It Is the Relationship That Matters

Many of us know that spending time in nature is good for us. It feels good!

Research suggests that simply walking through a park or bushland may not, on its own, create a deeper sense of connection within our living world.

Beyond knowing nature: Contact, emotion, compassion, meaning, and beauty are pathways to nature connection research was conducted by Ryan Lumber, Miles Richardson and David Sheffield in 2017. This research suggests that simply walking through a park or bushland may not, on its own, create a deeper sense of connection with the living world.

The study found that nature connectedness grows through 5 core pathways and that relational experiences are much more important than having a walk, simply knowing facts about nature or identifying species. The pathways are aligned to *biophilic values and rather than asking whether humans have an affinity for nature, the researchers explored what kinds of experiences actually strengthen that affinity.

The five pathways to nature connectedness are noted as key types of experiences that help people develop a deeper relationship with the natural world. Their research suggests these pathways are more effective than a walk, increasing environmental knowledge or spending time outdoors without meaningful engagement.

Image credit: Table 18. A summative matrix of the identified pathways and their corresponding biophilic values. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0177186.t018

Greensong ecopsychology draws on the teachings of Project NatureConnect, and the pathways to connection are closely aligned. Practices that include presence, sensory exploration, consent, gratitude, relationship, creativity, and reflection often feel like stepping through a threshold into a deeper world of experience. The steps help transform a casual encounter in nature into a meaningful relationship. It's not simply about being in Nature, it's about being with Nature, as part of Nature.

You can experience these core pathways reflected in Greensong Ecopsychology practices.

When we slow down, become present, calm our system down, and notice with curiosity, we are receptive to meet a Natural Attraction entity such as a tree, bird, rock or creek as a fellow living being.

When we take time to explore the relationship, something begins to shift. We move from observing nature as something outside ourselves to experiencing ourselves as part of a living community.

Nature connection is a relationship with nurture. Sometimes we might use the term Nature-reconnection to highlight the intent to seek to heal the disconnect. Like any meaningful relationship, it grows through attention, presence, consent, respect, reciprocity and care.

Next time you step outside for a walk, try asking Who or What is inviting my attention today? That simple shift from 'activity' to 'relationship' may be where deeper connection begins.

Join us for Nature Mindfulness where we explore the steps to deeper connections with Nature together or subscibe for a seasonal self-guided practice.

*Biophilia proposes that humans have an innate tendency to affiliate with life and living systems because we evolved within Nature, therefore, we are predisposed to seek connection with the more than human world.