Connecting With Nature

Participating in outdoor recreational activities allows you to interact and connect with nature.  A literature review by Keniger et al. (2013) states that “interacting with nature is important for maintaining and improving human well-being in a rapidly urbanizing world.”

 

According to Keniger et al. (2013) there are three types of interactions: indirect, incidental, and intentional. Indirect interaction with nature does not require for a person to physically be in nature.  Instead, this type of interaction includes viewing an image or a video of nature.  Incidental interaction occurs when a person is physically in nature as an unintended result.  This could look like a person being surrounded by a path of trees while walking to work.  Lastly, intentional interaction occurs when the participant interacts with nature with intent such as watching wildlife or hiking in a national park.

 

Putting intention and meaning behind your interactions with nature is important to sustain well-being.  When surrounded by the natural power of the wilderness or beautiful landscapes it can invoke feelings that allow the individual to reflect.  The spiritual benefits of interacting with nature include an increased sense of awe and inspiration, connectedness, and a larger sense of purpose in a greater reality (Keniger et al., 2013).