Nature’s Therapeutic Benefits

There is a solid findings affirming that direct contact with nature increases mental health, psychological and spiritual development. Based on researches, nature helps:

Minimize Anxiety 

More than 100 research studies disclose that outdoor recreation reduces stress. In a research of individuals exposed to stressful videos of accidents, those who watch a succeeding nature video recovers quicker than those who watch a video with different content. Accordingly, a view of nature even through a window hustles recovery from surgery, enhances work efficiency, and augments work contentment. By watching the ever-changing environments in nature, individuals nurture an upbeat attitude, rehabilitated concentration, alertness, and sensory responsiveness.

Nature has therapeutic attributes treating conditions like attention disorders and depression; the greener a child’s everyday environment the more manageable their symptoms of attention-deficit disorder. Taking a “green walk” reduces their depression (71%), trims down their tension (50%), and amplifies their self-esteem (90%).  The Holy Scriptures even affirm these as it re-echoes:

Sirach 13:25 The sign of a good heart is a cheerful countenance; withdrawn and perplexed is the laborious schemer.

Sirach 30:21-22 Do not give in to sadness, torment not yourself with brooding; Gladness of heart is the very life of man, cheerfulness prolongs his days.

Sirach 30:24 Envy and anger shorten one's life, worry brings on premature old age.

Sense of Purpose and Belonging 

Being in nature also bequeaths a sense of attachment, significance, and purpose because the more we appreciate the interconnectivity between nature and human as teamwork in conservation of ecosystem, the more we appreciate sense of purpose and belonging, as preservationist and Sierra Club founder John Muir 

1838-1914)  says, “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you… while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.”

High-esteem and pleasure of nature likewise lead to a sense of spirituality and a gratitude for powers mightier than oneself because it’s only through silence that we could apportion a quality quiet time that gives opportunity to talk to God more privately and solemnly. “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better,” as legendary physicist Alber Einstein (1879-1955) says. 

Even Jesus Himself spends His quiet time that the Father in Heaven may give Him strength to face whatever the future may look like, as the Scripture says:

Matthew 14:23 After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone.

Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Isaiah 40:28-31 Do you not know or have you not heard? The LORD is the eternal God, creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint nor grow weary, and his knowledge is beyond scrutiny. He gives strength to the fainting; for the weak he makes vigor abound. Though young men faint and grow weary, and youths stagger and fall, They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles' wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint. 

Intensified Sense of Awareness and Self-progression 

Trekking through the wilderness combines an intensified sense of awareness of one’s environments with the call to be part of nature. Nature trippers comprehend and process environmental information through mapping, exploring, and interpreting the landscapes, obstacles, and surroundings; a physical activity which minimizes anxieties, risk of disease, and perks up psychological welfare. As a matter of fact, research recommends outdoor exercise as more beneficial than indoor exercise.

In nature, people discover that challenge is actually the occasion for self-progression, develop an internal attitude of control, and develop self-reliance. Wilderness encounters bestow people with optimism in the inescapability of nature and the pace of life, mixed up with a nourishing aptitude to surrender control. Nature-goers realize to believe on their natural aptitude to conquer both expected and unexpected hurdles and to be grateful that things work out even if they aren’t in utter control, which eventually develops confidence and a sense of self-worthy and fulfillment.

According to the research, natural spaces arouse children’s imaginations and creativity, and playing outdoors improves cognitive suppleness, problem-solving aptitude, and self-discipline. 

Sirach 30:23 Distract yourself, renew your courage, drive resentment far away from you; For worry has brought death to many, nor is there aught to be gained from resentment 

Sense of Community 

Likewise, the nature-goers’ shared challenge offers the extra advantages of connection, social support, closeness, and the ability to lend a hand, turning it as  a community or family unit

Adolescence which is an angst-ridden stage of self-discovery is the ideal time to discern the lessons nature can teach. Teens that are immersed into a wilderness encounter leave their family, their familiar community and environment and the roles they have adopted to experiment fresh social roles which develops a new self-image, a new way of relating to other people and the environment, and new modes to react to the daily life’s challenge. Ideal candidates for therapeutic wilderness programs are students exhibiting at-risk behaviors like disobedience, rebellion, trialing with drugs and/or alcohol, sexual promiscuity, poor school performance, and other behavioral complexities.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, as indeed you do.

