Nature Connectedness? What is it and Why is it important?
Nature connectedness is all about us not just being in nature but us connecting to it.
We live in a world where there are pockets of nature all around us. Perhaps our own garden, trees on the street or local parks. These ‘green spaces’ can be an almost unnoticed backdrop to our lives as we busily move from place to place.
Nature connectedness is about how we can psychologically connect with these green spaces.
Slowing down
On the weekend or on holiday we may be lucky enough to be able to do things at a slower pace. This helps us to see the world differently. Things that are routine at home become novel. Only this week I heard Greg James on Radio 1 talk about how a supermarket in France can feel like an adventure that we want to take time to explore. This is not the feeling when you are doing the local Tesco run!
This noticing things in a different way is a big part of connection.
Vast landscapes and beautiful sunsets seem to easily illicit this feeling of connection almost through a sense of awe at nature. Interesting there is some research on an idea called ‘long storming‘ which is all about how these scenes can help us step back, connect with the world beyond ourself and take a different view.
In our day to day lives we can find it hard to enjoy the journey, constantly focussing on the destination-where we need to be- and what we need to do next. For me this can feel like being stuck in a hamster wheel. And the way off…
Our Senses
Our senses are always in the here and now. As such, they are a powerful anchor to the present and to getting us connected to the moment.
If you pause now to let the mind go my guess would be that your mind is giving you a long list of things you need to do, perhaps recalling past events, coming up with and trying to solve problems. This is how our mind has evolved, it is a problem finding machine engineered to look out for danger and keep us safe. More about that at another time!
When we are in this busy mind it is hard for us to notice what is happening in the moment and even harder for us to respond flexibly to it. The scenario of coming home after a bad day and finding things left in the hall and shouting at the next person you meet! This reaction is not really about the hall (we know that) but because our mind is in the past of that tough day, hooked into those thoughts and feelings and unable to respond flexibly to the reality of the present moment.
Noticing our senses and using them to ground or anchor us in the moment gives us the opportunity to really connect with the world and those around us.
I know slowing down in the midst of a never ending to do list can be tough, but small pauses can create a big impact in re-connecting us. A simple practice to get into is doing a 3,2,1 which can be used in any setting but is particularly helpful in building the connectedness to nature.
Try stepping outside and doing a 3,2,1:
3 things you can SEE
The colours, the shapes, the way the light is coming through.
2 things you can HEAR
The sound of birds, of the wind in the trees, or rain falling.
1 thing you can SMELL
The smell is fresh cut grass or a flower
It is this nature connectedness that Space to Be works with you to build to increase your ability to respond flexibly to life’s challenges.
