Reconnect with Nature: The Spiritual and Emotional Power of Returning to Creation

By nature, a human being was not created to live boxed in by concrete cubes, surrounded by asphalt roads and moving metal containers. Man was created from both matter and spirit, intended to thrive in the natural environment where he was originally placed after creation. Indeed, had Adam not sinned, the world would have reached its intended spiritual perfection.

The World’s Original State

According to Kabbalah, the ultimate purpose of creation is to bestow goodness upon mankind, allowing humans to delight in G-d and enjoy the radiance of His Divine Presence. For this pleasure to be genuine and deserved, the world was created with a built-in spiritual flaw. The plan was that when the crown of creation (man) would pass the test of the Tree of Knowledge, this flaw would be corrected.

Because all souls of future generations were embedded in Adam’s soul, his success would have led to a universal spiritual elevation. The intent was for mankind to earn the pleasure of being close to G-d through merit, not as an unearned gift- referred to in Kabbalah as “bread of shame.” Thus, man would emulate G-d to some degree- bestowing goodness without needing to receive it from others.

However, when Adam failed this test, he not only failed to correct the flaw, but deepened it significantly. This intensified flaw is known in Kabbalah as the “stain of the primordial sin.” As a result, the pure and spiritual realm of the Garden of Eden separated from the physical world, and physicality became coarse and spiritually lacking.

Death was decreed upon man so that the body could be dissolved and rebuilt in purity during the resurrection of the dead during the Messianic era. If a person is righteous, his soul enters the upper Garden of Eden and delights in G-d until resurrection. If he is wicked, his soul must undergo purification- either through suffering or reincarnation- until it is worthy to receive the reward for his good deeds.

Originally, the human race would have delighted in G-d within a pristine, untainted world. However, since Adam’s sin, our mission is to complete the world’s spiritual repair by observing the commandments of the Torah.

Man’s Natural Connection to Nature

Even after the fall of Adam and the decline of the world’s spiritual state, man remains connected to nature. He instinctively feels calmer and more at peace in natural surroundings. Though modern necessities and desires have led us to live in artificial environments, we must not forget to occasionally spend time in green spaces, among flowing waters, blue skies, colorful flowers, and open landscapes, as close as possible to the original natural world.

In such places, we can breathe clean air free from urban pollution, think pure thoughts, and connect to our Creator through contemplation and prayer.

Reconnecting Through Nature

When we go into nature, it is a mistake to bring with us the noise of daily life such as business calls, screens, and constant news updates. Mobile phones should be used only for emergencies. Instead, use this time for tranquility, inner listening, and marveling at the beauty of creation.

This is a perfect time to recite Psalms with heartfelt emotion, focusing on those that praise creation or seek Divine help. This was the way of our ancestors- the Patriarchs, the tribes, and King David- who shepherded their flocks in nature, inspired by the beauty and harmony of creation to bond with G-d through yearning and spiritual song.

Anyone who builds the habit of occasionally stepping away from urban stress and immersing themselves in preserved nature, will feel more spiritually connected, return home with greater emotional ease, and be better equipped to face life’s challenges with renewed strength and joy.

When a person is experiencing emotional distress, family members can perform a great kindness by taking them for a walk in nature once or twice a week.

Raising Children to Love Nature

It is important to educate children to prefer nature outings during vacation time over flashy shows and amusement parks. Just as we teach them to embrace other healthy habits, we should instill in them a love for nature, which is both wholesome and spiritually uplifting.

As it says: “Train a child according to his way; even when he grows old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)