1 Thessalonians 13:14 Show esteem for them with special love on account of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. We urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, cheer the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient with all. 

Further, the best antidote for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go somewhere where they can be hush privately with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God desires to see His creations happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.  Nature brings relief in all dilemmas.

References:

1. http://www.crchealth.com, Why Nature Is Therapeutic
2. Lecia Bushak, Benefits Of Ecotherapy: Being In Nature Fights Depression, Improves Mental Health And Well-Being, http://www.medicaldaily.com 
3. Carol Sorgen, Nature therapy may mean that better health is right outside your door, http://www.webmd.com/balance/features/nature-therapy-ecotherapy

15 Low-priced yet marvellous places of interest

8. Borawan and Dampalitan Islands, Quezon

They claim that Borawan is a portmanteau, Boracay and Palawan. Its name origins from the word bulawan which means gold.

Its soaring cliffs hug the white shores of Borawan, reminiscent of many islands like El Nido and Coron. It is one of the many islands off the coast of Padre Burgos and Pagbilao, Quezon, that cuddle up magnificent white sand beaches! 

9. Festival in Quezon, Batangas, Rizal, or Pampanga

Mark your calendars to catch the most energetic and most exciting festivals near Manila:

Pahiyas Festival – May 15 in Lucban, Quezon

Parada ng Lechon – June 24 in Balayan, Batangas

Higantes Festival – November 23 in Angono, Rizal

Giant Lantern Festival – Saturday before Christmas, San Fernando, Pampanga

Hot Air Balloon Fiesta – 3rd Week of February, Clark, Pampanga

Pahiyas Festival is a celebration of the good harvest, in honor of San Isidro de Labrador. A parade roams around town passing by houses that are creatively decorated with vegetables and kiping, a colorful ornament made from rice. 

10. Angono, Rizal and Paete, Laguna

Pay a visit to the house of Carlos “Botong” Francisco and be acquainted the national artist better.

On the other hand, learn the art of sculpture and witness how this craft has become the center of the lives of the people of Paete! Conquer your fears and descend into the Underground Cemetery in Nagcarlan. The province is also dotted with numerous antique churches, ancestral houses, and unique restaurants. 

11. Waterfalls in Pagsanjan and Pangil, Laguna

Take a small boat and be astounded with how the boatmen masterfully conquer the rapids and the rocky stream on the way to the waterfall. 

12. Freedom Islands

Freedom Island and Long Island, collectively called Freedom Islands, is situated off the coast of Paranaque and Las Piñas. More formally known as Las Pinas-Paranaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area, the Freedom Islands have an enormous ecological role in the area. It is the last surviving mangrove forest and salt marsh frontier in Metro Manila.  These two islands also function as a sanctuary for many marine life forms and a sanctuary for more than 80 species of birds, both local and migratory. 

13. Corregidor Island

This tadpole-shaped island is situated at the mouth of Manila Bay and was a strategic military base during World War II. 

14. Death March in Bataan

The activity here can be very enlightening and rewarding to history aficionados. 

15. Puerto Galera

It has been the go-to summer destination among city-dwellers for beach activities such as swimming and beach bumming. Puerto Galera is a great diving destination. Declared a Man and Biosphere Reserve of UNESCO in 1973, it is one of the destinations with the abounding marine biodiversity in the world.

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15 Low-priced yet marvellous places of interest

The escalating inexpensive carriers has made this world a lot smaller and fascinating destinations closer. The far-flung islands north and south turns to be effortlessly within reach to Manila-dwellers, who are willing to run away from the heat of the city to a seventh heaven that can give them a soothing and thrilling affair with nature. 

