Connection to nature improves our wellbeing and leads to pro-environmental behaviour. However, knowing the facts about nature isn’t enough. We need to get closer. To form an emotional bond. Researchers at the University of Derby have discovered 5 steps to develop a more positive relationship with nature. We explore the 5 pathways to nature connection.
“We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.”
Leopold and Algire
Nature Connection & Climate Change
Studies have found that the closer to nature we are, the more likely we are to care about the environment. We begin to see ourselves as part of the natural world, not separate to it. What’s more, when we’re connected to nature, we behave differently. We adopt pro-nature behaviours. In turn, those behaviours improve our wellbeing & help to protect the planet.
The Biophilia Hypothesis
Kellert and Wilson developed the Biophilia Hypothesis in the 1980s. This is the idea that humans possess an innate capacity to seek connections with nature and other living things. It’s a philosophy that is mirrored in many ancient wisdom traditions. When we connect with our innate idigenosity, we recognise this. That nature connection is hard-wired in us. Professor Richardson at the University of Derby, says we need to embrace that connection on a deeper level. He points out that traditionally we use nature based activities to connect people with nature. That doesn’t go far enough. We need an emotional connection. However, up until now, the specific pathways that help us develop a more meaningful and emotional relationship with nature have not been explored.
5 Pathways to Nature Connection
- Contact: The act of engaging with nature through the senses e.g. listening to birds, inhaling the aroma of wild flowers, walking barefoot sitting & watching a sunset.
- Beauty: Engagement with the aesthetic qualities of nature, e.g. appreciating natural scenery. Or engaging with nature through the arts, for example, nature photography. Noticing awe in nature.
- Meaning: Using nature or natural symbolism (e.g. language and metaphors) to represent an idea. Alternatively, thinking about the meaning of nature and signs of nature, e.g. read folk tales, discover your ancestral traditions.
- Emotion: Build an emotional bond with, and love for nature e.g. talk about, and reflect on your feelings about nature.
- Compassion: Extend yourself to into nature. When you feel connected it leads to a moral and ethical concern for nature e.g. feed birds, plant flowers. Secondly, make ethical product choices, become concerned with animal welfare or join an organisation to protect the environment.
Discover more about the 5 pathways by exploring our online mindful nature connection courses We regularly hold mindfulness events in nature courses. Check out our events page here or get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.