Negative for 30 Days

Without water we are not here, not living, there is no life.   I am an Aquarian, the symbol of the water bearer, although the sign is actually a fixed air sign.   Together, this combination is extremely powerful. Air and water collide, creating that energized feeling we get at the ocean in the presence of the crashing waves.   Our mood shift is real and even backed by science. We are absorbing an abundance of Negative Ions.

Beach therapy is a relatable term for the healing properties of Negative Ions.  They exist in extremely high concentrations near the ocean and are rich in numbers anytime we're outside.  A blending of water, air, sunlight and the Earth’s radiation, Negative Ions are believed to, among other things, increase serotonin levels in our bodies.   The draw of these ocean vibes greet us with a paradoxical calm relief and flood of energy.   Coined the “Lenard Effect” in 1892 by Philipp Lenard in a blog he wrote about Niagara Falls and the reason we’re drawn to these forces of nature.   Negative and positive air ions crash together and break apart, releasing both into the air with such force that we can literally feel the effect.  We benefit from nature’s mighty collisions. 

Negative Ions are in abundance in Nature.  Not just contributing to a good feeling side-effect, they help to purify the air we breathe.    These ions bond with the positively charged counterparts that are found in dust, pollen, mold, smoke, etc.  They serve to neutralize free radicals, increasing our respiratory tract capacity and improving oxygen to our brain.   On a hike this morning with my friend and Jazzy, of course, we could not help but take big, long and deliberate breaths way deep down into our lungs.  Penetrating to our soul and calming our spirit, it’s one of the many ways nature heals. Being outside floods us with a feel good experience.

The air circulating in nature, especially near water (streams, oceans, waterfalls) is reported to contain tens of thousands of negative ions.   By contrast, indoor spaces may host a measly few dozen of these power houses and too often there are none at all inside our confined and cozy spaces.

“Lightning Moods” – a condition felt after and during a thunderstorm.   The “energy” in the air during these storms are, you guessed it, Negative Ions.  Once again, they are responsible for this highly charged phenomenon.   Oceans, storms, waterfalls all throwing massive amounts of negative ions our direction.

If negative ions are life giving, cleansing energy; if they increase our serotonin levels improving our mood and provide us with more oxygen available to our lungs and brain, then why do we spend so much time inside?  When I want to feel better, function at a higher level, think more clearly and provide my physical body with this free and easy boost, I must go outside and visit nature.   In an argument?  We step outside to get a “breath of fresh air” (and a good dose of a few thousand negative ions).  Need to clear your head? Step into your backyard, front yard, local park.    

Winter slowly drags along, weighing us down with dark days and heavy moods.   Cold and flu season, asthma flares up, attitudes sink below acceptable levels and depression creeps closer.  Little irritations are harder to shake and spring cannot arrive soon enough.  Why?  Positive ions are winning and without proper balance our body, mind and soul suffers.    As the promise of longer days peak around the corner I am reminded that cabin fever is real and we are all affected.    It’s not just about being cooped up and inside from the cold, rain, wind and snow.   It’s about my bodies cry for Negative Ions to mend the imbalance.  We open the doors and throw up the sash (windows) to clear the air; that positively charged air that is dragging us down.

I am in love with porches – covered porches specifically and the bigger the better.   Any outside space that allows me to soak up those negative ions, especially when other forces are tempting me to move indoors.   We appreciate the protection, comfort and warmth of our dwellings for sure.   But this comes at a cost of our health and wellbeing.   Isolation, less connection with others, sickness, sluggishness and doldrums are common when our inside time reigns.

Think about the normal routine:  Wake up, get ready for work, go to the car (inside the garage), spend 8 or more hours inside the office (probably sitting at your desk), drive home, park in garage, go inside and relax on the couch.   You’re suffocating in positive ions   Even if motivation strikes and we hit the gym, that’s most likely still inside with forced air, artificial lighting and controlled temperatures.  It’s not easy to get outside in the winter and we pay the price. 

This cycle can be interrupted with very little effort.  After pouring myself a cup of coffee, I open the backdoor and step outside – just for a minute or two.  Take a deep breath, greet the day, listen to the birds, look up at the sky (yes, even if it’s still dark outside).  You can repeat this at lunch or after dinner.  Give yourself a break and allow nature to help you out a bit.  Go get some of those Negative Ions – they are free!

Commit to a 30 days challenge.   It’s February and the perfect time to turn the tides.   For 30 days, leave your phone on the counter and poke your head outside. Breath.  Look at the sky, the trees, your garden or deck.   Spring is on the way and it's easy to begin planning or thinking of flowers for your pots, veggies for the garden.   You don’t have to dig in the dirt, just look upon the space and imagine the possibilities.   Thousands of negative ions will be working their magic and lifting your mood. 

True story:  As I was writing these words my friend texted to see if I was available to spend a few days at the ocean and this picture of Haystack Rock was waiting.  Sea air, ocean breezes, blue skies and pelicans?  Yes, they arrived a few years ago.  Seems the increase in temperature was just enough to bring them up the Oregon and Washington coast.   The only constant is change, shifting, adapting and modifying.   I am happy to see them here.

This day is clear but chilly.  That doesn’t stop me and many other beach lovers who know the power of being near the ocean, even if they don’t understand why.  Smiles, laughter, kids running, grandparents holding hands.   You simply cannot be miserable walking along the beach near the ocean. 

I reflect upon a recent hike to a waterfall on Kauai.   I yearn to write in detail about that event, but no words appear to be available or adequate to describe the grace of that life-changing gift.   Overwhelmed by Negative Ions, I guess.   Embraced by nature in a way I could not have imagined.   Tears of joy appear simply recalling the experience.   Water of my own mixing with the air and perpetuating the cycle of nature in every drop.   Negative Ions.

Currently I’m back at home and rain is predicted to continue for another 48 hours.  Think of the abundance of negative ions I can benefit from!   I own many a raincoat, have at least one hat and a pair of shoes sturdy enough to splash through several puddles.   I’m headed to the trail for some negative healing.

Taking shelter inside is good.  Remaining indoors is not so good.   Grab your cup of coffee or tea or mud water and open that door.   Absorb nature’s endless offering.   Express gratitude.  Repeat for life.