If you’re searching for illustrious vacation spots that are just within proximity of the capital, you may consider these suggestions:     

1. Mt. Pinatubo

It’s a long way but the spectacle is definitely worth the time and effort. Watch the rim of the crater slope up from a lakeful of rainwater, hoarded over the years! Boatin can across the crater lake and camp overnight can be another option.

2. Anawangin and Nagsasa Cove, Zambales

One of the provinces at the base of Mt. Pinatubo, Zambales was dreadfully buried when the sleeping volcano awakened two decades ago. However, the disaster dumped a good amount of ash on its rocky shores, breathing a new life to its otherwise ordinary beaches. Today, Anawangin and Nagsasa Coves have ascended as popular tourist destinations for its ashen sand and agoho trees (looks like pine trees) that foster a unique Baguio-meets-Boracay vibe.

3. Taal Volcano

From there, a small boat can be rented to take you to the volcano island. Prepare for a laborious trek because its slopes, while not as steep, can still consume all your energy especially with the heat of the summer. 

4. Tagaytay City

Tagaytay offers the best panoramas, with attractive, cool atmosphere to boot. Spend a morning in one of the city’s parks and gardens. 

5. Anilao, Batangas

One-day beginner courses are available to those who wish to learn how to dive. Batangas waters host a wide assortment of marine wildlife that will blow you away.

You may also choose to climb Mt. Gulugod Baboy, an easy climb for professionals or take a boat to Sombrero Island and enjoy the sun. 

6. Lipa to Taal, Batangas

From the petal shower site at Carmel Church to the revered well of Sta. Lucia, from the marvelous Lipa Cathedral to the huge Taal Basilica, the biggest in Asia — the road from the city of Lipa to the legacy town of Taal is highlighted by grand churches and miraculous sites. If you have more time, roll out a bit more of your map and go on wtih your journey to Calaca and Balayan, which also swank old, magnificent churches. 

7. Beaches of San Juan, Matabungkay (Lian), Nasugbu, and Calatagan

Matabungkay used to be the “it” destination decades ago but it might still be a good place for a breathing space. Nasugbu is likewise a great alternative and the sight of Mt. Batulao is a constant invitation to awaken the dormant mountaineer in you. The barely touched shores of Calatagan provide front row seats to view a stunning Batangas sunrise. The Punta de Santiago Lighthouse is another place of interest. 

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Biri: An island with mind-blowing rock formations & tide of pools ages from 5 to 23 million years

Biri Island is one of the most enthralling towns of Northern Samar, a true natural gem of the Philippine archipelago. It is known for its breathtaking rock formations engineered through time by big waves of the San Bernardino Strait that get a kick out of the eastern portion of its shoreline. It is situated at the northwestern tip of Northern Samar.

This peace-loving island is where Magasang Rock Formation could be enjoyably viewed, an amazing natural wonder composed of seven gigantic limestone rocks within four small and rocky islands. Its rocky panorama, actually one of the country’s most amazing geological beauties, bequeaths vast potential for adventure. The rock formation has been described as the place of the “battle of the gods” where pounding of strong winds, the movement from tectonic plates, frequent storms, the heat wave and huge death-defying waves smashing the rocks engineered this superb exquisiteness. The mighty of these natural forces brought the islands to take on only of its kind and remarkable shapes. Sightseer can enjoy dipping on tide pools fashioned by the sea and layers upon layers of sandstone beds gradually deposited into the sea overtime which have been exposed to the uplift of the rock formations. Geologists deem that the rocks date back from Early Miocene Period  and their ages range from 5 to 23 million years old.

A place of the battle of gods where pounding of strong winds conquer your fears!

From a distance another rock formation called Bel-at can be explored. These two gigantic, marvelously nature-engineered rocks are about the size of a three-story building, erect disjointedly on a wide flat rock. A big rock formation holding a bat cave underneath can be sited in Bel-at.

Enjoy dipping on tide pools sculpted by nature itself! 

