From 'I' to 'We': How Nature Completed My View of Healing

"When 'I' is replaced with 'WE', even illness becomes wellness."

I came across this quote while pursuing my master's degree in social work, and it stuck with me. It perfectly captured my developing identity as a change-maker. I realized early on that one person cannot heal alone; change requires a system.

In my early work, I analyzed how the human "we"—peer groups, families, communities, and laws—impacted a client’s well-being. I knew how to navigate these factors to help others heal. But looking back, I realize this seemingly comprehensive approach was still missing something vital.

The Missing Piece of the System

As I pursued my doctorate, my perspective evolved. I began to see that the "we" isn't just about people; it includes the planet.

Through the lens of ecopsychology, I learned that the natural world is often overlooked in traditional methods of healing psychological suffering. But what happens to nature impacts us, and how we connect with nature impacts our healing. My understanding of a "system" expanded to include not just humans, but plants, animals, and the elements.

Leadership in Action: Teaching the Next Generation

Reflecting on my time as a Psychiatric Social Worker in a school setting, I see how I began to embody this new, holistic leadership role. I didn't just want to talk about mental health; I wanted to ground it in the earth.

I developed nature-based mental health groups for children in 3rd through 5th grades. We didn't just sit in a circle; we engaged in gardening, outdoor yoga, nature art, and scavenger hunts. I encouraged parents and teachers to step outside to change their moods and outlooks. My goal was—and still is—to teach these skills on a broader scale, spreading awareness of how our mental health is tied to our relationship with the natural world.

Overcoming Doubt and Finding My Path

I remember attending a Fall Seminar during my studies that became a turning point. Truthfully, at that time, I was doubting my ability to complete the program. I questioned if this path was truly meant for me.

But during a guided meditation focused on listening to the body, I received a message loud and clear. My body told me it loved me, appreciated me, and supported me. It was a nurturing voice that reminded me I was cultivating a stronger relationship with myself. That seminar gave me the strength to keep moving forward. It confirmed that while I still hold onto my core values of "systems," that definition has grown. The future has a place for my work, and I am ready to embody the role of teacher and leader on this journey.