As we explore what has contributed to the rise in poor mental health and a sense of bewilderment among modern culture, all signs point to the disconnection from the deep understanding indigenous cultures have of humanity’s place in the natural world. This animistic perception inspires a more profound respect for humanity’s role in nature, illuminating the interconnectedness that nature’s resilience thrives on. As we deepen this understanding, the wisdom we acquire urges us to foster a symbiotic relationship with our environment.
Our Ancestors and Nature
Ancestors from all across the world revered nature as a sacred entity filled with spirits and wisdom. This respectful involvement encouraged a deep bond with the environment, marked by awe and accountability. With a mindfulness rarely seen today, they developed sustainable practices in harmony with the environment, providing a blueprint for reviving our natural bond with the world.
Animistic Connections
The inherent respect Indigenous communities worldwide often have toward nature is a byproduct of an Animistic lens. Animism refers to the belief in the spirit and liveliness of all natural elements. It encourages us to view our interactions with nature empathetically and responsibly. Embracing animism underlines the underlying worth of all beings and the need to maintain ecological equilibrium.
Embracing Nature's Therapies: Forest Bathing and Grounding
As we seek to follow our ancestor's cultural wisdom, feeling a visceral connection to the Earth is an important first step. 'Shinrin-yoku' or forest bathing is a Japanese practice of immersing oneself in the forest, allowing your senses to co-regulate with the calm surroundings, take in the terpenes from the plants and trees, and ground with the frequency of the earth. This mindful practice has been studied for it’s health and personal well-being benefits. Grounding, similarly refers to an expansion of this concept where we connect our bodies directly to the Earth's electric charge, often barefoot on the ground, promising various health improvements. Of course, most humans didn’t lose electrical connection with the Earth until the advent of spending days on end indoors and in front of screens and disruptive frequencies (radio, Wifi, etc.). Because this disconnection is a relatively new problem, the study of these practices in the past would merely be the study of the average human existence. As we dive deeper into this realm of science, these practices are linked to protection and recovery from constant exposure to negative impacts of EMF on the modern human body. This serves as yet another reminder of the importance of our place existing WITHIN nature.
Our Roots are in Nature
Reviving our Indigenous roots demands deepening our connection with the natural world and recognizing that we are part of it. This can be harder when living under the constraints of city life, but there is always a tree nearby that you can attune to, or a park you can drink your morning coffee in before heading indoors for the rest of the day. These small moments matter and as we all adopt practices like forest bathing and grounding, we can begin to learn from nature, just as Indigenous cultures learned cyclical and regenerative practices from consistently witnessing and participating in the living Earth around them.
Interconnectedness is the Only Path Forward
Realizing that our health and well-being and health and well-being of the natural world are interdependent and inextricable inspires a way of living vital to our understanding of how to move forward as a species in a way that honors this planet.
Written by Mary Taylor Valand
Art depicted in the blog image is from an exhibit titled Vestige by Rob Mulholland.