These attention-grabbing spots have been creating a center of attraction for both foreign and domestic tourists. It became so popular when one of the scenes of  the romantic movie entitled "IIsa Pa Lamang"  starred by Richard omez , Dawn Zulueta  and Maricel Laxa hMaricel Laxa  was filmed. It also captured Film Director .Chito Roños heart to be the setting of his adventure-horror drama film called "Spirit Warriors II"  starred by Danilo Barrios, Vhong Navarro  and Chris Cruz. Likewise, these spots were featured in the 2001 Calendar poster of the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) as one of the Geological Wonders of the Philippines.

Simply irresistible!

In terms of financial resources, the island town is considered as fifth class municipality. Its average annual income from 1996-1999 reached up to Php 7.6 million. The Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) of the municipality amounted to Php 16.1 million in 2006. This translates to an IRA per capita of Php 1,493, the sixth biggest among the municipalities.

Wanna ride a boat, without encountering a congested traffic, for a change!

Concerning its education sector, the municipality has a total of 11 government elementary schools and 2 government secondary schools. In School Yea 2006-2007, both teacher to pupil/student ratio in elementary and secondary schools stood at 1:38.

As the boat docks at the port of Biri island!

Expect hundreds of sites and thousands of routes hanging around in this island for the fearless climber.

The island town has been much-loved for photography aficionados and excursionists, particularly on summer when the weather is quiet. Visitors spend the day taking pleasure on the site and enjoying a dip in the cool turquoise blue water. Likewise, it is fascinating to surfers during the months of October to January, with its wonderful rising and falling waves.

Serenity that everyone yearns, beyond the torrents from a distance!

Formerly, Biri was an island barangay under the jurisdiction of Bobon, Northern Samar until it was converted into a new and independent municipality under Republic Act No. 5500 on June 21, 1969. It became the 21st municipality of Northern Samar.

The island was accustomed to be Tingiao, as referred to in the Spanish Galleon navigational maps and was the entry point to Luzon and Visayas.

Approaching Lavezares from Biri Island, which is approximately an hour travel! 

As navigational landmark, the name “Biri” was drawn from the Spanish word “barrer”, which means to sweep. Consistently  when the Spanish captain of the Galleon would catch sight of the San Bernardino Isle and Biri of Tingiao, the captain would charge his men “barrer” or clean the galleon deck in preparation of their disembarking to the Capul Island for their voyage to Manila. Sporadically, the Spanish Galleon would anchor at Biri Bay prior to their navigation to Manila.

How could you resist such magnificence!

Whereas in the Island, inhabitants would hear the Spaniards naming the Island “verey.” Subsequently, the word “verey” had been prevalently known as “Biri”. Other accounts would claim that its name in the course of time developed simply as “Biri” depending on the person’s auditory efficacy.

Nature engineered, indeed! Spectacular!

During World War II, Biri was the site of the Japanese Garrison Signal Corps brought by its strategic location from the Pacific Ocean. Many Biri-anons turned to be the onlookers to the passing of the American submarine and other warships during  Leyte’s independence.

A bomb-made lagoon still exists inside the Biri Central Elementary School, which is my alma mater.

On spare time, my brother Marvin caught this beautiful blue starfish which can be viewed  basically underneath!

Geographically Biri is located in the northernmost tip of Northern Samar, facing the Pacific Ocean to the East and the famous San Bernardino Strait to the west.

It has a total land area of 24.6 square kilometers which is composed of 8 barangays namely, Pio del Pilar (also called as Macaret), MacArthur (also Called as Tampipi, Kauswagan (also called as Basud), Progress (also called as Talisay), San Antonio, San Pedro and Santo Niño (also called as Palhugan).

The island registered a total population of 10,987 in the 2010 Census of Population whose population density of 433 persons per square kilometer is the third highest among the 24 municipalities of Northern Samar.

A relaxing mood as my sister Christine enjoys her get away!

Biri inhabitants are a mixture of Waray and Bicolano culture. The inner occupiers speak Waray dialect while the outer island inhabitants speak Bicol-Waray vernacular.  

