By Mary Kay Holloway, RDN, CSO, LDN, Dietitian at the Community Cancer Center
The recent expansion at the Community Cancer Center in Normal provided a variety of new avenues for learning. One of these avenues is a “healing garden.” People have asked if there are herbs for healing growing in this garden. Others have asked, “Just what is a healing garden?” I’ve even heard someone say, “Wow, what a nice patio!” Well, it is more than a nice patio, and no, there are no herbs for healing grown there (at least not at this one for now). Hopefully we can answer just what a healing garden is by a little “exploring.”
John Burroughs, an American naturalist and writer who lived from 1837–1921, said, “I go to nature to be soothed and healed and to have my senses put in tune once more.” I think that sentiment is true for many people regardless of age or culture. Researchers Clare Cooper Marcus and Marni Barnes found that more than two-thirds of people choose a natural setting to retreat to when stressed. Many reported that their mood improved after spending time outside, changing from depressed, stressed, and anxious to more calm and balanced. According to an article from the University of Minnesota website, “Taking Charge of Your Health and Wellbeing,” the term “healing garden” is most often applied to green spaces in hospitals and other healthcare facilities that specifically aim to improve health outcomes. These places, it goes on to say, provide a place of refuge and promote healing in patients, families, and staff by promoting relief from symptoms, stress reduction, and improvement of an overall sense of well-being and hopefulness.
While exploring the healing garden, we see nature in all its forms—birds, bugs, and bees that pollinate and provide food for growth; green vegetation from small plants to tall trees; green plants growing in the rocks, giving a sense of life found even in the hard places; and a waterfall and babbling brook by which, as I close my eyes and listen, I can feel the stress melt and be carried away in the running water. Add to that the warmth of the sun on my face, extending to my heart, and solitude to listen to the still inner voice. Unique to this healing garden are memories set in rocks and stones of people who are or who have come before, giving inspiration to go another day, as well as the promise of memories and friendships yet to be made with the tables for sitting, socializing, and sharing meals.
A healing garden can alleviate stress, provide calm, and rejuvenate or restore mental and emotional health. A healing garden can have therapeutic or beneficial effects for the great majority of its users whether actually sitting in it or viewing it from a window. It can be here at the Community Cancer Center or even in your own backyard. Wherever it is, it is always more than a nice patio.
The Community Cancer Center offers a variety of supportive and educational groups and programs, free of charge, to help patients and families cope with cancer and its effects. For more information, go to their website at www.cancercenter.org.
Photo credit: Attila Barabas/iStock