The Power of Connecting with Nature
The Power of Connecting with Nature
Martin Smith, LMFT
In modern society, we spend quite a lot of time indoors. Most of us are in school or work for much of the day. When we go from place to place, we are typically in a car, sealed off from the outside world. And many of us, when we get home in the evening, tend to stay inside where we can eat, rest and take care of daily chores and tasks. Even when we exercise, we often do this inside a gym. None of us are doing anything wrong by living this way. It is simply a byproduct of living in this modern western world. However, the result of this lifestyle is that we rarely connect with the outdoors, and with our natural world.
Many of us feel impacted by this disconnection from nature. We may not even be consciously aware of it, until we return to a natural setting. For example, imagine how good it can feel to step outside and breathe some fresh air. Or, how good it feels to sit on a beach, looking at the waves. Or, how beautiful and awe inspiring it can be to be sitting by a lake, watching a sunset. I think most people would agree that moments like these feel really good. When we return to nature, we remember why it’s so important, and often realize how disconnected we have become.
Psychologist Theodore Roszak argues that the human psyche is intimately connected to the natural world, and that modern psychological problems stem in part from our alienation from nature. He makes the point that we are creatures that inhabit this earth, just like all other living things. Being walled off from the rest of the natural world contributes to a sense of isolation, and longing for a deeper connection to our lives. This can lead to experiences of anxiety, sadness and even grief. While it may seem strange to identify ourselves so closely with our natural world, it is widely known that reconnecting with natural environments—through activities like walking in the woods, gardening, or simply observing wildlife—can reduce stress, enhance mood, and foster a sense of peace and purpose. These are not radical ideas, and are things that most of us can probably relate to.
We all have a fundamental human need to connect with our natural worlds, and failing to do so will make it harder to cope with the complex demands of our lives. Connecting with nature can be as simple as going for a walk around the block and noticing the trees that grow in your neighborhood. The important thing is that we are intentional about this, and make it part of our daily routines. Each day we should to try to think about our relationship to the natural world, and to cultivate and nurture that relationship as much as we can. Please take advantage of these warmer days, and try to get outside as much as possible. This practice is a critical form of self-care, and often feels really good.