With regards to socio-economic endeavors, the natural resources of the municipality consist chiefly of fish and other marine products. Fishing evidently is the primary sour in the of revenue of the community. During the months of March to September, the Biri-anons are engaged in catching fish and squids like kulambutan, tabugok, tustos, muko-buko, kugita, tagbulakaw, tamala, and many more. The common  people are also into rice, root crop and coconut farming.

Through the Kaway Festival, Biri nurtures a culture of peace in harmony with nature, and hopefully be the access to the arts and culture of Northern Samar.

The captivating Biri Island can be reached in 14 hours by bus or private vehicle from Manila or roughly an hour and fifteen minutes flight from Manila to Catarman, the capital town of Northern Samar. The island can finally be reached in 30 minutes by sea from the town of Lavezares via motorboats.

Motorboats are used for inter-island transport while motorcycles are available in the town proper.

Island of Biri is facing Mount Bulosan of Bicol Region

GETTING TO BIRI: The nearest airport to Biri Island is Catarman, served by Air Philippines , Cebu Air , Zest Air, and Philippine Airlines.

From Catarman, take a jeepney going to Lavezares Port, about a 30-minute trip. Then take a boat to Biri Port, which may take approximately an hour. 

Source:

1. National Statistical Coordination Board, Regional Division VIII, Eastern Visaya, Biri: an island with magnificent rock formations, http://www.nscb.gov.ph/ru8/Profiles/Municipal_Profile/Municipal_Profile_Biri_Island_Northern_Samar.pdf 
2. http://opaep.com.ph/discovering-biri-island/, Discovering Biri Island

Creationism vs. Big bang

God created the world according to His wisdom (Wisdom 9:9) but not the outcome of any need whatever, nor of unsighted destiny or chance. It begins from God's free will; He desired to make His creatures impart in His being, wisdom and righteousness: "For you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created." (Revelation 4:11) 

Therefore the Psalmist cries out: " How varied are your works, LORD! In wisdom you have made them all;the earth is full of your creatures.i"; and " The LORD is good to all, compassionate toward all your works." (Psalm 104:24; 145:9. 

God needs no pre-existent thing or any help in order to create, nor is creation any sort of essential release from the divine substance. He creates generously "out of nothing.

If God had created the earth from pre-existent matter, what would be so bizarre about that? A human artisan makes from a given material whatever he desires, while God exhibits His power by starting from nothing to create all He desires.

Scripture bears witness to faith in creation "out of nothing" as a truth full of promise and hope. Thus the mother of seven sons encourages them for martyrdom: I do not know how you came into being in my womb. It was not I who gave you life and breath, nor I who set in order the elements within each of you. Therefore the Creator of the world, who shaped the beginning of man and devised the origin of all things, will in his mercy give life and breath back to you again, since you now forget yourselves for the sake of his laws. . . Look at the heaven and the earth and see everything that is in them, and recognize that God did not make them out of things that existed. Thus also mankind comes into being. (2 Maccabees 7:22-21-28)  

As God creates through wisdom, His creation is structured: "You have arranged all things by measure and number and weight." (Wisdom 11:20). The universe, created in and by the eternal Word, the "image of the invisible God", is destined for and addressed to man, himself created in the "image of God" and called to a personal relationship with God. (Colossians 1:15, Genesis 1:26) 

Our human understanding, which shares in the light of the divine power, can comprehend what God conveys us by means of His creation, though not without great effort and only in a spirit of humility and respect before the Creator and His work. (Psalm 19:2-5; Job 42:3)  Because creation comes forth from God's goodness, it shares in that goodness - "And God saw that it was good. . . very good" (Genesis 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21 31)  - for God desired creation as a gift addressed to man, a heritage destined for and entrusted to Him. On many circumstances the Church has had to secure the goodness of creation, including that of the physical world.  

