Understanding the Two Levels of Nature-Based Healing

Erich Fromm once proposed a beautiful idea: our psychological well-being is strongly dependent on how we display love towards living systems. In other words, how we interact with nature isn't just a hobby; it’s a mirror of our internal mental processes.

This concept is the foundation of Ecotherapy, a term used to describe a variety of nature-based healing methods. It stems from the belief that we are part of the "web of life." Our psyches are not isolated from our environment. When we heal our connection with the earth, we heal ourselves.

Level 1 vs. Level 2: How We Engage

In my research, I’ve found it helpful to categorize Ecotherapy into two distinct levels. It helps explain why different activities affect us differently.

• Level 1 Ecotherapy (Receiving): This involves utilizing nature to promote healing. It is about being in the environment. Think of walking through a garden during a therapy session or meditating on the beach. You are the recipient of nature's calming energy.

• Level 2 Ecotherapy (Reciprocating): This involves tending to and supporting nature. It promotes a reciprocal healing effect—you aren't just getting healing; you are giving it back. Examples include gardening or equestrian therapy.

The Power of Horticultural Therapy

One specific area I am passionate about is Horticultural Therapy: incorporating plants and greenery into the healing process.

This is incredibly versatile. For one client, healing might look like sitting quietly and observing a flower. For another, it might look like getting their hands dirty, planting seeds, and pulling weeds. The impact is real: in the United Kingdom, 90% of individuals engaged in horticultural therapy are diagnosed with a mental health or learning disorder.

Questions for Future Research

As I continue my work, I am driven by specific questions about how we can make these tools accessible to everyone.

Does "nature" have to be outdoors? Can attending to plants inside an office improve depression symptoms? Does it matter if the nature is artificial or organic?

I believe that nature connects to every human being through spiritual energy. Whether we are in a vast park or a small office with a potted plant, Ecotherapy offers a holistic way to strengthen personal growth and find a deeper meaning in life.