BREAKING NEWS

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Nature Connectedness


Photo by Helminadia Randford

The history of humankind is impossible to understand, or even validate, without acknowledging the evolution of man in the natural settings.  Since the beginning of time our ancestors relied on nature to provide them with physical sustainability, spiritual awareness and a holistic connection. The direct connection which humans and nature have shared for centuries can’t be ignored, but should help us reevaluate the benefits of it while living in a world so embedded in technology.

The modern world has been enriched by the technological advancement of global connectivity, managing to connect billions of people around the world with the simple click of a button.  This process, which enables us to view a virtual tour of the Grand Canyon while chatting on Skype with a friend, has impoverished the distinct benefits deriving from Nature Connectedness. 

But what is Nature Connectedness?

It is the way individuals connect with, incorporate and understand nature as part of their identity.  It is the understanding if its cycles, seasons, sustainability, sensitivities and strengths, which form the backbone on which emotional connection, creativity and inner awareness build upon.

During my research on Nature Connectedness, I came across a quote from 18th Century poet and writer, Samuel Johnson:

“Deviation from nature is deviation from happiness.”

Is this true? I asked myself.  Does a connection with nature truly create happiness? 

The article The Relationship between nature connectedness and happiness: a meta-analysis, published for Frontiers Psychology and written by Colin A. Capaldi, Raelyne L. Dopo and John M. Zelenski, describes that “contact with nature can be beneficial, for example leading to improvements in mood, cognition, and health.”  Several studies done by professionals validate these benefits.

Ecopsychologists say that wholesome connection with nature show an increase of peace, positive attitude and a way to see interconnectedness of all things.  When individuals immerse themselves in the natural world they can begin to understand patterns of life, engaging in positive life styles and adjusting their relationship with the environment and fellow humans.

Our children are learning about nature in schoolbooks, but spending less time outdoors and more time on the computer.  One can easily understand the difference between learning about nature and living in nature.  I’ve witnessed first hand how my senses and body responded to the physical rhythms of nature, from the chirping of birds, swooshing of the wind through a canopy of knotted trees, and the array of colors presented during a hike. 

In the book Psychology of Sustainable Development by P.W. Schmuck and W.P. Schulz, Schultz identifies three Nature Connectedness components: cognitive, affective and behavioral.  The cognitive component is how integrated one feels with nature; the affective component is the individual’s sense of care of nature; and the behavioral component is the commitment to protect the natural environment.   It’s easy to see how these three components not only teach us how to be in harmony with nature, but also transcend into the way we connect with other humans.

It is such connection with nature that teaches us how to relate to others.  It was not only normal but also imperative for early societies to depend on the natural world.  This forced them to work together and by doing so it created an everlasting bond that eventually forged customs, mores, spiritual rituals and an array of beliefs.   I say everlasting because I believe that as human beings we still retain that inner instinct to connect with others in a more personal, meaningful way. 


Mind Key is the bridge between the natural world and everyone it encompasses (artists, spiritualists, writers and anyone who understands the value of human connectedness).   Mind Key strives to connect that inner awareness with the beauty of nature and everything it teaches.  As human beings we need to understand the value of nature and how it is detrimental to our creativity and overall being to neglect a bond that has existed since the beginning of time.


Share this:

3 comments :

  1. This is so true, Tamara. I love going for long walks or hikes (not that I make time for it as often as I should) and disconnecting from all of this helpful technology. It feels nice.

    ReplyDelete
  2. It does, Charla. It's almost as if we receive a free dose of medicine to heal us from whatever is burdening us. I also do not make a bigger effort to be outdoors, but I'm hoping to make more time for it.

    ReplyDelete
  3. It's so true! You would both enjoy "Last Child in the Woods," which talks about "nature deficit disorder." We also learned about forest bathing - a Japanese practice I believe. Scientific proof that gathering in the forest energies has healing properties. Not that we needed science to prove that... but still

    ReplyDelete

 
Back To Top
Copyright © 2014 Mind Key, the blog. Designed by OddThemes