Nature Connection Articles
Our Most Recent Articles
Nature Connection and Creativity
Recent research has shown that increased nature connection has been shown to lead to an increase in creativity as well as increased attention capacity and concentration and a reduction in mental fatigue. Kaplan and Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory proposes that natural environments in particular are restorative when they engage your attention effortlessly through ‘soft fascination’ and offer a sense of ‘being away' from everyday concerns.
Forest Bathing, Sit Spot and Self-Determination
Self-determination is a concept in psychology, particularly Positive Psychology, that refers to a person’s capacity to make choices and manage their own lives. Self-determination enables people to feel that they have choice and control in their lives, leading to greater feelings of motivation as they perceive that they have greater influence on the outcomes of their actions. Self-determination plays an important role in psychological health and wellbeing. This article explores how Forest Bathing and the practice of Sit Spot can increase self-determination.
Sit and Just ‘Be’?
In a world that thrives on constant connectivity and stimulation, the ability to sit still and be alone with yourself has become a rare and precious skill. The incessant demands of modern life, coupled with the pervasive influence of technology, often make it increasingly challenging for people to find moments of quiet solitude. However, learning to sit still and be alone with yourself is not just a skill; it is a transformative practice that holds the potential to foster self-awareness, reduce anxiety, and cultivate a deeper sense of inner peace.
Sit Spot and Nature Connection
Sit Spot is a beneficial practice that helps foster mindfulness and connection with nature. It involves taking a moment to sit in one spot in nature for at least 20 minutes, giving wildlife time to become accustomed to your presence and resume their own behaviour. Through staying still in your chosen spot you can cultivate a deeper comprehension of yourself, others, and the wider natural world.
Project Eudaimonia - Part Two
Eudaimonic wellbeing refers to a state of psychological wellbeing that goes beyond mere happiness or subjective feelings of pleasure. It focuses on the fulfilment of your potential, on personal growth, and the pursuit of meaning and purpose in life. It embodies positive psychological functioning and encompasses qualities such as personal development and growth; self-acceptance; autonomy; purpose in life; positive relationships; and a sense of mastery or competence. Read about how I am putting this into practice though increased nature connection.
The Eudaimonia Project
Eudaimonic wellbeing is usually defined as having a feeling of meaning and purpose in life and a sense of continued personal growth and social contribution that all contribute to optimal psychosocial functioning - it is primarily about functioning well and how meaningful and worthwhile life is. This article looks at how I spent a month actively trying to improve my mental and emotional health through intensive daily nature connection practices.
Ways to Bring Nature-Connection Indoors
In this article we are going to look at a range of ways that you can increase your nature-connection when you cannot go outside. This might be because of the weather, or for physical or psychological reasons.
Silvotherapy and Forest Bathing
Whilst many people view Forest Bathing and Silvotherapy as one and the same, Silvotherapy sessions are usually shorter than Forest Bathing sessions - 30 to 40 minutes in duration - and have a greater focus on the sensations associated with touch and actual physical contact with the trees than Forest Bathing.