Delicately Connected

An insight into our relationship with nature and how the Earth yearns for appreciation.

Everything you touch is delicately interconnected. Everything you see and will see belong in one system. This world is not separate to us, we are nature itself. So why does it feel like we are growing further apart from it? Existence drapes over a wall of the universe like a tapestry, with all of us tightly woven into the threads of nature, each string representing every microorganism that builds us and our landscape.

I want to explore this complex relationship with you and invite you to take on a new approach to the world around you. Pay attention to things you may usually ignore. Let your eyes consciously pinpoint. Choose to see what catches their attention. Each observation deepens your understanding and connection to our world. Engage all your senses to truly be within nature. Let each feeling and sound encompass you. What can you actually see in your surroundings? Are there signs of seasons changing, new buds sprouting, flowers weltering, weeds emerging. What can you feel? The shifting of temperatures, the icy wind biting at your skin, droplets of dew sitting on a blade of grass. What can you hear? Birds singing, the leaves crunching under your feet and trees creaking in the air. But to truly observe you need to experience the world rather than spectate alone. Find a river and bathe in it. On your daily commute to the corner shop jump into that puddle and watch the ripples reflect and bubble. Walk bare foot. Feeling the soft dirt between your toes. Allow the scent of rain dampening the dirt linger a little longer. Feel close to the ground a little longer. What was once unnoticed is now observed, candids captured by you.

We are nature. We do not merely live in it we are a part of it. The world is one giant ecosystem that we play a vital role in like every other species of flora and fauna. So, when one takes a step back to observe our relationship with our surroundings, it can be become blatant that we have lost our true intended connection to nature.

We can all debate about how this has happened, whether it be the technological advancement in society that has led us to yearning for virtual experiences rather than the real. Or is it the result of the growing industries and economy as a whole. A movement in which governments and corporations deem it a worthy sacrifice of Earth’s resources in return for, well, money and other forms of currency.

Or perhaps, others may argue this is the result of evolution itself. That, for humanity to progress, we will continue to drift from our natural imbedded roots. But why does detachment have to be the answer to development? Surely a system of interconnection is the answer to everything. Instead of draining the planet, why not repair it and infuse it. Humankind seems to view this vast realm as some sort of endless bank of resources. A treasure chest with no limits or consequences to our everyday lives comfortably tucked away. Instead of taking energy, we can use and share it with the world in return, the cohesive relationship that it should have been all along. A renewable and sustainable approach to life would be one step into the right direction, a little closer to regaining our connection with Earth itself.

Throughout history, we have viewed nature as something we need to control. A chaotic creature. This is an increasingly prevalent theme in modern society as it becomes more and more apparent that nature is seen as a hindrance rather than a benefit to our wellbeing. Take our gardens for example, what could be endless potential for a thriving ecosystem of wildlife is often flattened with a violent layer of concrete. Where a meadow of wildflower or a blanket of green grass can offer a home for native species to flourish, and let’s be honest, where we get to feel that warm fuzzy feeling when looking at pretty flowers. Co-dependency at it’s finest.

Nature connectedness is the study of all of this. The positive co-dependencies between the human–nature relationship. I want to meander through the science of this study, discovering the how and the why. The most prominent theme throughout seems to be how beneficial nature is to us as functioning human beings. The past 30 years of research has shown us that a simple walk in the park can regulate us, improving neurological and circadian rhythms. A ray of sunlight or an act of grounding with the earths surface can reduce blood pressure levels. In the environmental community these benefits are called NCPs (Natures contribution to people). the concept that natures direct and indirect contributions to human welfare and existence. One can categorize these benefits of nature into three sections. Provisioning services, which consists of food, fibre, clean water, fuels, raw materials and so on. Regulating services which is the functions this planet offers to ensure water, soil and snow remain unaltered and temperatures regulated. This is fundamental to life on Earth as the giant interconnected system relies on cycles like the water and nutrient cycle to continue correctly. And lastly, cultural services. This category views nature as a beacon for identity and knowledge, giving us insight into how the world works and what we can do to solve future problems. Linking to this, wellbeing and spirituality depend heavily on nature. It is known that more green spaces that are available and accessible to humans the more we come together as a community. Increasing urbanized areas leads to even more loss of natural spaces, and this cohesive aspect of life starts to disintegrate. Without nature we become lonely.

Trees clean our air and water, bees pollinate our crops, yet we defrost these trees and corrupt these crops. I believe we should draw a line and begin anew. To thank the Earth for its contribution, for the food, fresh water, medicine, pollination, pollution control, recreation, spiritual health and much more.

As you can see, our relationship with the planet is complex, but beautiful nonetheless, it is a transaction, albeit of love, and a conversation of progress. But it is not the progress you may be thinking about. I believe it is about the progress of humanity and Earth as one. A system of many in a vessel of one. We humans are just one of 1.5 million species, yet without shame we consume and spread without a thought. It is time to interact with consideration, to live consciously and exist beautifully.

“Now I Know why people worship, carry around magic emblems, wake up talking dreams they teach to their children: the world speaks. The world speaks everything to us. It is our only friend.”- Earth dweller by William Stafford.