Why Nature Heals: Rediscovering Humanity’s Spiritual Connection Beyond Concrete and Asphalt

Modern life has placed humanity inside concrete blocks, surrounded by asphalt roads and moving boxes of metal. Yet by our very design, human beings were never intended to live in such environments.

We were created as a union of body and soul, to feel at home in the natural world into which we were placed at the dawn of creation. According to Jewish mystical teachings, had Adam not sinned, the world would have reached its intended spiritual perfection. The ultimate purpose of creation, explains Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto, was for humanity to delight in God and enjoy the radiance of His presence. To make this gift meaningful, creation itself contained a subtle imperfection. When Adam would face the trial of the Tree of Knowledge, his success was intended to repair this flaw and perfect the world.

This test was designed so that human beings could earn their reward through effort, rather than passively receive it like “bread of shame” — a metaphor used by the sages to describe a pauper living on charity. In this way, man would resemble his Creator, whose goodness is self-generated and independent.

The Consequences of Adam’s Fall

When Adam failed, the original imperfection deepened dramatically. Mystical writings call this the contamination of primordial sin. At that moment, Eden — the pure, elevated spiritual dimension, separated from the physical world. Matter became coarse, lacking its former spiritual transparency. Humanity was condemned to mortality so that the body could eventually decay and be rebuilt in the era of resurrection, purified and whole.

For the righteous, the soul ascends after death to the upper Garden of Eden, enjoying divine radiance until the time of resurrection. The wicked undergo purification, either through suffering in the world beyond or by returning in reincarnation, until they are refined enough to receive reward for their good deeds. Since Adam’s sin, this has been humanity’s mission: through the observance of the Torah’s commandments, we strive to restore the world to its original state and complete its repair.

Had Adam not sinned, humankind would have delighted in God here on earth, in a world that remained pure and transparent.

Why We Still Crave Nature

Even after that spiritual fall, human beings remain deeply connected to nature, the setting of their creation. We instinctively feel more peaceful and at ease in natural surroundings of forests, rivers, open skies, colorful flowers, and green fields, which is closer to the pristine landscape of Eden.

Though we have built urban environments of concrete and steel out of necessity, we must not forget to return regularly to the natural world. In nature, we breathe clean air untainted by city pollution, think purer thoughts, and reconnect through prayer and meditation with the Creator of all things.

When entering such spaces, it is a mistake to carry along our daily burdens such as phones buzzing with business and screens filled with news. Instead, we should use the time for calm, inner listening, and wonder at the beauty of creation. These are the moments when the soul is freed from worldly pressures and can connect to God.

Jewish tradition even recommends taking a book of Psalms on such outings. Many chapters celebrate creation itself (such as Psalms 19, 29, 66, 104) while others are heartfelt prayers for salvation (Psalms 3, 4, 11, 20, 121). Reading these verses outdoors, where one’s soul naturally opens to beauty, makes prayer more alive and personal.

This was the way of our ancestors including the Patriarchs, the Twelve Tribes, and King David himself. While tending their flocks under the open sky, they marveled at creation’s perfection and sang songs of longing to God, weaving divine secrets into their poetry.

Healing Through Nature

Anyone who regularly steps away from the city’s asphalt and noise to rest in nature will feel the difference. Such a person returns home calmer, happier, spiritually refreshed, and better equipped to face life’s challenges.

This is especially true for those struggling with emotional pain. If a loved one is suffering, it is an act of kindness to take them on a weekly walk through natural surroundings. Let them speak freely while you listen with empathy, offering gentle words only when needed. The combination of movement, beauty, and companionship can work wonders for healing the spirit.

Teaching Children to Love the Natural World

These lessons are not only for adults. Parents can give their children a lifelong gift by teaching them to love nature. Vacations need not be consumed by artificial entertainment and noisy attractions. A family hike, a stream, or a field filled with wildflowers offers joy and builds healthy habits.

As Proverbs teaches: “Educate a child according to his way, and even when he grows old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Just as we train children in every positive practice, we can raise them to find happiness in the natural world — where body, mind, and soul all thrive.