CONNECTING WITH NATURE

WE HAVE ALL FELT THE UNCANNY SENSATION TO UNWIND IN THE LAP OF NATURE; THE URGE TO CLIMB A MOUNTAIN, TAKE A STROLL IN THE WILDERNESS, GO ON ADVENTURE EXPEDITIONS, OR SIMPLY DISCONNECT FROM THE CITY LIFE. IT TURNS OUT THERE IS AN INHERENT HUMAN DESIRE AND NEED TO CONNECT WITH THE NATURAL SURROUNDINGS.

- Neha Mehrotra

Most people do not perceive nature as an object of observation, we rather look at it as a source of awe and beauty. While being in natural surroundings, you don’t have to look at self- contemplating mirrors, you’re busy gasping at the miracles and majestic wonders around you. The established theory of bibliophile suggests that the human need for nature is genetically and biologically related, as we are all children of the vast wilderness. The reason why we love nature so much is not just exploration and beauty but, because we have evolved in it!

The artificial and materialistic environments we have created for ourselves have detached us from nature, leading to pro-longing mental and physical ailments. In a world that expects constant high efficiency and output, it has become quite common to carry around the baggage of everyday stress. But there is a way to break out from the monotony and relieve yourself.- Outdoor Therapy!

Outdoor therapy is a behavioural treatment strategy that combines nature with traditional talk therapy. It uses expeditions into the wilderness like organising signature walks, activities like gardening or adjusting to unfamiliar natural surroundings to address mental health issues or simply detach from the everyday routine and unwind in nature. This therapy is often associated with terms like Ecotherapy, Nature Therapy, Wilderness Therapy or even Adventure Therapy- all meaning the same. According to research, green and blue spaces hold great potential to support physical and mental recovery. The metaphors offered by nature help to ease the flow of conversation and provide insights into feelings, relationships and, most importantly, self.