Rediscovering Nature: Overcoming Experience Extinction
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Chapter 1: The Essential Connection to Nature
Connecting with the natural world is vital for our mental and emotional health. The pandemic has inadvertently highlighted this need, pushing many people towards outdoor environments as alternatives to the usual indoor activities.
Photo by Denys Nevozhai on Unsplash
I find myself yearning for nature similarly to how a smoker longs for a cigarette.
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, with venues such as cafes, gyms, and shops closing their doors, people flocked to parks, beaches, and forests. For instance, on one occasion, a friend and her toddler accompanied me on a socially distanced walk in the woods. Although the woods were close to their home, the child had never had the chance to explore them, as his mother often opted for indoor play areas.
This situation resonated with me, as my friend's upbringing did not encourage outdoor exploration, a pattern that often recycles through generations.
I cherish the vibrant memories of my own childhood spent playing in the woods next to my home. We reveled in the freedom to be loud without disturbing anyone, searching streams for tadpoles and identifying fascinating insects with the help of a field guide. Sure, we often returned home muddy and grass-stained, but those experiences were integral to our development.
Section 1.1: The Biodiversity Crisis
Currently, our planet faces a severe biodiversity crisis, with many species disappearing at alarming rates. As people increasingly favor artificial entertainment over nature, many lack interest in the natural world.
The term "extinction of experience" captures this phenomenon, describing the diminishing opportunities for individuals to engage with nature. This disconnection alters how we benefit from and emotionally relate to our environment. Despite the well-documented health benefits of spending time outdoors, many still choose urban life and screens over natural landscapes.
A troubling long-term implication of this divide is the dwindling desire to protect our planet. Many people are turning their backs on forests and coral reefs, too absorbed in social media and streaming platforms to appreciate the beauty around them.
Section 1.2: Nature's Healing Power
I acknowledge my privilege in discussing outdoor adventures like camping and hiking. I have stories of swimming with dolphins and observing seals while kayaking. Nature captivates all of our senses and offers a reprieve from the comparisons often fostered by social media.
A few months ago, feeling overwhelmed and anxious, I decided to leave my phone behind and visit the beach. I found solace among the rocks, listening to the rhythmic crashing of the waves—a meditative experience where time seemed irrelevant.
Experiencing nature doesn't require extreme adventures; it can be as simple as tending to a garden, volunteering at an animal shelter, or observing local flora and fauna.
Connecting with nature offers numerous benefits, including:
- Enhancing mood
- Reducing feelings of anxiety and depression
- Lowering stress levels
- Boosting self-esteem
- Diminishing loneliness
Perhaps you could plan a picnic in a park instead of dining out or create a nature trail project for local children. Engage all your senses: walk barefoot on the grass, listen to the songs of birds, and savor the scents of the outdoors. Personally, I cherish the scent of a horse's muzzle, but everyone has their favorite.
Chapter 2: Stepping Away from Urban Life
The first video, "Negative Punishment vs Extinction," explains the psychological concepts that relate to human behavior and our connection to experiences.
The second video, "Is Human Extinction Possible and Should We Care? A Conversation with Émile P. Torres," delves into the potential future of humanity and our relationship with the planet.
The natural world is a wondrous place. I encourage you to detach from the hustle and bustle of urban life and immerse yourself in nature. Don't contribute to the experience extinction; take the time to discover all that the world has to offer.
How does nature impact your life? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Thank you for reading my story,
Ali Hall
This piece was originally published on Substack. If you enjoyed it, consider subscribing to the Abnormally Normal Newsletter for weekly reflections.