PEGI EYERS
It is Theodore Rosack who emphasized that we are on the verge of discovering that the deep unconscious is not sexual (Freud), or spiritual (Jung), but related to the ecosystem in which we live. And in that regard we must understand how Western people have diverged very far indeed from their unconscious in a destructive way. The destruction of the environment goes hand in hand with the destruction of our relationship to the unconscious, which is at its very depth our natural habitat and ancestral culture. [1] Helene E. Hagan
As the urbanization of the world continues to interfere with our awareness of nature, we are being denied our connection to the Earth as our primary source of healing, growth and mystic inspiration. Removing humankind from the sacred crucible of the natural environment has had devastating consequences, some masked by denial and societal distractions, and others highly obvious in the manifestation of psychopathic behavior. Industrial and urban spaces affect us physically, mentally and spiritually, and modern ills such as environmental sensitivities or allergies, frenzied highs and lethargic lows, delusions, and the lack of focus, purpose or spiritual meaning are all endemic of a disconnect from the natural world. In response to the modern dysfunction of “nature deficit disorder”[2] as fully examined by Richard Louv and others, the mainstream promotion of spending more time in nature for mood enhancement, health benefits, better concentration and an overall re-enchantment with life is on the rise. As part of the re-balancing that is occurring in western society, the new field of ecopsychology (alternatively framed as “terrapsychology,” “ecotherapy,” “Gaia psychology” or “nature relatedness”) focuses on methods for breaking the stranglehold of industrial society. A blend of ecology, sociology, philosophy and environmental science, ecopsychology explores the psychological benefits associated with nature, as well as introducing practices that ultimately reconnect us to our “ecological unconscious.” Compared to the eons that human beings have spent embedded in the primal matrix and in close kinship with the other-than-human world, our current malaise of modernity is the result of quite recent domestication, and ecopsychology reminds us of familiar strategies for overcoming the emotional trauma of our alienation from the Earth.
“This was a great joy – to be out in the air….a pure and intense joy, a blessing, to feel the sun on my face and the wind in my hair, to hear birds, to see, touch and fondle the living plants. Some essential connection and communion with nature was re-established after the horrible isolation and alienation I had known. Some part of me came alive when I was taken into the garden.”[3] (Oliver Sacks)
Being drawn to places that enliven us, appreciating the beauty of green space, interacting with animals and participating in nature firsthand are fundamental human needs that ecopsychology addresses. For decades now scholars, social and natural scientists, humanists, practitioners and eco-therapists have advanced the practice and theory of ecopsychology into the public sphere. Ecotherapy rituals and exercises bring us into direct contact with the knowledge that our lives are deeply entwined with the natural world, and deepen our spiritual experience of the timeless human/nature/cosmos relationship. Cultivating awe and wonder in the face of the Earth Mysteries, developing conscious intention, using guided imagery, and re-centering ourselves in the grounding of our own sensate bodies are all ways to promote the healing of self, family and community. A wide range of natural places like our own backyards, wildlife preserves, urban parks, or remote wilderness places can speak to us of our membership in biotic community, and offer us the benefits of enhanced mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being.
As dreams are the healing songs
from the wilderness
of our unconscious --
So wild animals, wild plants, wild landscapes
are the healing dreams
from the deep singing mind of the earth.[4] (Dale Pendell)
As dreams are the healing songs
from the wilderness
of our unconscious --
So wild animals, wild plants, wild landscapes
are the healing dreams
from the deep singing mind of the earth.[4] (Dale Pendell)
It terms of western scientific studies, data has shown that the brain-wave patterns of those in urbanized, busy areas are frustrated and aroused, while the brain-wave readings of those in woodlands and parks tend to be meditative and focused. Studies have shown time after time that people prefer green space over cities and urban sprawl - which is not surprising, since human beings are hardwired to position our relationship to nature at the core of our psychology. The sights and sensations of a vast expanse of water, green landscapes and panoramic views are a basic human necessity. It is also our eternal nature to interpret the connections between phenomena in the natural world and ourselves in a holistic loop, or back-and-forth dynamic. Our minds possess an amazing ability to translate outer events into inner ones through symbols and motifs that heal and inspire us, and make us happy and productive. A flowering shrub can easily become a metaphor for our own blossoming, a tree in winter translates into a symbol for strength and resilience, a turtle outlines our own steadfastness and self-protection, and an otter becomes a representation of playfulness and spontaneity. For millennia human beings have acknowledged the land, elements and creatures as living beings deeply implicated in our psychological life, and we know that encounters in nature are healing both to the psyche and the body. The practices of ecopsychology today are intent on reclaiming this enchantment with the world, returning to the wild for our “ensouling,” uncovering authentic truths and ancient origins, and re-establishing the connection to nature that is so vital to our well-being.
