Shizen (Nature)
The story behind my new music Album!
Since moving to a remote spot between the mountains and the ocean, surrounded by nature, I’ve found a new source of inspiration for my latest music album. Today, I want to share that story with you.
Humans have two types of attention: directed attention, which we use for tasks and drains over time, and involuntary attention, which is captured effortlessly by our environment. This distinction helps explain why nature affects us so profoundly.
Studies show that natural patterns, like the waves or mountain shapes I see daily, trigger alpha brainwaves, which promote a relaxed but alert state. Nature doesn’t just calm us — it restores mental energy.
Sounds like birdsong or the ocean’s rhythm also go beyond comfort. Research reveals that natural sounds lower stress and pain while boosting mood. Even breathing in nature’s air, rich in organic compounds, enhances cognitive performance and reduces mental fatigue.
The benefits multiply when you combine this environment with physical movement. A study found that people walking in a natural setting experienced significant mood improvements compared to those walking in urban spaces.
This ties into the concept of “soft fascination,” where nature gently captures our attention, giving our minds room to wander and recharge. According to the Attention Restoration Theory, nature helps relieve mental fatigue and improves focus.
The takeaway? Just two hours a week in green or blue spaces can benefit your mental health. Even if you can’t fully immerse yourself, brief moments — hearing birds, seeing trees — help refresh your mind.
Living here has reminded me how essential nature is, not just as a backdrop, but as a true source of creativity and mental restoration.
Note: if you are interested in listening to my Album follow the links below:
