When we think about protecting the environment, it is about more than just saving the trees and keeping the air and water clean; it is also about preserving our essence as human beings. We are born in and from nature and we are biologically wired to seek connection to nature and all living things. It is, therefore, in our best interest to look after our planet and all living things and to foster this love of nature in the generations to come. Today on the podcast, we are going to explore the concept of Biophilia, uncovering what it means and how it can provide solutions in our lives. I will talk to listeners about how it relates to issues of Nature-Deficit Disorder and Deep Ecology and look at ways how we can integrate biophilia into our day-to-day lives. It does not have to be complicated – it can be as simple as introducing a few house plants to create a space in which you can flourish! Be sure to join me for this episode to learn more about our integral relationship with nature.
Key Points From This Episode:
- Hear about my exciting ten-week online course, the Sustainable Wellbeing Academy.
- A few definitions of biophilia and when the idea was popularized.
- The biological basis of our tendency as people to focus on life and life-like processes.
- Understanding that nature is central to human experience and existence.
- The important role that nature plays in our physiological and mental wellbeing.
- Considering our indebtedness to nature and responding by protecting and understanding it.
- When we risk not caring about nature and the consequence of nature-deficit disorder.
- Protecting the environment is also about protecting our essence as human beings.
- The causes of nature-deficit disorder and how the behaviors around it are normalized.
- How the Deep Ecology movement can shift our perspective about our place in the world.
- Solutions to the lack of connection to nature and the severe disruption of natural systems.
- An overview of the three major categories to consider when implementing Biophilic design.
- Learn what a restorative space involves and the benefits of introducing houseplants.
Key Messages:
- Humans subconsciously seek out connections to nature throughout their lives.
- Deep Ecology is an approach that supports the balance between humans and nature.
- If we reduce our connection to nature, we suffer and risk not protecting natural spaces and species.
- We can think about Biophilic design as a way for us to reconnect with nature.
- We can use restorative spaces, which are used in Attention Restoration Therapy.
- House plants are an easy way for us to get closer to nature.
- It is important to get yourself out in nature more often.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Kristina Hunter Flourishing
Biophilia (E.O. Wilson)
Biophilic Design
Foundations for Deep Ecology
Biophilic Design Ideas
The Biophilia Hypothesis
Last Child in the Woods
The Unexpected Gift Box