The latest trendy internet insult disguised as advice is “Go out and touch some grass.” This is usually directed as someone prone to sharing conspiracy theories (left or right) or who worries way too much about the feelings and activities of fictional characters or who thinks having purple hair and septum piercing are equivalent to having a personality. Rarely uttered in good faith, this advice generally means you need to start agreeing with whatever the advice giver agrees with, and if you don’t, your lack of grass-touching is evidence that you are emotionally stunted and perhaps unhinged.
On the other hand, it’s also good advice. There’s a reason moms and doctors recommend fresh air and direct sunlight. Science agrees that touching earth is good for our spirits, whether we prefer the beach or the woods, the mountains or the fields.
This week’s forecast for Aquarians agrees, urging us to spend some time in nature. Rob Brezsny promises that we will have no dangerous encounters, that we’ll learn a lot, and that our spiritual lives will thrive.
I wish he hadn’t given this advice in December in Maryland. I can’t learn anything when it’s this cold and dark.