What can we do to begin to heal the disconnection wounds of our times?
Start by spending time in nature without our phones, regardless of the weather, and learn to slow down and listen in a way that brings us back into harmony with our true selves and all living things. Spending quality time in nature is an essential need for being in alignment with our health and a general sense of well being.
As a nature mentor, I have noticed time and again the profound changes that nature connection can bring to kids. Youth who come into the program dysregulated and fearful, full of self doubts, struggling with socializing, anxiety, including fears of being honest; these kids often have profound transformations. By the end of their year, I see a new positive outlook and commitment to life. After finding connection in this way, many are able to share gratitudes, feel confident to express their needs, share their sorrows, take healthy risks, and find joy in a more present way with themselves and others.
Following the 8 Shields Model, created by Jon Young, we are taught about the 8 Attributes of Connection that support us to be fully connected. Unconditional Love and Forgiveness, Quiet Mind, Happiness of a Child, Vitality and Abundance of Energy, Unconditional Listening and Mentoring, Empathy, Truly Helpful and Fully Alive. As mentors at Lila, we use these attributes to guide us in creating and mapping each day of our forest programs, through games, sharing of songs, sharing circles, time alone in nature, developing survival skills, inviting curiosity, being creative, having fun, and so much more.
Jean Claude Catry, director of Wisdom of the Earth on Salt Spring, shares, “Nature heals and is absolutely necessary to our development to become wholly human, to mature to our full potential of being in love with life and each other. Every time we bring our attention to another being or element of nature and are led to deepening that relationship by our curiosity, we become more whole, healed and giving”.
I believe with deep nature connection, we can regenerate our relationship with nature, be part of a village community and fully express ourselves as human beings.
Original article from the September, 2024 issue of Cowichan Valley Voice (p.49)