The Experience

While walking, I found myself crouched beside a path, adjusting my angle to capture the sunlight filtering through tall grass. Just as I was immersed in the moment, two men approached.

For a fleeting moment, I considered standing up to avoid drawing attention, but I chose to finish my photo instead.

“What berries are you looking at?” inquired the man closest to me.

Taking a breath, I sought a concise answer, hoping to avoid a lengthy discussion. “Actually, I’m researching fractals and observing the grass,” I replied.

He seemed surprised, not expecting such a response from a mother with toddlers nearby.

“Fractals? I’m not familiar with that term,” he responded.

Encouraged by my unexpected openness, I elaborated. “Fractals are repeating patterns in nature. Research suggests that simply viewing them can reduce stress. I recently completed a nature therapy certification, and I find it fascinating.”

His friend appeared ready to laugh at the unexpected exchange, while he offered a friendly farewell, wishing me luck.

What Exactly Are Fractals?

Fractals can be challenging to explain. They are defined by complex mathematical equations and possess nuanced characteristics, making them intricate to grasp fully. However, the good news is that by intentionally incorporating them into our surroundings, we can experience immediate relaxation through their visual, auditory, or tactile forms.

To illustrate, consider visual fractals. If you observe a large object, its smaller components often resemble it in shape. For instance, the angles and structures of trees, branches, and leaves exhibit fractal qualities.

Fractals were first mathematically identified by Benoit Mandelbrot in 1975, who noted their ubiquitous presence in nature. Contemporary research continues to explore how interacting with fractals affects humans, who, like trees and clouds, also embody fractal structures.

Our lungs' bronchial patterns, for example, mirror the branching of trees, while the network of veins resembles river systems. Studies show that our eyes contain fractal structures that transmit images to the brain. Remarkably, when the eye perceives a fractal pattern akin to its own, it triggers a relaxed state in the brain, as evidenced by alpha waves detected through EEG monitoring. In simpler terms, gazing at a river, leaf, or tree can induce relaxation.

Implications for Design

The potential implications of fractals in design are remarkable. Richard Taylor's systematic review of fractals reveals that we could create spaces where fractal ceilings absorb sound, window shades provide optimal airflow, and solar panels efficiently generate energy, all contributing to a calming visual atmosphere reminiscent of nature.

By reading this article, we can begin implementing this knowledge for immediate stress relief. I experienced this firsthand during a recent walk on a beautiful fall day, where I sought out and photographed fractals, despite having been up most of the night with sick toddlers.

The more we observe, the easier it becomes to identify visual fractals. Taylor’s review offers examples, such as statistical tree fractals, where sections of a larger image maintain similar characteristics.

Now, challenge yourself to spot fractal patterns in these images:

Strategies for Incorporating Fractals into Daily Life

With an understanding of identifying fractal shapes in nature, how can we apply this in our everyday lives to alleviate stress? Fractals are increasingly being integrated into architectural designs, music, art, and various environmental elements.

Here are some practical strategies to introduce fractals into your home:

• Houseplants: If you have a green thumb, incorporate plants that not only display fractal patterns but also purify the air and reduce stress.
• Open Windows: Ideally, choose windows that offer views of green spaces or natural elements. If weather permits, open them to let in both the view and a refreshing breeze.
• Music: Search for “fractal music” to discover compositions inspired by fractal patterns. Interestingly, some classical pieces exhibit fractal characteristics predating the term's popularity.
• Art: If your budget permits, invest in artwork, such as a Jackson Pollock painting, that features fractal designs.

For those with access to outdoor green spaces, immersing yourself in nature where fractals abound—such as bird songs, river patterns, and tree structures—provides the ultimate experience. Walking barefoot on grass enhances this connection.

Join the Discussion!

• What methods for integrating fractals into daily life do you find most intriguing or feasible?
• Should urban planners incorporate fractal designs in public spaces?

Enjoy these additional fractal images from recent explorations:

Ocean fractals captured at low tide:

Dandelion fractals demonstrate their significance for both us and bees:

Tree fractals persist even in death:

Fern fractals in the Redwood Forest:

Witnessing the transformation from petal fractal to seed fractal illustrates the beauty of these patterns:

As Jules Ruis eloquently stated, “The phenomenon of fractals stretches into every branch of human expression and knowledge, leading us back to the beautiful balance between chaos and order within all that constitutes our world, our understanding of it, and ourselves.”

References:

1. Mandelbrot, B.B. (1982) The Fractal Geometry of Nature; WH Freedman: New York, NY, USA.
2. Williams, F. (2017). The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative.
3. Taylor, R.P. The Potential of Biophilic Fractal Designs to Promote Health and Performance: A Review of Experiments and Applications. Sustainability 2021, 13, 823. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13020823
4. Ruis, J. Life is a Fractal Abstraction. http://www.fractal.org/Fractal-abstraction.pdf

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Julianne Buchler, MBA, is an author, speaker, and former Registered Nurse.