Anytime I’m feeling unsettled, like now with the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and all the fear it elicits, I remember something an extraordinary woman told me about twenty years ago.
The late Countess Vera Teleki was the mother of one of my best friends … Dudi. An Austrian citizen, she was forced to flee her homeland during World War II in order to escape the Nazis who were responsible for the death of her first husband.
Secretly arriving in Budapest with her three small children and no money, she eventually found a job, met, fell in love with and married Count Charles Teleki who had three children of his own. They went on to have two more children together, my friend Dudi being the youngest.
After a couple of years, the Nazis invaded Hungary and overtook the Teleki’s castle and estate (100 rooms on 6,000 acres – I’ve seen the photographs) letting them live in three rooms. When the Allies defeated the Nazis and the Russians moved in, the combined family was forced to leave their home, wealth and all of their possessions. They eventually immigrated to Canada and settled at a dilapidated farm outside of Toronto because that was all they could afford.
Countess Teleki’s World War II experience was horrific on so many levels, it made the Von Trapp Family memoirs (on which the Sound of Music was based), seem tame.
When I asked the Countess how she coped in the toughest of times, she said, “I go outside.” She went on to explain how she always found comfort just being in nature. The trees, breeze, grass, mountains, flowers, etc. were a constant presence that convinced her regardless how horrible a situation was, it would eventually pass and all would be well again.
Turns out the ultraviolet light of the sun has potent healing properties. Joseph Fair, PhD, a virologist and epidemiologist calls sunlight “nature’s greatest disinfectant” because its ultraviolet light inactivates bacteria and viruses.
In addition, many studies have shown exposure to sunlight increases vitamin D levels enhancing the immune system and raises serotonin levels helping people avoid depression.
So, when you’re feeling overwhelmed, do what the Countess Teleki did, go outside. Look at the trees, plants and flowers, breathe fresh air, get some sunshine, and let nature help you disinfect yourself and feel better.
