Humans are embedded in the web of life, made of the earth, and deeply dependent on the earth for physical, emotional and spiritual health.
The Origins of the Atoms in our Bodies
When we examine where origin of the atoms of iron that make our blood red, and the calcium which make our bones and teeth white we find that they were produced 5 billion years ago when giant, aging stars collapsed in spectacular supernova explosions. These stars originally contained only hydrogen and helium – the simplest and lightest elements. The enormous heat generated during these explosions caused the simpler atoms to fuse to form all the heavier, more complex atoms. During the explosions, these atoms were then scattered across the universe and recycled into new stars, planets, and eventually all life forms.
Every day, seven percent of the proteins in our body are broken and replaced with materials from the surrounding environment. Every five days we get a new stomach lining, a new liver every two months, and new skin every six weeks. Each year, 98% of the body is replaced with the atoms and molecules in the air we breathe and the food we eat. [i]
Johnson, Elizabeth. Women, Earth and Creator Spirit. New York: Paulist Press, 1993.
The Circle of Life
David Suzuki “The substance of our species comprises the atoms and molecules of every generation of life since the first cell on Earth and will become the compost for all future life forms.”
Suzuki, David and Anita Gordon. It’s a Matter of Survival. Toronto: Stoddart Publishing Co. Ltd., 1990.
Genetic Similarities
The same 4 molecules – guanine, cyanine, adenosine and thymine – make up the DNA of every single life form on earth. They are just arranged in different patterns.
Fox, Matthew. Creation Spirituality: Liberating Gifts for the Peoples of the Earth, San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1991.
Similarities between Humans and Plants
Humans also share strong similarities with the plant world as seen when we compare the molecular structure of chlorophyll (the molecule in which photosynthesis occurs and the basis of all food chains) to that of hemoglobin (which allows us to use the oxygen in our blood). These molecules are practically identical with the exception of one atom –the iron found in hemoglobin is replaced by magnesium in chlorophyll.
Fox, Matthew. Creation Spirituality: Liberating Gifts for the Peoples of the Earth, San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1991.
Findings from Quantum physics
Quantum physicists are even finding evidence of strong connections at the atomic level. Quantum theory demonstrates that every particle in the universe is composed of an energy that pulses and interacts with other parts of life.
Rupp, Joyce. The Cosmic Dance. Maryknoll, New York: Orbis Books, 2002.
Impacts of Exposure to Nature on Mental Health
A forum in the UK on Urban Greenspace and Mental Health in September 2005 presented evidence that mental health and physiological well-being is impacted positively when individuals are in contact with nature. They pointed to studies in the USA that demonstrated that stress levels return to normal within three minutes of being in green space whereas recovery time in a built-up area is 25 minutes. The direct mental health benefits of exposure to nature include improved self-awareness, self-esteem, self-concept, and positively effected mood state; a reduction of negative feelings such as anger, fear, anxiety and frustration, an improved ability to recover from stressful episodes; the effective alleviation of the symptoms of anxiety, depression and psychosomatic illness (including irritability, insomnia, tension, headaches and indigestion); improved psychological health, especially emotional and cognitive aspects (including reduced symptoms of ADD) and a restored capacity for concentration and attention.
UK-MAB Urban Forum December 4, 2005. www.ukmaburbanforum.org.uk/Publications.