Nature Connection Articles
Our Most Recent Articles
Book Review: ‘When the Forest Breathes: Renewal and Resilience in the Natural World’ by Suzanne Simard
What if forests are not just places we visit, but communities we belong to?
In her new book, Suzanne Simard explores the hidden networks that connect trees, revealing forests as living systems built on cooperation, care, and continuity. When the Forest Breathes is both a scientific exploration and a deeply human reflection on resilience, renewal, and our place within the natural world.
In this latest article we explore Simard’s powerful message—and what it means for how we relate to forests today.
Spirituality, Spiritual Experiences and Ecotherapy
Studies show that nature-based therapies can sometimes evoke powerful feelings of presence, belonging, and awe. Participants often describe moments when the natural world helps them see their lives from a new perspective, process difficult emotions, and rediscover hope. These experiences don’t necessarily involve religion. Instead, they often arise through simple encounters with the living world — walking through woodland, listening to water, or quietly observing the rhythm of nature.
The Benefits of Connecting Deep Work and Nature For Focused Productivity
Integrating nature into work routines can significantly boost cognitive performance and deep-focus capacity. Decades of research – from Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory to modern EEG studies – show that natural environments replenish attention and improve memory and executive control
St. Lesmo, The Celtic Saints and Nature Connection
The legend of St. Lesmo of Glen Tanar is an example of a hermit‑saint tied to the wilderness; like many early Celtic hermits he served travellers on rough mountain roads. But it is really the broader Celtic tradition (with or without Christianity) that kept alive a deep love and respect for nature. From holy wells to storybook saints feeding animals, the Celtic ethos saw the natural world as charged with the divine.
The Significance of the Spring Equinox in Celtic and Pictish Cultures
For the Celts and Picts, who inhabited the lands of modern-day Scotland, Ireland, and parts of Britain, the natural world was not merely a backdrop but a sacred realm intertwined with the spiritual and mundane aspects of existence. The Spring Equinox, occurring around March 20th each year, was a time of profound significance, symbolising renewal, fertility, and the triumph of light over darkness. The equinoxes, representing moments of celestial equilibrium, held a special place in their cosmology.
The Importance of Nature Connection in Celtic Culture: Exploring Animism and Celtic Beliefs
The importance of nature connection in Celtic culture, rooted in animism and Celtic beliefs, is a source of inspiration and wisdom for the modern world. The Celts' deep reverence for the natural world, their sustainable practices, and their belief in the interconnectedness of all life offer valuable lessons and a profound sense of responsibility in today's environmental challenges. By exploring and adopting these ancient beliefs, we can enhance our own connection to nature and work towards a more harmonious and sustainable coexistence with the natural world.
Why I Have Mixed Feelings About John Muir
John Muir (1838–1914) is celebrated as a pioneer of American conservation. A Scottish-born naturalist, he founded the Sierra Club in 1892 and was instrumental in creating national parks like Yosemite and Sequoia. Muir’s lyrical writing and walking expeditions greatly inspired the modern environmental movement. However, many of his beliefs – especially about race and wilderness – are now seen as deeply problematic.
From Ego to Eco
It is widely recognised that a lot of the problems in the world today stem from the insatiable appetite that people in the more affluent countries have to indiscriminately consume the world’s finite resources. Not only does this affect the natural world and our potential future, but these actions and behaviours disproportionately affect the most disadvantaged people in the world. Becoming more in-tune with our environment can also change our perspectives on the value of making necessary changes, which is why we believe that activities such as Forest Bathing and nature-mindfulness are increasingly important in today’s world.
Nature Connection and Pro-Environmental Behaviours
Strengthening nature connection can significantly boost environmental stewardship. Studies show that people who spend time in nature and feel an emotional bond with it tend to recycle more, conserve resources, and support green initiatives. Simple steps – like regular park visits, gardening, eco-volunteering, and teaching children about nature – can cultivate this bond and multiply pro-environmental actions. In doing so, we simultaneously improve our health and well-being. As individuals and communities around the globe embrace nature, the collective benefit will be a more sustainable, resilient world.
