Taking time to embrace the warmer weather can lead to many benefits. Research has shown
that there are physiological changes we experience by being in nature, which may include a
decrease in blood pressure and a decrease in the stress hormone, cortisol. Spending time in
nature may be extra powerful for those grieving. The concept of nature connectedness can offer opportunities for coping with grief.
In a 2020 article, researchers at the University of Derby in England, defined nature
connectedness as how we think about nature, what our emotional relationship with nature is,
and how we see ourselves as being a part of nature. When we experience nature
connectedness, we may feel a new type of purpose is added to our lives. Finding purpose can often feel disrupted when experiencing grief and loss. The article’s researchers highlighted five pathways we can follow to achieve nature connectedness. These pathways are listed below along with considerations for your grief journey:
1. Contact Through Senses: This pathway explores how individuals can tune into nature
through their senses. Allow yourself necessary breaks from thinking about your grief
journey by stepping outside. When outside, take in nature by utilizing all your main
senses. Notice things you can see, how the grass feels on your feet, and the scents of
the season you are currently in.
2. Emotion: This pathway focuses on how to feel alive through emotions that nature brings.
Depending on where you are at in your grief journey, you may find yourself feeling quite
stuck in certain emotional states, such as anger or depression. By allowing yourself time
in nature, you can take time to notice if there are any shifts in your emotions.
3. Beauty: This pathway encourages a focus on nature’s beauty. Consider adding a
mindfulness practice to your daily routine to aid in your grieving journey. Step outside
around the same time each day and notice something new in your backyard, at a nearby
park, or on a mindful walk that allows you to appreciate the beauty that nature offers.
This may help breakup the sadness in your grief and provide a reminder that you are still
allowed to seek beauty.
4. Meaning: This pathway highlights how nature can bring meaning to our lives. Explore
and express how nature brings meaning to grief. Reflect on the cycles of life and the
continuum of life.
5. Compassion: This pathway emphasizes caring and taking action for nature. Perhaps this
pathway can encourage you to pause and think about things you can do for nature. This
encouragement may lead you to seek out volunteer groups in the area or spend time
picking up garbage around your community to help preserve the beauty and sanctuary
that nature provides.
Hopefully the pathways to nature connectedness can provide additional coping tools for your grief journey.
Submitted by: Walking Through Grief Society
Funded by FCSS; City of Lloydminster, Towns of Vermilion and Wainwright, Villages of Kitscoty and Marwayne and County of Vermilion River.
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