Connect | with people and nature
Humans need to connect with each other – and with nature.
However, our hectic lifestyles can sometimes mean that we lose time to socialise, spending less time connecting with friends and loved ones. Technology probably plays a part in that too, whilst it allows us to be permanently connected, it sometimes reduces the amount of the time we spend face-to-face.
Connecting with nature is important for people, but it’s a human need that in recent times we’ve possibly started to neglect. From relaxing in a garden, to visiting a local park, or walking in the countryside, we’ve historically found comfort and recuperation in nature for centuries. But with increasing urbanisation and technology, we’re in danger of experiencing a bit of a ‘disconnect’ with the natural world around us. It’s almost as though we’ve forgotten the health and social benefits that nature can bring – perhaps we’ve forgotten why we called it ‘mother nature’ in the first place?
Photo – A ‘Natter in Nature’ Group doing some mindful photography on a countryside walk up to Three Shire’s Head
Visiting green (and blue) spaces provides us with ‘third space’ – a different place to relax and unwind, away from pressures associated our places of study/work and separate from the home environment. These outdoor spaces can provide places to meet and socialise, as well as allowing us to get closer to nature and wildlife. Time and again, studies prove the benefits that access to natural spaces delivers. Nature provides a fascination which can distract us away from troubling thoughts, allowing our minds switch off for a while, providing a means to re-energise and recharge our own batteries!