Tarsiers and Mental Health

One day during the rainy season in the Philippines, I was able to push through my trip to Bohol. It is one of the popular places that awakens the SIBIKA/HEKASI (Geography, History, Civics) student in me. Though it was never my favorite subject, it usually piqued my interest. Maybe those times in class made me daydream of seeing them real. That day, I turned my dream into a reality. I finally saw the Chocolate Hills in Carmen, Bohol and of course, the tarsiers in Bilar, Bohol which are the famous attractions here in the Philippines. 

On our way to the Bohol Tarsier Conservation Area, my tour guide explained that tarsiers commit suicide by jumping with their head first fall to the ground when they are stressed. For this reason, the visitors are requested to minimize the noise and be gentle in exploring the area where the tarsiers are. The moment I heard about this; my excitement turned into compassion. I really don’t have an idea about this and truly traveling is the best teacher, I got to learn new things I never learned in school. 

So, when I entered the place, I walked carefully with suppressed enthusiasm so as not to disturb them when I spotted one. There were people ahead of me, so I just followed them cautiously. Oh, without those people, maybe I didn't see that one tarsier under the leaves because yeah, they’re so small and well, cute. I really couldn’t hide my mesmerization at that time. As we went on, we were able to see two more tarsiers up close. When you had to just look at them, they were peacefully and endearingly clinging to the branch of the tree but upon our eyes met, I felt their discomfort of having those people around them. Their eyes really could tell it all or was it just me? Maybe, I was just being empathetic since I, myself, am an introvert. Though all in all, yet hesitant to say this and with a bit of guilt, I had fun. Thanks to those visitors I was with, they also followed the guidelines while we were touring the area. It was a tranquil, tarsier sightseeing.

After that tour, I had this thought and lingering feeling of sensitivity. If only we could recognize from a person his level of stress, depression, and anxiety, could we give them the same amount of understanding, treatment, warmth, and affection just like how I and those tourists behaved gently because we were informed that those cute beings need extra care? Could I? Could you? We never know what each of us is going through hence this trip really reminded me to be kind to whoever. This felt like a gateway to a new world. Just like J-Hope of BTS lyrics (Equal Sign) said, it costs us nothing to be kind.

How about you? Do you have a memorable trip that made you change your perspective in life, and gave you a valuable lesson? Please let me know in the comments. Thank you. - MESSY E.

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Self-care goes Green: A Photobook (Ilocos, Philippines)

Nature itself is the best physician.

~Hippocrates

This is the first quote you can spot when you are going to google quotes about nature for your Instagram captions. Indeed! Just a bit of unwind in nature is an instant cure for our weary soul. 

Nature Therapy as defined by Madeline Laguaite in the article “Do You Need a Nature Prescription?” from WebMD [https://wb.md/3CFjjIT], also called ecotherapy, is the practice of being in nature to boost growth and healing, especially mental health. You might also hear it called green care, green exercise, green therapy, or horticulture therapy.  Apparently, most people crave a vacation in scenic places to escape from their hardships even in a short while, so they can get back up again. For some, it is a much-needed break from their daily routine like going outside for a walk in the park, a morning jog to get soaked in the sun, or even gardening.

 

This might sound a cliché but spending time in nature reminds me that there is more to life and allows me to perceive things positively. It turns me into a whole new person who is ready to take whatever life will throw at me. Experiencing nature is one of my self-care tips. As professional research suggests, nature has mental health benefits. 

 

So, in case you need a dose of nature especially during this pandemic where traveling or going outside makes us uneasy, here is my collection of nature photos with its healing effect. 

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