Imbolc and St. Brigid
February 1st is the Gaelic Festival of Imbolc, or St, Brigid's Day. It marks the midway point between the Winter Solstice and the Vernal Equinox. Rooted in ancient Gaelic traditions, this festival symbolises the awakening of the Earth from its Winter slumber and the anticipation of Spring's arrival. Imbolc has its origins in Celtic paganism and is deeply connected to the goddess Brigid, who is associated with Spring, fertility, healing, and poetry.
Forest Medicine
The research conducted by pioneers of forest medicine, like Qing Li and Yoshifumi Miyazaki has highlighted the profound impact on human health and wellbeing it can have. As our modern lifestyles become increasingly disconnected from nature, understanding and embracing the therapeutic potential of forests offer a promising pathway towards improved health, vitality, and a deeper connection with the natural world.
Fairytales and Fear of Nature
Since medieval times, European fairy tales have cast forests as both wondrous realms and dark labyrinths. “Forests are sublime and dangerous, full of mystery, magic, terror, and monstrosity; an enchanted place where anything can happen”. Grimms’ Fairy Tales deliberately take readers “from the structure of society into the chaotic world within the forest where magic and turmoil preside”.
Christmas Time - A Celebration of Nature Connection and Renewal
As we navigate the festive season, let's pause to reflect the timeless bond between Christmas and nature. By acknowledging the wisdom of ancient cultures, embracing nature's inherent gifts, and infusing our celebrations with nature-centric practices, we can rediscover the heart and essence of Christmas. Let this be a season where we learn to embrace the tranquility of nature, find solace in its beauty, and forge deeper connections with each other and the world around us.
Embracing the Winter Solstice: A Time for Reflection and Connection
As the crisp air turns even colder and the daylight length continues to shorten, the Winter Solstice emerges as a pivotal moment in the natural world. This celestial event marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year, inviting us to reflect on its profound significance and deeper meaning in our nature connection practices.
The Winter Solstice In Ancient Scotland
The Winter Solstice is believed to have held particularly profound significance in Neolithic and Celtic Culture. It marked the Sun’s gradual return to strength, symbolising renewal, hope, and the triumph of light over darkness. In Celtic spirituality, the Solstice was not only a turning point in the year but also a time when the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds was believed to be thin, allowing for communication with ancestors and spirits. This reverence is physically expressed in many ancient sites across Scotland, where standing stones and burial mounds are aligned with the Sunrise or Sunset on the Solstice, serving as both time markers and sacred spaces of transformation.
Evergreen Wellbeing: The History and Health Benefits of Christmas Trees
The tradition of having and decorating a Christmas tree goes beyond aesthetics; it's a celebration of nature's beauty and the timeless customs that bring families together. From choosing the perfect tree to adorning it with ornaments, the act of embracing this tradition fosters a deeper connection to nature and its many wonders. The relaxing aroma of pine, intertwined with the spirit of Christmas, creates a serene and calming environment. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the festive season, the presence of a Christmas tree fills the home with a touch of nature's tranquility, offering a moment of respite and relaxation, and brings other benefits too.
Forest Therapy, Nature Connection and Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs seasonally, typically during the winter months when daylight hours are shorter. It's characterised by symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, changes in appetite, and a persistent feeling of sadness. While there are various treatments available for SAD, one natural and increasingly popular method is Forest Bathing, the practice of immersing oneself in a forest environment to promote physical and mental wellbeing.
Winter Forest Bathing Tips
The goal of Forest Bathing in Winter is not just about physical exercise but also about connecting with nature, reducing stress, and finding inner peace amid the serene Winter landscape. Here are 10 tips that you can adjust to suit your needs and comfort level, and enjoy the therapeutic benefits that nature offers all year-round.
The Science Behind Hinoki Oil (and the Benefits for Immune Functioning and Respiratory Health)
Hinoki oil – the fragrant essential oil of the Japanese cypress Chamaecyparis obtusa – has long been prized in Japan for its calming aroma and perceived health benefits. Modern science is now uncovering how inhaling diffused hinoki oil can boost certain aspects of human health. Researchers have focused on two key areas: immune system function and respiratory health.
The Symbolism of White Heather in Scotland
In Scotland, Heather competes with the Thistle to be the most iconic Scottish plant and it covers many a Highland hillside, turning these hills purple in late Summer. Sometimes you can find a sprig of the more elusive white Heather in amongst the purple Heather flowers, and this white Heather is often seen as the Highland equivalent of the four-leafed Clover.