nature connection
Ok, so firstly, what is Nature Connection? My approach both professionally and personally is that it is;
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our interconnection with ourselves, each other and the wider world of which we are a part
All three things as nature. One living, breathing, interacting thing; a reciprocal relationship in constant conversation, exchange and community with each other. What we do to one, is what we do to another.
It can be part of our day-to-day wellbeing, offer us therapeutic support, or can invite us in to something more mystical and magical, something that words can't quite capture.
My approach is deeply rooted in the ecotherapeutic and ecopschological approach from my training with The Natural Academy, and their inter-connected model of The Natural Self . The World Health Organisations One Health model also speaks to something similar.
And how does Nature Connection work? How does it offer us this gateway, this pathway to this sense of 'okayness', belonging, wholeness, healing?
The University of Derby's Five Pathways to Nature Connection, is one framework
that illustrates clearly how that by spending time with nature, we can be supported in to tuning back in to that sense of connection within and around us all. And that tends to take focused time and space. To come back in to connection with our bodies, our feeling, sensing selves, from what can so frequently be over ridden by the thinking and doing parts of our mind. Of course these are such a vital part of who we are, but the balance seems to pretty out of whack don't you think? A culture that is so busy all of the time, a hangover from the Cartesian Split perhaps, coupled with this current dominance of a patriarchal, capitalistic, colonial power-over culture. The physical & mental health and ecological crises illustrate the profound impact on our sense of this disconnection from ourselves, each other, our sense of place and wider sense of belonging. By inviting ourselves to remember, reclaim, or retune back to our innate connection with, and as part of nature, our nervous system is offered the chance to come home to itself; to regulate, rest and restore. A peacefully powerful place to live from. Curious to experience a moment for yourself? Why not have a listen to my free nature based grounding or get in touch to explore more!