Nature Connection Articles
Our Most Recent Articles
Nature of Scotland Awards
I am very proud (and a little bowled over) to announced that I have been shortlisted for the RSPB 'Nature of Scotland' Awards in the 'Health and Wellbeing' Category for my project 'Bringing Nature Connection and Nature Mindfulness into Prisons' that I ran in HMP Inverness earlier this year!
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.
Forest Bathing for Families — Building Stronger Bonds Through Nature
Forest Bathing offers a simple yet profound way for families to reconnect with each other and with nature. In a world where distractions are ever-present, taking time to immerse yourselves in the atmosphere of the forest can strengthen family bonds, improve communication, and create lasting memories. In the serene tranquillity of the forest, away from the distractions and pressures of modern life, you can reconnect with each other in meaningful ways.
What are Forest Bathing ‘Invitations’?
'Invitations' are a core concept in the practice of 'Forest Bathing' or shinrin-yoku, a Japanese term that means "taking in the forest atmosphere". The practice involves spending time in a forest or natural environment to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance overall wellbeing. The term "invitations" refers to specific, gentle suggestions or prompts, usually offered by a guide or practitioner to help participants to engage more deeply with their natural surroundings.
How to Take Yourself Forest Bathing
You can easily take yourself on a self-guided ‘Forest Bathing’ outing with the intention of allowing yourself to experience your natural environment through your senses. The distance you walk is not important, and the speed at which you walk should be slow enough to take in your surroundings - the aim is to help you to relax rather than to raise your heart rate.
The Benefits of Increased Nature Connection For Emotional Health and Wellbeing
Increasing connection to nature can significantly help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression through various mechanisms. Spending time in natural environments lowers cortisol levels, alleviating stress, while exposure to natural light boosts serotonin production, improving mood. Physical activities in nature, such as walking or gardening, release endorphins, which elevate mood and reduce anxiety and depression. Nature also promotes mindfulness, helping people to shift focus away from negative thoughts and break the cycle of rumination.
Walking in the Field of Autism — Experiences of being nurtured by nature
One hundred and seventeen steps from my front door, on an overcast day in early July, my feet come to an abrupt stop, and the knees above sink into the grass below. The neighbours’ house with its elegant portico evaporates from my peripheral vision and the hedge cutter’s convulsive droning recedes from my auditory consciousness. Instinctively, my right hand reaches out and my head juts forward in familiar fashion. It’s not the first time this has happened this week and nor will it be the last. Yet, I am strangely calm. This is not the onset of a shutdown that paralyses my body, sets speech on mute and eliminates rational thought. It is a rare moment of inner peace allowing the usual whirl of thoughts to settle like flakes in a snow globe.
The History and Cultural Significance of Forest Bathing in Japan
Japan's cultural alignment with nature connection activities such as Shinrin-yoku reflects a profound respect for the environment and an understanding of the intrinsic link between nature and human wellbeing. This deep-seated relationship, nurtured by historical, spiritual, and cultural traditions, positions Japan as a leader in promoting practices that harmonise modern life with the natural world. As the global community seeks sustainable and holistic approaches to health and wellness, Japan's example of living in harmony with nature offers valuable insights and inspiration.
Finding Metaphors For Life in Nature
Nature, in its vast and intricate beauty, has always been a source of inspiration, wisdom, and insight. Throughout history, poets, philosophers, and thinkers have looked to the natural world to find metaphors that resonate deeply with our lives, illuminating the complex interplay between our inner and outer worlds. These metaphors can offer profound lessons about life, growth, resilience, and interconnectedness. By observing nature, we can learn things that can help us to navigate life's challenges, celebrate its beauty, and understand our place in the universe, as well as to gain a deeper understanding of our own lives and the world around us.
Brené Brown's Concept of ‘Numbing’ and Its Relationship to ‘Addictive Behaviours’
Brené Brown, a renowned researcher and author, has extensively explored the concept of vulnerability and its intricate relationship with human emotions and behaviours. One of her key insights revolves around the idea of "numbing" — a coping mechanism that people employ to avoid the discomfort of vulnerability, pain, and emotional distress. These behaviours can range from seemingly benign activities like binge-watching TV shows to more overtly harmful practices such as substance use. In her work, Brown describes how numbing, though often perceived as a protective shield, can lead to a range of negative behaviours, many of which are considered addictive.
Differences in Colour Perception Between Species
It is said that humans possess an extraordinary ability to distinguish a vast array of green shades compared to other colours. This capability is deeply rooted in evolutionary biology, driven by both survival needs and the structure of our visual system. The ability to see numerous shades of green is believed to have developed as a survival mechanism. This article explores how different species perceive colour, exploring the evolutionary, physiological, and ecological factors that shape these differences.
Do People Want Green Messages In Film? - Hollywood's Role in Environmental Education
Recent movies like "Avatar: The Way of Water" showcase the importance of nature and the need to protect it. But what is Hollywood’s role in ‘educating’ viewers about environmental issues?
Can it work to inspire audiences to think about the planet and take action to protect it? Or, would such deliberate manipulation backfire and cause people to resent it?
What do people say about seeing messages like this in their movies and can these messages be effective in changing perceptions?
Forest Bathing in the Urban Jungle
In the ‘concrete jungle’, finding moments of tranquility and connection with nature can seem challenging. However, practicing Forest Bathing, or ‘Shinrin-yoku’, in an urban environment is entirely possible and can be profoundly beneficial. Forest Bathing, a Japanese practice of immersing yourself in nature, helps reduce stress, enhance mood, and improve overall wellbeing. Here are some practical tips for enjoying Forest Bathing, even if you live in the heart of a busy city.
The Fascinating World of Dragonflies - One of Our Most Aerodynamic Insects
Dragonflies are extraordinary creatures that have thrived on Earth for hundreds of millions of years. Their exceptional flight abilities, predatory skills, visual prowess, and significant ecological roles make them true marvels of nature. As we continue to learn more about these fascinating insects, it becomes increasingly clear how vital they are to the health of our planet and how much they contribute to the biodiversity of our ecosystems. By appreciating and protecting dragonflies, we ensure the survival of one of nature's most remarkable and ancient lineages.
The Healing Power of Nature: How Nature Can Ease Chemotherapy Side Effects
Nature connection practices like Forest Bathing offer a powerful complementary approach to managing the side effects of chemotherapy. By reducing stress, enhancing immune function, and promoting emotional wellbeing, these practices can significantly improve the quality of life for people during and after treatment. Incorporating regular nature connection into treatment plans can help people navigate the challenges of chemotherapy with greater resilience and hope.
Indigenous Beliefs About Trees and Their Connection to Them
Trees have long stood as silent witnesses to the passage of time, weaving their roots deep into the cultures of our planet. Across such cultures and across continents, they have been revered, worshipped, and seen as symbols of life, wisdom, and interconnectedness. For many Indigenous communities around the world, individual trees hold profound spiritual, cultural, and ecological significance. This article examines some of these beliefs, exploring the deep connections that Indigenous peoples have with individual trees and the ways these connections shape their worldviews and lifestyles.
The Ethereal Dance: Exploring Spiritual Beliefs and the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, have captivated human imagination for millennia. Across the globe, indigenous cultures have woven intricate spiritual beliefs around this celestial phenomenon, attributing mystical significance to its vibrant hues and shimmering movements. From the icy tundras of the Arctic to the vast expanses of the North American wilderness, these cultures have regarded the Northern Lights as divine manifestations, celestial dancers, and powerful omens.