All human beings have an innate connection to nature, which has been emphasised for
centuries throughout philosophy, history, psychology and biology. While our modern
lifestyles have led to a view of being separate and superior to our environment [6], our
connection to nature is deeply embedded in the essence of what it means to be human.
Like all other relationships, our relationship to nature can be strengthened through connecting
with ourselves. In this way, our inner workings can drastically affect our physical reality. In a
reciprocal sense, the more connected we feel to ourselves, the more connected we feel to
nature; and the more connected we feel to nature, the more connected we feel to ourselves.
Research has showcased a plethora of psychological benefits that exist from having a strong
connection with nature, such as a greater sense of wellbeing and strong psychological
health across the lifespan [2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10]. Those who feel deeply connected to nature
report higher life satisfaction [2, 7, 10, 11], which acts as a protective agent on the effects of
negative life experiences [12]. Deepening our connection to nature also fosters personal
growth, vitality and stronger meaning in life [8, 11, 13, 14, 15].
Seeing as our mental health
can be supported and strengthened through our relationship with the natural world, it is an
essential connection to maintain and to nurture. Engaging in self-awareness supports our ability to notice our surroundings and reassures us that we are all part of the same self-regulating, synergetic system on Earth, otherwise known as the Gaia hypothesis [16].
Activities that promote this sense of oneness with all living
things and that promote self-awareness can deepen our connection to ourselves. Yoga is
one plausible avenue, seeing as the focus is on the breath, on energy and on awareness of
the self [17, 18] as the body moves through different postures (asanas). Not only does yoga
support us in connecting with ourselves and therefore connecting with nature, but sustained
practice also leads to increased wellbeing, increased self-acceptance, as well as decreases
in stress, anxiety and depression [19].
One way of achieving true balance in our lives and of accessing the highest version of
ourselves is through connecting with nature and through connecting with ourselves. Those of
us with a deep connection to nature may already see harming the environment as harming
the self. In order for us to heal, nature must heal; and in order for nature to heal, we must
heal as well. Because we are currently living through the climate crisis, it is more important
than ever to connect with nature so that we may protect the environment as well as our own
mental health.
Working on building self-awareness through yoga may serve as an ideal starting point on
reconnecting with the world around us and simultaneously achieving a deeper connection
with ourselves.
References
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