has to include the Earth.
While the ideology of planetary health sets an outline and approach in motion, it is our daily lives and choices that we make that bring these ideas into sharper focus. For example, lifestyle medicine emphasizes preventive measures over cures. It’s not just about eating our greens; it’s about reducing stress, being active, getting adequate sleep, and nourishing our minds. Let’s explore the example further: when we harmonize with nature by spending more time outside; when we opt to eat fresh, local food; and when we choose supplemental options for health and healing, wisely sourcing our natural health products from companies that take nature into consideration, we are tapping into Earth’s ancient wisdom.
In the face of adversity, Canadians rely on their resiliency. We need to invest in that trait now. Being resilient does not happen by accident, it takes an informed approach, one that might come with challenges. To encourage each other to be resilient includes encouraging each other to invest in our health and the health of others, our communities, and the planet. Through the community support and a planetary health lens, we and the planet can thrive. Just like a tree bends but does not break in a storm, we too can adapt and grow stronger from our experiences.
Imagine a world where we’re not just surviving but prospering. It might seem like a far-off dream, but it’s a vision within reach. When we connect the dots—planetary health, lifestyle medicine, resilience, and natural health products—we're not just sketching a better future, we’re making it a reality.