Why Nature is Essential for Nervous System Regulation
Why does a walk in the woods lower your blood pressure? It comes down to "Soft Fascination" and the Parasympathetic Nervous System. This post explores the psychophysiology of nature, the difference between real and virtual environments, and why cultural background changes how we heal.
How Reconnecting with Nature Awakens a Deeper Part of Ourselves
Are you separate from the world, or is the world a part of you? This post explores the deep relationship between nature and consciousness, contrasting the Western mind-body split with the non-dual wisdom of Indigenous cultures, and reveals how reconnecting with the Earth can heal our deepest wounds.
If We Had 'One Skin' With the Earth: A Lesson in Language and Connection
What if our language had no past, present, or future, but only a sense of "continuing"? This post explores the wisdom of the Okanagan people, whose language reflects a deep, non-dual connection to the Earth—seeing the land and the body as "one skin." A lesson in how the words we use shape our world.
The Dissociative Split: A Psychological Reason We Harm the Planet
Why do we keep harming the planet, even when we know it's wrong? This post explores a fascinating psychological theory: that we suffer from a "dissociative split" between our knowledge and our actions. A deep dive into the psychopathology of the human-nature relationship.
Seeing Nature Through My Daughter's Eyes
I thought I was teaching my daughter about nature, but it turns out she was teaching me. This is a story about reconnecting with the wild world through a child's eyes—and rediscovering a more attuned, sensitive, and joyful relationship with the earth.
Our Separation from the Natural World
We've forgotten that we are nature. This post explores the "collective amnesia" that has led modern society to a dangerous disconnection from the natural world, resulting in ecological destruction and a rise in human illness. Discover the cultural roots of the problem and the path back to healing ourselves by healing the planet.
I Asked 11 People How Nature Impacts Their Well-Being. Here's What I Found.
Did you know 100% of people in my recent study use nature to cope with stress? I surveyed and interviewed 11 people on their relationship with nature, and the findings—on everything from spirituality to anxiety—were fascinating. Here’s a look at the data from my own qualitative research into our connection with the natural world.
From 'I' to 'We': Understanding the Stages of Consciousness Transformation
True recovery moves from "I" to "We." This post explores the Consciousness Transformation Model, discussing how shifting our focus from the ego to the collective can be the key to long-term mental health and spiritual growth.
Understanding the Two Levels of Nature-Based Healing
Healing is a two-way street. This post explores Level 2 Ecotherapy, where we find wellness not just by taking from nature, but by giving back to it.
Why I’m Proposing a "Green" Approach to Treating Depression
Why do 20% of depression patients relapse within six months? This post critiques the "symptom-focused" model of Western medicine and proposes a holistic alternative based on Biophilia the innate human need to connect with the natural world.
The Science Behind Ecotherapy
Nature is not separate from us; it is part of us. This post reviews the latest research on Ecotherapy, showing why reconnecting with the web of life is essential for healing the human psyche.
Why We Need to Expand Our Definition of "Community" to Include Nature
Where is nature in our mental health system? This post challenges the traditional view of psychology, arguing that we need to expand our "circles of influence" to include the environment. Discover why true wellness isn't just about fixing the individual, but about reconnecting with the web of life.
From 'I' to 'We': How Nature Completed My View of Healing
As a social worker, I looked at families and communities to help clients heal. As a doctoral student, I realized I was missing the biggest system of all: nature. This post reflects on my evolution as a change-maker, from gardening with elementary students to overcoming imposter syndrome in my Ph.D. program.
More Than a Walk in the Park: How Ecotherapy is Transforming Mental Health
With research in the field growing by over 1,000% in recent decades, ecotherapy is proving to be a powerful tool for mental wellness. This post explores the science behind nature-based healing, from how forest therapy reduces anxiety to how horticultural therapy can alleviate symptoms of schizophrenia. Discover the evidence-based case for making nature a part of our mental healthcare.
Nature's Prescription: How the Environment Heals Our Mind, Body, and Spirit
True healing goes beyond the physical body. This post explores how nature heals our entire being—mind, body, and spirit—by tapping into our "subtle energy body." Discover the science and ancient wisdom behind ecopsychology, forest bathing, and our innate connection to the planet.
How to Break Your Habits and Reconnect with Nature: An Intro to Counterpractice
To reconnect with the world, we must do more than just think differently—we must do differently. This post explores the art of "counterpractice," a method for experiencing things opposite to your habitual point of view, from seeing nature without being seen to truly understanding where your food comes from.
An American in London: A Wake-Up Call About Our Addiction to Oil
I was walking through central London when I ran into massive protests against fossil fuels. It was a wake-up call that left me with one big question: Why is there a loud public debate about oil in the UK, but not in a city like Los Angeles? A reflection on America's silence about its addiction to oil.