God is immeasurably greater than all His works: "You have set your glory above the heavens." (Psalm 8:1; Sirach 43:28).  Indeed, God's "greatness is unsearchable". Psalm 145:3) But because He is the free and sovereign Creator, the first cause of all that exists, God is present to His creatures' inmost being: "In him we live and move and have our being." (Acts 17:28). St. Augustine says, God is "higher than my highest and more inward than my innermost self".

With creation, God does not forsake His creatures to themselves. He not only gives them being and existence, but also constantly upholds and sustains them in being, enables them to act and brings them to their destiny. Recognizing this utter dependence with respect to the Creator is a source of wisdom and freedom, of joy and confidence:

For you love all things that exist, and detest none of the things that you have made; for you would not have made anything if you had hated it. How would anything have endured, if you had not willed it? Or how would anything not called forth by you have been preserved? You spare all things, for they are yours, O Lord, you who love the living  (Wisdom 11:24-26). 

Creation has its own goodness and appropriate perfection, but it did not spring forth complete from the hands of the Creator. The universe was created "in a state of journeying" toward an ultimate perfection yet to be reached, to which God has destined it. God guides His creation towards perfection through His divine providence” which

protects and governs all things which he has made, "reaching mightily from one end of the earth to the other, and ordering all things well". For "all are open and laid bare to his eyes", even those things which are yet to come into existence through the free action of creatures. (Wisdom 8:1; Hebrew 4:13).

The truth that God is at work in all the actions of His creatures is indissoluble from faith in God the Creator. God is the first cause who functions in and through secondary causes: "For God is at work in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." (Philippians 2:13; 1 Corinthian 12:6).  Far from reducing the creature's dignity, this truth boosts it. Drawn from nothingness by God's power, wisdom and righteousness, it can do nothing if it is cut off from its source, for "without a Creator the creature vanishes." Still less can a creature reach its destiny without the help of God's grace. (Matthew 19:26; John 15:5; 14:13).

God is master of the world and of its history. But the approaches of His providence are often mysterious to us. Only at the end, when our partial knowledge stops, when we see God "face to face",(1 Cor 13:12) will we fully discern the ways by which - even through the tragedy of evil and sin - God has guided His creation to that definitive sabbath rest for which he created heaven and earth (Genesis 2:2).

The fact that God allows physical and even moral evil is a mystery that God sheds light by His Son Jesus Christ who died and resurrect to vanquish evil. Faith reassures that God would not permit an evil if He did not cause a good to come from that very evil, in manners that we shall fully discern only in eternal life. Amen!

Conclusion:

With both the big bang and stretching rationalizations, it is tough to picture time beginning, the sudden presence of matter and energy in a small universe, a brief period when laws of physics did not come into view, and space inflation. The big bang theory asserts that space inflated for a short fraction of a second from a mathematical point - trillions of billions of times faster than the velocity of light today. On the other hand, the stretching theory position is that, a much smaller universe than we have today was speedily stretched out, along with the matter and light in that space. Although no scientific explanation can be provided for both forms of inflation, explanation that fits the perceptible proof as presented herein is discernible.  

References: 

1. Denise Chow, The Universe: Big Bang to Now in 10 Easy Step, shttp://www.space.com/, October 18, 2011 05:00pm ET 
2. Roland Michel Tremblay, Dark-Matter, Dark-Energy and the Big-Bang All Finally Resolved, http://www.grahamhancock.com/
3. http://www.space.com/. The Universe: Big Bang to Now in 10 Easy Steps, by Denise Chow, SPACE.com Staff Writer   |   October 18, 2011 05:00pm ET
4. Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation (CMB), http://www.bbc.co.uk/
5. Catechism of the Catholic Church, http://www.scborromeo.org/ 
6. Michael Finkel for National Geographic, Are We Living in a Black Hole?, http://news.nationalgeographic.com/black-hole-blast-explains-big-bang/ 
7. http://www.4thdayalliance.com/, Was there a Bib bang
8. http://www.sciencedaily.com, Mysteries of the neutrino: Physicists investigate the Big Bang particleNovember 9, 2012 University of Huddersfield

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