TYPES OF CONSCIOUS CONNECTION WITH NATURE

For millennia, humankind has engaged with Nature as a means of healing. In our increasingly industrialised world, which is becoming ever more detached from natural processes, we are forgetting the innate mechanisms that lead us to establish a conscious connection with the natural environment. In this article, we outline the most popular disciplines that have gained significant prominence in recent decades as ways to improve our health and wellbeing:

ECOTHERAPY – The concept of ecotherapy was first used by Clinebell in 1996 to describe “spiritual ecology”, whereby a holistic relationship is formed between nature and ourselves through contact with plants, landscapes, etc., and as a result, we become more aware of the need to care for the environment. There are various forms, such as “mindful” gardening, experiences of the “wild”, visits to parks, animal-assisted therapy (for example, with horses), and what is known as “green exercise”, such as outdoor sports, yoga and meditation, etc. It generally aims to promote the holistic wellbeing of Body, Mind and Spirit.

ECOPSYCHOLOGY – This is a form of ecotherapy that explores epistemological arguments concerning the nature of human beings and their relationship with nature, which for some time have not been properly assessed but are now recognised as having therapeutic potential, with a particular focus on the mind.

ADVENTURE OR WILDERNESS THERAPY – This focuses on the sense of achievement and challenge that spending time in the wilderness brings. Used as a form of therapy, it is ideal for antisocial individuals when carried out in a group setting. One form of this is offered by Native American traditions through their Vision Quest or “Hanblecheyapi”.”

HORTICULTURAL THERAPY – Gardening is used as a means through which “trauma” can be understood and worked through. Through this activity, people can cultivate a sense of well-being by tending to plants.

NATURAL ART THERAPY – Art therapy utilises symbolic content expressed through creativity, movement, dance, drama, music, etc., seeking a therapeutic process through which we can understand, either consciously or unconsciously. When applied in a natural setting, this setting becomes another element that shapes the atmosphere of the process or forms part of it. It is very common to use elements of the environment as symbols in the therapeutic process, or to use the body as a means of expression through somatic movements.

NATURE THERAPY – This is a broad concept that uses nature as a dynamic component in the therapeutic process, which is carried out using various tools such as Gestalt therapy, drama therapy, art therapy, shamanism, etc. The approach is usually tailored to the individual, with a focus on addressing specific issues.

FOREST BATHING OR SHINRIN YOKU – This practice of connecting with forests originates from Japan and is based on Buddhist and Shinto philosophy. A Forest Bathing session lasts at least 1½ to 2 hours and focuses, above all, on engaging the five senses (and perhaps a few more ;-))

NATURE BATHING or SHIZEN YOKU – This is the general term, which includes Forest Bathing, used to describe the contemplative engagement of the senses in any natural environment (not just forests).

NATURAL MINDFULNESS – Created by Ian Banyard, this programme consists of seven practical exercises designed to help you reconnect with your inner nature.

OTHER PRACTICES – There are a multitude of practices from different cultures designed to help us connect with Nature. For example, pagan rituals, Celtic traditions, shamanic tools, etc. It is clear to see how each tradition has found in Nature a means of healing.