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Dr. Lisa Leit: Happy Whole Human and Ecopsychology

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According to Dr. Lisa Leit, PhD, MCC founder of Happy Whole Human (HWH), “It was essential that ecopsychology serve as the theoretical framework for the HWH program.” Because Dr. Leit’s work is so informed by universal human experience and wellness, she knew that hypnosis and ecopsychology would be something clients could use to transform themselves. Dr. Leit explains, “You’d be surprised how many people have never even considered nature as an essential part of the healing process.This isn’t just a counterculture belief or a new-age spiritual trend.There is scientific evidence that proves nature affects our brain chemistry. Various elements in nature have hypnotising effects, along with mental cleansing effects, and deep meditative effects.” 

Coexisting in nature

Transcendentalism is the belief that nature and people are inherently good. In the 1820’s, philosophers, artists, and conservationists wrote articles, essays, and poetry on the importance of conserving nature. “Of course, the idea of nature and man being connected goes even further back in other cultures,” Dr. Leit clarifies. “No matter what you believe, most of us can all agree that nature is awe-inspiring, and we are a part of it. That’s why we feel a natural pull in the direction of freedom, and it feels unnatural to be at work or at home all the time. Dr. Leit describes, “We start to feel claustrophobic, anxious, and isolated. These undesirable feelings are a direct result of not allowing yourself the freedom to go outside and integrate into nature.” 

Achieving balance in nature

Dr. Leit points out, “We’ve all heard of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Most of us know that studies show patients benefit from bright light therapy and that it is used to regulate circadian rhythms. This is just one example of  how connected we are to nature and how we can suffer negative consequences when we are not in balance. My goal is to offer Happy Whole Human as a tool grounded in ecopsychology for my clients so that they can become the best version of themselves. We are connected with nature, and because of this, we are connected to each other. I believe the alienation we feel at work and even in our relationships is directly tied to our ego and self-esteem, which does serve a valuable function for our survival. That said, it’s not healthy to function in this constant state of separation. This separation causes us to lose touch with our best selves and to hang on to negative thoughts and behaviors that are not serving us. That’s why it is so important to reconnect to nature, ourselves, and each other. Once we do that, we start to have more patience for ourselves and others. We become more at peace with ourselves and others. We are in better alignment, and we can stop fighting against the current. The most important thing we can do for ourselves is to allow ourselves to go with the flow.”

The healing effects of nature

Have you ever noticed the calming effects of a trickling fountain or the crashing of waves of the ocean? The steady stream or the repetition of waves can naturally have a  hypnotising effect on us.” Dr. Leit further explains, “Studies have shown that the negative ions in waterfalls are rejuvenating for the mind and body. There are numerous essential minerals in springs we need to be healthy. We need vitamin D from the sun. It just makes sense that if we want to be our best selves, we need nature.” Dr. Leit’s prescription, “The next time you feel stressed out, try going outside. Find a big tree, and hang out under it, you will naturally start to feel less tense. Sounds simple, but trust me, it will make a huge difference in how you feel. The HWH is about reconnecting to a solid sense of our inextricable connection to all things. I love helping people remember who they really are with my HWH  program.” 

Photo by pranabyjonesie