The Loss of our Connection with Nature as South Africans

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Plant and aquatic life in South Africa is depleting but we can implement changes. 
Many parts of South Africa are now concrete jungles especially in the cities. I will talk about how living in the city has corrupted our minds to forget our source of nurturing and sustainability.
We have fewer trees and plant life in our towns. The pollution and carbon footprint are so high our air is to a degree toxic, that is why more people contract certain illnesses because there are not enough trees to purify the air of these emissions. Not only do plant life provide oxygen but they also release chemicals in the air that stimulate physical and spiritual healing. This is why therapists of mental illness patients would recommend they spend time in nature because nature induces feel good hormones.

Being African, we are inherently connected to nature and ancient Africa taught this more than theory, to be one with nature. Earth is living a organism and we are part of its living cells so are all other animals, plants and aquatic life. The abandonment of soil and trees for tar and bricks unbeknownst to most is toxifying ourselves. We may eat healthy, exercise and drink adequate amounts of water but the environment also plays a huge factor in our health. According to American Psychological Association, exposure to nature has been linked to a number of advantages, from taking a stroll through a park to going on a day hike in the wilderness. These advantages include better attention, less stress, better moods, a lower risk of developing psychiatric disorders, and even increases in empathy and cooperation. The majority of studies to date has been on green areas like parks and woods, but now scientists are starting to look into the advantages of blue spaces, or locations with views of the ocean and rivers. However, because nature comes in a variety of forms and sizes, psychological study is still developing our knowledge of its potential advantages. In the process, scientists are laying out a roadmap for decision-makers and the general public to better access Mother Nature's curative abilities.

What would be part of a solution is to plant more trees and plants in visible and invisible open/public spaces and residential occupations. Plant, plant and plant more trees in our parks. To maximise our health we need to also visit rivers and oceans. Let us go back to our ancient African ancestral practices of taking care of nature and it will take care of us too. Mother earth needs us and we need it even more. Organisations like Greenpop, Save our Planet - plant a tree, Community Tree Planting; help with restoring nature by planting and taking care of our greenery. 




Written by Lerato Lilly Shihambe, newly awakened activist
Connect with on IG @lee_lee_solo and FB Lilly Shihambe

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