Our connection with nature

“On the whole, it was not the crudest, the simplest, the most animalistic and primitive aspects of the human species that were reflected in the natural phenomena. It was, rather, the more complex, the aesthetic, the intricate, and the elegant aspects of people that reflected nature. ” – Gregory Bateson

Humans have become increasingly disconnected from nature through our current lifestyles. We forget who we are, that we are nature: beautiful, complex, and that our well-being is interdependent on our connections with others.

With the presence of technology and the demands of surviving in our socio-economic world, families have become more disconnected, spending less time together as a unit.

Something magical happens when we spend time with trees, in mountains, by a lake or at the sea. We relax, we notice and appreciate the immediate moment, become aware of the ‘bigger picture’ and that we somehow form part of it – how we are affected by our environment, but also affect the environment we are part of. We may become playful, attentive and open to connection with our surroundings and with others around us. Being together in outside spaces, with nature, create wonderful opportunities for individuals to be reflective, open to new ideas or experiences and for families to engage and enjoy each other again in ways that they may have become disconnected from. It is a truly therapeutic space.

“We are all interconnected, people, animals, our environment. When nature suffers, we suffer. And when nature flourishes we all flourish.” — Jane Goodall