I remember, years ago, heavy rains that brought extensive slips down on the farm. We didn’t own the land, just managed it, that didn’t matter. The land was scarred and it felt as though my mother had been in a car crash. I knew I loved the land but the depth of my feelings caught me unawares. I experienced a kind of grief. How much more the grief when you see your home in ruins, your land split in two, and then on top of that, for some the loss of livelihood.

If you have friends or family in the Christchurch area offer your loving support. Ask what they need that you can do. Maybe they need to come and stay for a while. If you don’t have friends or family in the area, help anyway – maybe just a donation. It’s going to be a long haul for many of those affected.

More accurately and specifically, it’s the natural soil bacteria mycobacterium vaccae that is considered of benefit. The bacteria are likely to be ingested or breathed in while participating in outdoor activities such as gardening. The bacteria increases serotonin levels, at least in mice. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that affects mood and feelings of wellbeing.  Serotonin improves learning and decreases anxiety.

Researchers believe people may experience the same benefits when they participate in outdoor activities where natural soil bacteria are present. The researchers also speculated how the school learning environment could be enhanced by children spending more time outdoors as this may decrease anxiety and improve the ability to learn new tasks.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100524143416.htm

So this weekend, spend some time in the garden or biking through the forest – weather permitting. And schools – think how you could use this information to improve the learning of children.  I am sure there are many boys in particular who would learn better just from being able to be outside digging in the dirt, independently of bacteria.