In today’s fast-paced world, our connection with nature has become more crucial than ever. Research over the past two decades consistently highlights the significant benefits of a strong nature bond for both mental and physical wellbeing (Capaldi, Dopko, & Zelenski, 2014; Martin, White, Hunt, Richardson, Pahl, & Burt, 2020). If you are wondering how to nurture this connection, especially when surrounded by urban landscapes, this blog post is for you!
The Importance of Nature in Modern Life
Urbanization and technology have distanced many of us from natural environments. That is, people work more indoors, spend more of their free time using technology, and in many places the access to nature has become significantly reduced.
This disconnect can contribute to feelings of stress, meaninglessness and anxiety. However, that is not to say that connecting with nature has become impossible.
A conscious effort to reconnect with nature can go a long way almost regardless of where we live. Even in bustling cities to quiet rural areas, reconnecting with nature can bring an increased sense of joy and tranquillity into our lives (Richardson, 2023). We just need to find a place where things grow, such as a park or a window sill with plants.
How Do I Start Connecting With Nature?
Here are some simple steps to enhance wellbeing through connecting with nature:
1. Nature Journaling
Even a simple walk in a city park can be transformed into a nature-connecting experience. Keep a journal to note your observations and feelings about the natural elements you encounter. Whether it is the texture of a leaf, the colour of a flower or your emotional response to a solitary tree in an urban setting, journaling helps you engage deeply with these experiences.
The idea behind this is to increase the level of attention paid to things in nature. By writing about something, you make yourself look closer, take in its scent, feel more carefully, etc. After using writing to help with this for a while, mindfulness may come easier to you, enabling you to have richer experiences also when you are not writing.
2. Cultivate Curiosity
Curiosity drives exploration and learning. Start by asking yourself what aspects of nature intrigue you. This could lead to direct experiences or learning through books and discussions. Remember, the more you invest time in understanding nature, the more curious and connected you’ll become.
If it is hard to come up with something, a good starting point is to simply spend some time in nature and see what captures your attention. Pause and notice what you see, what it makes you feel and what you would like to see more of. From there, you can continue to follow your curiosity in the direction it naturally goes.
3. Share Your Experiences
Sharing nature-related experiences with others is a tradition as old as humanity. Arrange regular meet-ups with friends or family to share and discuss your natural encounters. This practice not only deepens your connection with nature but also strengthens social bonds.
In the past when people lived lives that were more in tune with nature, it was common to gather with the community at the end of the day, perhaps sharing experiences and selling stories around a bonfire. These days, it may happen less naturally, and you may have to take some initiative, but with some commitment you may be able to find likeminded people who want to share nature experiences.
Concluding Thoughts
Reconnecting with nature does not have to be complicated or time-consuming. It is more about a shift in mindset and attitude. Once you start, the positive experiences encourage you to continue this fulfilling journey. Remember, even small steps towards embracing nature can significantly enhance your overall wellbeing.
Further Resources
For those interested in delving deeper, I recommend exploring Miles Richardson’s work, especially his book ‘Reconnection’, which this post has been based on. There are also numerous online resources, including YouTube videos (What Is Nature Connectedness? and Nature Connection through Deliberate Attention and Curiosity | John Muir Laws | TEDxTahoeCity), that offer insights into this topic.
References
Capaldi, C.A., Dopko, R.L. & Zelenski J.M. (2014), The relationship between nature connectedness and happiness: A meta-analysis. Frontiers in psychology, 5, 92737.
Martin, L., White, M. P., Hunt, A., Richardson, M., Pahl, S., & Burt, J. (2020). Nature contact, nature connectedness and associations with health, wellbeing and pro-environmental behaviours. Journal of environmental psychology, 68, 101389.
Richardson, M. (2023). Reconnection: Fixing our broken relationship with nature. Pelagic Publishing Ltd.