Exploring the More-Than-Human World: Forest Bathing, Animism, and David Abram's Ecological Philosophy
4th June 2023
In The Journal of Biophilic Design Amanda Bond describes how The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs (ANFT) core guiding principles and skills begins with “A guide works in partnership with the more-than-human world to accompany and support others on the journeys through which they find and manifest their medicine” where an individual’s medicine is a unique expression of who they are, and how that affects and supports their wider community.
In a fast-paced world dominated by technology and human-centred thinking, there is an ever-growing yearning for a deeper connection with nature and the more-than-human world that surrounds us. This longing has given rise to practices like Forest Bathing and revived interest in ancient philosophies such as animism. Drawing inspiration from the work of ecophilosopher David Abram, we embark here on a journey to understand the significance of these practices and their potential to reawaken our senses and foster a more profound connection with the natural world.
The More-Than-Human-World
The more-than-human world is not a distant abstraction or a philosophical concept but a lived experience. It calls us to engage in an active relationship with the natural world, one that acknowledges the inherent value and agency of all beings and invites us to cultivate a profound sense of wonder, respect, and reciprocity in our interactions with nature. At its core, this focus on the more-than-human world is a recognition that humans are just one species among many, and that all forms of life have intrinsic value and agency.
David Abram and "The Spell of the Sensuous”
David Abram, an ecophilosopher and cultural ecologist, coined the phrase ‘the more-than-human world’ in 1996 as a way of referring to earthly nature and has extensively explored the relationship between humans and the more-than-human world. In his influential book, "The Spell of the Sensuous," Abram examines how our sensory perception shapes our understanding of the environment, and argues that our ability to perceive and engage with the world through our senses is fundamental to our ecological wellbeing. He advocates for a return to a more embodied and participatory mode of perception, urging us to break free from the confines of our technological society and engage directly with Nature and the living Earth.
Exploring the More-Than-Human World in the Anthropocene Era
In particular, the concept of the ‘more-than-human world’ invites us to acknowledge the intricate web of life that extends beyond human existence. This perspective is especially crucial as we navigate the challenges posed by the Anthropocene, a geological epoch marked by the profound impact of human activities on Earth's ecosystems. The term ‘Anthropocene’ highlights the significant influence of human activities on the Earth's ecosystems - from climate change to biodiversity loss, deforestation to pollution, the impacts of human actions have far-reaching consequences. The Anthropocene concept serves as a wake-up call, reminding us of our responsibility to mitigate and address the ecological crises we face. Understanding the interplay between the more-than-human world and the Anthropocene offers us insights into the importance of recognising the agency, interconnectedness, and resilience of non-human entities in our collective efforts to shape a sustainable future.
This shift in perspective challenges the notion that humans are superior or separate from the natural world, and encourages us to develop a deeper sense of interconnectedness and interdependence with nature. Embracing the more-than-human perspective therefore involves moving beyond the human-centric worldview that has shaped our relationship with nature, and recognising that non-human beings, including plants, animals, and ecosystems, possess inherent value and agency.
(A later website article explores in more detail ‘The More-Than-Human World in the Anthropocene Era’)
Animism: Rediscovering the Wisdom of the Natural World
Animism is an ancient worldview still embraced by many indigenous cultures, that recognises the inherent value and agency of all living beings. It acknowledges that the natural world is not merely a backdrop to human existence but a vibrant and interconnected community of beings, each with its own unique consciousness. Animists see all things - animals, plants, rocks, rivers - as possessing a soul or spirit. They acknowledge the agency, intelligence, and interconnectedness of the natural world, blurring the boundaries between the human and non-human realms. This perspective again reminds us that we share this planet with a rich tapestry of life forms, each with its own unique consciousness and way of being.
David Abram has eloquently advocated for the revival of animistic perspectives in contemporary society. He reminds us that our ancestors lived in close relationship with the natural world, perceiving rocks, trees, and animals as kin rather than mere resources. By embracing animistic principles, we acknowledge the sentience and vitality of all beings, cultivating a profound sense of interconnectedness and responsibility towards the more-than-human world.
Forest Bathing: Reconnecting with Nature's Healing Essence
Forest Bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, is a practice that originated in Japan and has gained global recognition for its profound therapeutic benefits. It involves immersing yourself in the forest atmosphere, and embracing the sights, sounds, and scents of the natural environment. Beyond a simple walk in the woods, forest bathing is an intentional practice that encourages mindfulness and deep sensory awareness, and research has shown that mindfully spending time in nature like this has numerous positive effects on our mental and physical wellbeing. Forest bathing, in particular, has been linked to reduced stress levels, improved cognitive function, enhanced creativity, and strengthened immune responses. By mindfully engaging with the forest, we tap into its healing essence and reconnect with the intricate web of life that sustains us. In this way, Forest Bathing is grounded in the belief that nature possesses a subtle energy that can positively affect our physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and that as we slow down and open ourselves to the forest's sensory offerings - the rustling of leaves, the scent of pine, the warmth of sunlight on our skin - we begin to dissolve the barriers that have disconnected us from nature.
Indeed, David Abram highlights the power of such sensory perception and encourages us to rekindle our sensory awareness to reconnect with the more-than-human world. He emphasises the importance of listening to the voices of the non-human-world, be it the rustling of leaves, the songs of birds, or the whispers of the wind, and appreciating the wonder in the sights of nature, such as patterns of sunlight filtering through the forest canopy (in Japan, the light this creates is called komorebi (pronounced koh-mo-reh-bee) and is made up of the kanji characters for tree (木), shine through (漏れ), and sun (日)) . David Abram suggests that by attuning ourselves to these subtle cues, we can begin to recognise better the agency and wisdom present in the natural world, and to notice more the language of the more-than-human world in the intricate web of nonverbal communication, gestures, and sensations that predates human language.
Final Thoughts
Forest bathing and the potential resurgence of animistic perspectives offer us a path to reawaken our senses and restore our bond with the more-than-human world. Both of these practices remind us that we are not separate from nature but integral parts of a complex and interconnected web of life. As we immerse ourselves in the healing presence of forests, embrace the animistic understanding of the world, and draw inspiration from David Abram's ecological philosophy, we open ourselves to a deeper sense of belonging. We become participants in a vibrant, interconnected community, where the boundaries between self and nature blur, and our actions reverberate through the delicate tapestry of life. In a time of ecological crisis and disconnection, the more-than-human world offers us hope, reminding us of the profound beauty and wisdom that resides both within us and in the larger web of life. It beckons us to rediscover our place as humble, responsible members of a global community, united in our shared journey on this awe-inspiring planet.