“Humans have long recognized the healing power of nature, the peace of wild places, and the more than physical craving for clean water and space, all of which are no more than a recognition of the human need to be in harmony with the natural world.”[5] (Ian Mills)
To enhance our biophilia and self-realization through “re-earthing” we need to go wild (!) by walking in the woods, hiking, canoeing, camping, wilderness trekking, survival training, climbing trees, wildcrafting, bird watching, going on retreat, meditating in nature, journaling, or having a beacon bonfire - all activities that put us in “the flow” and generate vitality and happiness. Other direct pathways to “re-inhabiting what was taken away – our spirituality, our imaginative resources and our unity with nature”[6] (Lorenna Bousquet-Kacera) are found through ritual dance and primordial movement, or by exploring the powerful tools of imagery and eco-art therapy for self-discovery and healing. The sights and scents of the green world uplift, de-stress and open our hearts, and we can find healing in the garden too, as our mental well-being is definitely enhanced by “horticultural therapy.” Being near the calm profound life of trees in the forest (and tree hugging!) has been scientifically validated to improve many health issues such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), concentration levels,reaction times, depression, and illnesses such as headaches and arthritis. The vibrational properties of trees, plants, and green space can slow us down, quiet our nervous system, release endorphins, lower blood pressure, restore our ability to concentrate, and generate feelings of calm, tranquility and transcendence. The contemporary practice of “forest bathing” (“shinrin-yoki” in Japan) allows us to soak up the scents, sights, sounds and atmosphere of the forest for protective and healthful effects on the human body, mind and heart. Walking or spending time in the forest boosts immunity, relieves stress and promotes energy, and studies have found a high level of anti-cancer cells in blood samples after forest bathing. Similar to the benefits of aromatherapy, the natural essential oils of the forest that we breathe in have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effects, and enhance our overall mood and outlook on life. Without question, our capacity for healing, happiness, insight, emotional catharsis and ecomystic experience blossom with our immersion in deep forests and wilderness places.
“Primal natural forests are temples of magnificent peace.
Saturated in Earth’s ancient stillness,
sanctuary for the human soul.
Focusing our profound affinity with Nature.
In deep, sleeping dreamtime, as in a trance,
we rediscover lost, forgotten dreams,
recharging passion and following our hearts
to health and harmony.”[7] (Mark Berry)
Saturated in Earth’s ancient stillness,
sanctuary for the human soul.
Focusing our profound affinity with Nature.
In deep, sleeping dreamtime, as in a trance,
we rediscover lost, forgotten dreams,
recharging passion and following our hearts
to health and harmony.”[7] (Mark Berry)
Experiencing the “earth matrix”[8] firsthand is especially important for children and youth, who may be deprived of meaningful nature connection in this extreme era of monolithic technology, artificial environments, über-consumerism and eco-fascism. Instead of the “nature deficit disorder” that results from the emphasis on human-centric activities in simulated spaces, children and youth who are offered opportunities to interact with the natural world exhibit heightened creativity, enhanced cognitive abilities, emotional mastery, and improved health and well-being. Nothing could be more important than to teach the adults of tomorrow the spiritual, emotional, physical and mental benefits of interacting with nature, not to mention that bonding deeply to place encourages the love of the land that can lead to activism and environmental protection. Placing our relationship with nature as central to our existence reconnects us to our own personal mythology, the timeless realm of spirit, the eternal cycles, and the ongoing progression of life itself. The more deeply we embrace nature as a healing force, the more balanced we will become as true human beings. Overall, adopting the theory and practice of ecopsychology reminds us of our value as essential to the whole, and gives our lives deeper meaning and sacred purpose.
NOTES
[1] Helene E. Hagan, “The Plastic Medicine People Circle,” Institute of Archetypal Ethnology Newsletter, September, l992
[2] Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder, Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, 2005. Nature deficit disorder (NDD) is defined as living in an urban environment without contact to nature, with a wide range of symptoms and physical or emotional illnesses appearing as mood disorders, childhood obesity, diminished use of the senses, myopia and attention difficulties.
[3] Oliver Sacks, A Leg to Stand On, Touchstone, 1998
[4] Dale Pendell, Living With Barbarians: A Few Plant Poems, Wild Ginger Press, 1999
[5] Ian Mills (editor), A Sound of Thunder: A Green Anthology, Addison-Wesley Publishers, 1993
[6] Permaculture educator, gardener and eco-creativity guide Lorenna Bousquet-Kacera is the founder of the Living Centre and Living Arts Institute in London, Ontario, and she offers open circles, ritual dance, primordial movement and workshops such as “Reclaiming Ourselves in the Age of Nature,” “WomanEarth: Living in the Heart of Gaia” and “Spiritual Ecology” www.thelivingcentre.com
[7] Poetry by Mark Berry, Gaia: Journey into Vanishing Worlds, by Paige Deponte, Global Art in Action, 1999
[8] Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder, Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, 2005
[2] Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder, Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, 2005. Nature deficit disorder (NDD) is defined as living in an urban environment without contact to nature, with a wide range of symptoms and physical or emotional illnesses appearing as mood disorders, childhood obesity, diminished use of the senses, myopia and attention difficulties.
[3] Oliver Sacks, A Leg to Stand On, Touchstone, 1998
[4] Dale Pendell, Living With Barbarians: A Few Plant Poems, Wild Ginger Press, 1999
[5] Ian Mills (editor), A Sound of Thunder: A Green Anthology, Addison-Wesley Publishers, 1993
[6] Permaculture educator, gardener and eco-creativity guide Lorenna Bousquet-Kacera is the founder of the Living Centre and Living Arts Institute in London, Ontario, and she offers open circles, ritual dance, primordial movement and workshops such as “Reclaiming Ourselves in the Age of Nature,” “WomanEarth: Living in the Heart of Gaia” and “Spiritual Ecology” www.thelivingcentre.com
[7] Poetry by Mark Berry, Gaia: Journey into Vanishing Worlds, by Paige Deponte, Global Art in Action, 1999
[8] Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder, Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, 2005
Pegi Eyers is the author of Ancient Spirit Rising: Reclaiming Your Roots & Restoring Earth Community, an award-winning book that explores social justice, nature spirituality, the ancestral arts, and resilience in times of massive change. Available from Stone Circle Press or Amazon |